Peugeot reveals full spec of Loeb's 875bhp, 875kg Pikes Peak T16

The French firm describes the car as "practically an out-and-out endurance racing prototype."

The 3.2-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine develops 875bhp to help power a car weighing 875 kilogrammes.

Peugeot Sport engineer Jean-Christophe Pallier said: "Your imagination is the only limit when you set out to design a car for Pikes Peak.

"We've shaved the car down to 875 kilogrammes and as a result we've achieved the magic and symbolic power to weight ratio of 1:1, one bhp for every one kg of weight."

The six-speed transmission, carbon brakes, air intake and aero - including the two-metre wide rear wing - are all from the 908.

They will help the 208 go from 0-62mph in 1.8 seconds and from zero to a top speed of 150mph in just seven seconds.

In an effort to maintain balance in the car, the engine sits in a mid-rear position in the tubular chassis.

Pallier says the team's radical approach to aero could give it the edge in America.

"The speeds reached in the ascension range from 50km/h to 240km/h and aerodynamics play a key role from 100km/h."

Half of the downforce generated by the 208 comes from the specially designed undertray which sits beneath the car.

The 208 T16 Pikes Peak is running again this week, with endurance racer Greg Guilvert taking the wheel at a venue close to Pau.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb takes place in Colorado on June 30.