Peugeot to revive GTi badge with electric 208 hot hatch 

A hot GTi variant of the electric e-208 will debut ahead of Le Mans 24 Hour race on Jun 13.

New Peugeot boss Alain Favey stated recently that it will deliver a memorable driving experience.

The last Peugeot GTI model available was the previous-generation Peugeot 308, sales of which ended in 2021.

NZ Autocar reported earlier this year that a new GTi may be on the way.

Favey recently said: “I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible.”

He reckons that the new GTi is all about reconnecting to Peugeot’s past. It will also link the French brand’s road cars to its involvement in motorsport. Peugeot competes in the World Endurance Championship with its 9X8 hypercar.

He continued: “We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations”.

Favey has not ruled out other GTis, nor the concept of combustion engined or PHEV versions. He says it depends on customer demand.

He told Autocar UK: “We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well.

“We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge. But for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”

The return of the GTi was one of his first priorities since taking over as Peugeot CEO in February. 

Expect typical GTi flourishes, including red styling elements around the grille, wheels and badges. Up front a reshaped bumper with bigger vents and a splitter are likely. Typical upgrades include suspension stiffening, a wider track and uprated brakes.

The new e-208 GTi will likely use the same powertrain as the Abarth 600e, which is based on the same e-CMP platform.

That features a 177kW motor and a Torsen limited-slip differential up front. PSA suggests a sprint time of around 6.0sec.

Both the Abarth and the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce also feature a 207kW motor. That leaves room for a special edition 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport. 

With the e-208 GTi on the starting blocks, a similar version of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a possibility. However, Vauxhall has already confirmed plans for a hot Mokka GSE, using the Abarth 600e’s powertrain.