Team Peugeot RCZ has confirmed it will enter two RCZs in the upcoming Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 hour race in February, 2013.
Peugeot is no stranger to the mountain having raced there in the 1992 along with other large factory teams.
The weekend of February 8-10, 2013 will be the home of Australia's international endurance race and Peugeot Sport will be the only factory-based team taking part on the mountain.
The lead car will be driven by three French drivers Stephane Caillet, Bruce Jouanny, Julien Rueflin.
The second car will be piloted by a team of local drivers with confirmation on names to be revealed shortly.
"Peugeot has a long history of involvement in motorsport and we are keen to rebuild that DNA in the brand,'' said Peugeot Automobiles Australia General Manager Bill Gillespie.
"An event like the Bathurst 12-hour is a great toe in the water in Australia as it shows off the racing capability of the RCZ but also reinforces the reliability of the cars as well.''
The two cars will be powered by the RCZ's 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190kW @ 6500rpm, 290Nm @ 3500-5500rpm.
The suspension has been modified, an additional fuel tank allows 100 litres of fuel to be carried and a modification has been made to the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
This choice of technology allows among other things an overall weight reduction of 120kg and so a more even weight distribution.
This new RCZ has been developed over the past two years for circuit racing and more particularly sprint racing such as the RCZ Racing Cup which started in September this year.
The RCZs will compete in the new Invitational Class (I1) for cars up to 1600cc.
The opening round of the 2013 Australian GT Championship will also be incorporated into the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Australian GT will conduct a one-hour race within the Bathurst 12 Hour race itself, commencing at the beginning of the enduro and ending at the end of the first hour.
Cars entered for only the Australian GT round will then return to pit lane whilst 12 Hour competitors continue on for a further 11 hours of racing.
Australian GT one-hour competitors will compete in two of the three 12 Hour practice sessions and one of the two nominated qualifying sessions on Saturday.
The 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will be held on February 8-10, 2013.
More information about the Bathurst 12 Hour can be found at www.bathurst12hour.com.au