Forty years ago PEUGEOT made history with the 205 GTI. Introduced in 1984 with a 1.6-liter version and two years later with a 1.9-liter version, the 205 GTI pioneered a new concept in the world of small, sporty hatchbacks. It combined outstanding performance and driving pleasure with a sporty, elegant design and unparalleled versatility.
For more than 40 years, the PEUGEOT GTI brand has won hearts by receiving praise for its performances and driving dynamics with its numerous production models such as 306, 206, 207 and 208, has written its name in golden letters in the history of sports cars and left its mark in the history of motor sports with countless victories. This rich history is not just a GTI logo or brand, it is an adventure that confirms the excellence of PEUGEOT’s most iconic models.
Today, PEUGEOT continues the GTI legend and the DNA of this logo by reinterpreting it in a fun, modern and confident way. The new PEUGEOT E-208 GTI is the first fully electric GTI model. Taking over the performance flag, the new model represents modern and sustainable driving pleasure by combining unique and best-in-segment performance with advanced daily use features.
The new E-208 GTI is more of a GTI than ever before. Because PEUGEOT attaches more importance to driving pleasure than ever before. The new PEUGEOT E-208 GTI embodies the commitment to performance and innovative solutions, drawing on extensive racing experience, including numerous rally successes and participation in the World Endurance Championship.
The new E-208 GTI is a car that reflects the collaboration between PEUGEOT Sport engineers and designers, offering best-in-class performance with elegance and simplicity. For those who know it, it is an attractive and somewhat modest car.
Like all GTI models produced in the last 40 years, the E-208 GTI stands out with its powerful appearance on the road. This appearance is achieved thanks to its 30 mm lower body and increased track width of 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear.
Large 18-inch wheels with the “PEUGEOT GTI” logo further enhance this powerful appearance. Their perforated design is a nod to the legendary 205 GTI rims. But in the GTI, design also serves performance. These air intakes also contribute to optimizing brake cooling. The fenders of the new E-208 represent another point where aesthetics and efficiency meet. They have been widened to accommodate the increased track width. They are also highlighted by a stylish and sporty red stripe that references the 205 GTI. The fenders, whose lower parts are widened to make room for the tires, subtly emphasize the sporty style of the vehicle.
On the other hand, the design elements in the lower parts of the front and rear sections further strengthen the sporty stance of the new PEUGEOT E-208 GTI. In the new model, a spoiler has been added to the lower part of the front bumper. The special aerodynamic diffuser under the rear bumper, together with a new small LED fog lamp, is designed in gloss black for a more elegant yet powerful appearance. The dynamic design of the original E-208 was one of the key elements of the model’s success, which made the job of the designers of the E-208 GTI easier. The E-208’s strong shoulder lines and compact body with short overhangs formed the ideal basis for the new E-208 GTI. This stance was further strengthened in the E-208 GTI by lowering the vehicle height and increasing the track width.
New PEUGEOT E-208 GTIlike all 208 models, features the iconic three-claw light signature that creates a striking light effect. At the front, the striking effect of the three light claws integrated into the bumper is further enhanced by the use of three independent optical modules in the lighting function of the “Full LED” headlights. At the rear, the horizontal three-claw light design consisting of three elegant LED lines further strengthens the stance of the vehicle.
The new E-208 GTI was designed by PEUGEOT Sport teams in Satory in the Paris region, in collaboration with Peugeot design teams in Vélizy near Paris. Thanks to their experience in the racing world, PEUGEOT Sport engineers did not compromise on efficiency and performance. The result is convincing: The new E-208 GTI emerges as the most powerful and highest-performance model in the B segment.
The new E-208 GTI is PEUGEOT Sport’s first fully electric car. The team’s experience competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with PEUGEOT 9X8 hybrid vehicles in the Hypercar category played a valuable role in the design of the E-208 GTI, especially in terms of thermal management and energy recovery optimization.
PEUGEOT Sport engineers also worked intensively on the chassis and braking systems of the new E-208 GTI. It is no coincidence that the E-208 GTI was introduced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the biggest sporting events of the year, where the heart of motorsport beats. This introduction symbolizes the expertise transferred from the racetrack to the road.
“Made in France” electric motor: The E-208 GTI’s powerful electric motor is produced at the Trémery plant in the east of France, which specializes in conventional engine production and now electric powertrain systems as part of Emotors, a joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer. To ensure the best for the new E-208 GTI, PEUGEOT turned to French suppliers for some parts. This is especially true for tires, which are a key element of efficiency: PEUGEOT’s long-time partner Michelin is supplying Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires in size 215/40-18 for the new E-208 GTI.
The new PEUGEOT E-208 GTI offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class (5.7 kg/HP). This advantage is put to full use thanks to numerous chassis improvements made by PEUGEOT Sport engineers. Wider track width (56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear), 30 mm lowered body design, springs and shock absorbers with special hydraulic stops, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and rear stabilizer bar provide an ideal balance between efficient and sporty driving and daily comfort.
The new E-208 GTI features specially designed 355 mm diameter front brake discs and 4-piston fixed calipers to ensure optimum and consistent braking performance and guarantee efficient cooling at all times.
The front seats of the new E-208 GTI are designed to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle. Offering strong support both on the seat cushion and on the sides, these seats have padded headrests. While providing effective support for sporty driving, it is also comfortable and practical for daily use; thus reinforcing the versatility that is part of the PEUGEOT GTI’s DNA. The new E-208 GTI has been specially tuned to respond directly to dynamic driving characteristics. This direct approach combined with the compact steering system offers a unique driving experience. When users want to experience a truly sporty atmosphere, the E-208 GTI proves to be a car ready for this.
The new E-208 GTI offers the best features of the E-208 in terms of both comfort and driver assistance systems. It is equipped with the PEUGEOT i-Connect Advanced infotainment system with advanced navigation and wireless screen mirroring (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
The new E-208 GTI has a 136 horsepower (100 kW) electric motor. This very economical engine can be charged up to 80% in 40-45 minutes.
According to factory specifications, the new E-208 GTI offers a total range of 363 km with 100% battery charge, but can travel up to 300 km in mixed urban driving conditions without the need for charging.
The new E-208 GTI’s factory Michelin tires are not as strong as they should be during sudden maneuvers, especially when the weight of the vehicle overloads the tires in sharp bends and corners; This depends on changing road conditions. Similarly, tires for electric vehicles need to be further developed by taking into account factors such as roadholding, fuel economy, performance in sudden sharp turns and increasing vehicle comfort.
Tires and sidewalls are exposed to a lot of stress, especially when cornering, sudden deceleration and passing through curves. The vehicle may become unstable due to the tires in Türkiye’s road conditions. For this reason, it is necessary to go very slowly around bends, curves and steppes. In this context, the 208GTI should be handled gently.
The 208 GTI has a good center of gravity. However, our test vehicle’s brakes were weak. Unfortunately, we did not get the reaction we wanted in time. The brakes were extremely hesitant. Was this due to the test vehicle? It would be worth checking this with a different E-208 GTI.
Test Drive: New Peugeot E-208GTI
Automobile Magazine – English
