AUTONEWS

Peugeot E-208 GTi

Peugeot today unveiled its new E-208 GTi at Le Mans. Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot, Jean-Marc Fino, CEO of Stellantis Motorsport and Mathias Hossant, Head of Design at Peugeot, together with Paul Di Resta, official driver of the Peugeot TotalEnergies team, were part of this exceptional event in the Peugeot Fan Zone, for the media and Peugeot fans.

The GTi badge returns to one of the most successful cars in the B segment, the Peugeot E-208. With a focus on driving sensation, the E-208 GTi boasts the best performance on the electric hot hatch market, with 280 hp and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

Forty years ago, Peugeot made automotive history with the launch of the 205 GTi. In its 1.6-litre version (1984) and then in its 1.9-litre version (1986), the 205 GTi pioneered a new concept of the small sports hatchback, combining exceptional performance and driving pleasure with a sporty yet subtle design and unique versatility.

Over four decades, the Peugeot GTi nameplate has marked the history of sports cars with several models recognised for their performance and dynamic qualities – the 306, 206, 207, 208, to name a few – and the history of motorsport with numerous victories, particularly in rallying. GTi is not just a badge; it is a distinction that confirms the excellence of some of the most important Peugeot models.

The steering feel of the E-208 GTi is specially calibrated to offer a particularly direct response suitable for dynamic driving. The specific compact steering wheel helps to provide unique driving sensations. When drivers want to immerse themselves in a truly sporty atmosphere, the E-208 GTi is ready to play. The graphics of the digital instrument panel and the central display are red as standard, and pages with specific performance indications are also available. The ambient lighting is also red by default (seven other colors are available). This sporty red lighting accompanies the unique immersive sound experience in the vehicle, which awakens all the senses. Derived from the engine performance, it provides additional driving sensations and can be easily activated or deactivated, according to the driver's wishes.

The E-208 GTi offers the best of the E-208 in terms of equipment, both in terms of comfort and driver assistance. It features the i-Connect Advanced infotainment system with high-performance connected TomTom navigation, "OK Peugeot" voice recognition and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Today, Peugeot continues to write the GTi legend by reinterpreting the DNA of this emblem in a fun, modern and assertive way. The new Peugeot E-208 GTi is the first 100% electric GTi. It is an expression of modern and sustainable driving pleasure, combining unique and class-leading performance in the B segment with exceptional everyday versatility.

The E-208 GTi is therefore more GTi than ever, the company says. Because Peugeot, more than ever, takes driving pleasure seriously. The E-208 GTi opens a new era for the Peugeot GTi.

The result of the work of Peugeot Sport engineers and Peugeot designers, the new E-208 GTi offers the best performance in its category with elegance and discretion. A friendly and slightly modest car... for those in the know.

Like all GTi models over the past 40 years, the E-208 GTi is characterised above all by its strong stance on the road thanks to a body lowered by 30 mm and tracks widened by 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear.

Large 18-inch wheels, bearing the "Peugeot GTi" signature, contribute to the strong stance. Their perforated structure is a tribute to the iconic “Hole” wheels of the 205 GTi. But on the GTi, design also serves performance: these holes also help to optimise brake cooling.

The wheel arches are another point of contact between aesthetics and efficiency. They are widened to accommodate the increased tracks and highlighted by an elegant and sporty red line – another homage to the 205 GTi. Their lower part is widened, which helps to emphasise the car’s sporty style… without going overboard.

The E-208 GTi offers a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that allows an electrical device to be powered by the car's high-voltage battery. For example, to charge an electric bike or operate mobile lighting. The E-208 GTi offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment (5.7 kg/hp). An advantage that can be perfectly exploited thanks to the numerous chassis modifications made by Peugeot Sport engineers. The widened tracks, 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear, together with a 30 mm lowered body, combined with new springs and shock absorbers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, as well as a rear stabilizer, offer the ideal compromise between efficiency in sporty driving and everyday comfort.

The E-208 GTi's ESP system offers a specific Sport mode that suspends the driver assistance systems to maximize sensations, for example on the track.

The E-208 GTi features 355 mm front discs with brake calipers, specially designed to optimise cooling and ensure optimum and constant braking power in all conditions. The design of these exceptional brakes was overseen by Peugeot Sport engineers.

Like all electric Peugeot models, the E-208 GTi benefits from the Peugeot Electric Promise, designed to reassure customers of the reliability and recharging of 100% electric models:

• 8-year / 160,000 km warranty on the vehicle thanks to the Peugeot Care program, the best coverage in Europe.

• 8-year / 160,000 km warranty on the battery

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