2004 - Espera Pontarlier

307 CC GPA

Just a few months after its official launch, Espera students from the class of 2003-2004 turned their attention to the Peugeot 307 cc. A coupé with a retractable hardtop, the 307 was part of what was then a new category of car. Emblematically, Peugeot's latest model was chosen by the GPA, a group of automotive plastics specialists, to create an "all-plastic" image vehicle. In just three months, students from the Espera Sbarro school succeeded in creating a sober yet aggressive prototype, more attractive than the original model.

Designed to promote the automotive plastics industry, the 307 CC GPA looks better than the production car (photo: Espera Pontarlier)

Plastic...

Most of the changes are to the bodywork. The most visible is the magnificent transparent roof (like the Porsche 911 Targa), retractable of course. This greatly enhances interior luminosity. More anecdotal, but well thought-out, is the removal of the front grille and the integration of a logo taken from the Peugeot 807. The front bumper has been redesigned, incorporating a large air intake with brake scoops and bespoke carbon-treated blades (Cubic® treatment). The fenders have been widened by 4 cm at the front and 7 cm at the rear. The rear spoiler has been integrated into the hood, while the rear bumper now incorporates Remus exhaust pipes with twin tailpipes and modified tips.

Although enlarged, the bodywork perfectly respects the spirit of the 307 CC... only better!

... is fantastic!

The interior is no exception. Entirely covered in fawn leather, the cabin now includes numerous plastic parts that have been plated with black and grey patterns (still the Cubic® treatment). The door sills are backlit.

The powertrain remains unchanged, with a 2-liter engine developing 136 hp. The 180 hp engine available from Peugeot would have seemed more appropriate, but performance is sufficient, even with only 136 hp. A plastic cover completely covers the engine. The 18-inch wheels, a new OZ Superturismo model, are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 135/40 R 18. Suspension has been lowered by 6 cm via H&R short springs, reinforcing the 307 cc GPA's aggressive appearance.

The 307 cc GPA seems to me much more desirable than the production model. The car is a one-off, never intended for sale. We can only regret this. It demonstrates, once again, Sbarro's know-how and the seriousness of the training offered by Espera.

In brief
1- Commissioned by the GPA to promote the automotive plastics industry
2- Designed and built in just three months
3- More successful than the production 307 CC
  • Peugeot four-cylinder engine
  • Displacement: 1997 cm3
  • 136 horsepower
  • Front transverse position
  • 5-speed manual gearbox
  • 8 by 18 OZ Superturismo wheels
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 235/40 R 18 tires