Yes, like GTI at VW, the abbreviation GTi at Peugeot is also a reminder of the past, of the world of combustion engines. For the French company, it is the premiere of the 205 GTi in 1984, when the 1.6-litre version and the 1.9-litre model from 1986 “made automotive history,” according to Peugeot – with a “new concept of the small sporty hatchback, combining exceptional performance and driving pleasure with a sporty yet subtle design, and unique versatility.”
Peugeot has offered other GTi models over several generations and model series and has also enjoyed some success in motorsport. “GTi is not just a badge; it is a distinction that validates the excellence of some of PEUGEOT’s most iconic models,” wrote the French company. The only problem is that the GTi tradition has been somewhat dormant of late.
Now the brand has revived its abbreviation for sporty models – and transformed it into the electric future. The E-208 GTi is the name of the model that is set to usher in nothing less than “a new era of sporty electric mobility.” So far, Stellantis’ cost dictates with as much standardised technology as possible have not included any outliers. It is also very likely that the E-208 GTi will not remain a loner; Opel has already teased a similar model based on the Corsa – but initially for the e-Rally Cup. However, the E-208 GTi is a road car that will also go into series production.
The 115 kW electric motor of the ‘normal’ E-208 is replaced by a unit called the M4+. This delivers 206 kW, which corresponds to 280 hp in the old world – in a B-Semgent small car. With a torque of 345 Nm, the front wheels should have plenty to do when the E-208 GTi accelerates from standstill to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 180 kph. For better traction when cornering, the single-speed gearbox has an integrated limited slip differential, which “optimises handling while cornering, providing agility, efficiency, and stability,” according to Peugeot.
However, there are no major changes to the battery: the 54 kWh storage system made from CATL cells remains. However, according to Peugeot, the battery management software has been adapted to protect the cells “during sporty use.” The cooling system has also been adapted for high performance. However, even the more powerful cooling system does not change the charging capacity, which remains at around 30 minutes from 20 to 80 per cent with a maximum of 100 kW at the peak.
In a ‘hot hatch’, the focus is not only on performance, but also on the sporty handling of the small car. Peugeot has lowered the body of the E-208 GTi by 30 millimetres and widened the chassis by 56 millimetres at the front and a further 27 millimetres at the rear axle. The springs have special hydraulic bump stops, and a stabiliser is also fitted to the rear axle. Together with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the revised suspension should offer “an ideal compromise between efficiency in sports mode and comfort in everyday driving.” For driving at the sportier end of the scale, a special sport mode has been added to the ESP.
A newly tuned steering system and a GTi-specific sports steering wheel are designed to give the E-208 GTi a “unique driving experience.” To ensure that everything is safe, high-performance brakes have also been installed; the front disc brakes have a diameter of 355 millimetres – not exactly the norm in the B-segment. The disc brakes on the rear axle, however, come from the standard E-208. According to Peugeot, it is not about staging, but about efficiency.
However, Peugeot does exactly that elsewhere: in the design. With its GTi-exclusive, bright red paintwork (a nod to the equally red 205 GTi), lowered suspension, new spoilers and widened wheel arches, the E-208 GTi clearly makes a big statement. The black 18-inch rims are also a nod to the ‘hole’ wheels of the 205 GTi and feature eye-catching ‘Peugeot GTi’ lettering. Incidentally, the rims are also intended to help optimise brake cooling, so they also have a technical function. However, the look remains unique.
No prices known yet
The designers also let customers know that they are sitting in a GTi in the interior: All sorts of red trim elements, a bright red floor and red seat belts are intended to “create a sporty atmosphere in the cabin.” As the top model in the range, the GTi also has virtually all the extras that the E-208 can offer, right down to the V2L adapter to supply electrical devices with power from the drive battery. When stationary, of course.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new PEUGEOT E-208 GTi, a ground-breaking next chapter in an iconic GTi story,” said Peugeot CEO Alain Favey. “This model represents a fusion of our rich heritage with cutting-edge technology, offering unparalleled performance and driving sensations, because at Peugeot we are serious about driving pleasure. With this new GTi, we set new standards within the hot hatch market.”
It is not yet known when Peugeot will start accepting orders and how much the E-208 GTi will cost.
stellantis.com
