News

Peugeot E-T16 Concept Is the Star of the 2026 Paris Motor Show

Peugeot is looking to its motorsport heritage to shape the future of electric performance with the Peugeot E-T16 Concept, an 816-horsepower electric concept car that reimagines one of the French manufacturer’s most iconic rally machines. Recognized at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the concept combines the spirit of the legendary Peugeot 205 T16 with radical styling, next-generation technology and an ambitious vision for the brand’s electric future.

Developed in collaboration with Peugeot Sport, the E-T16 Concept is more than a nostalgic tribute to a motorsport legend. It is a technological showcase designed to explore how electrification, innovative steering systems and immersive cockpit technology could redefine driving pleasure in the next generation of Peugeot performance cars.

With its dramatic proportions, distinctive lighting and futuristic interior, the concept also offers a glimpse into Peugeot’s vision for the future of the Peugeot E-208, pushing the boundaries of what a compact electric performance car could become.

Peugeot E-T16 Concept Celebrates the Legendary 205 T16

The Peugeot E-T16 Concept celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Peugeot 205 T16’s back-to-back World Rally Championship titles, paying tribute to a car that helped establish the brand as a formidable force in international motorsport.

The original Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 became one of the defining machines of the Group B rally era. Its combination of compact dimensions, turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive technology made it a formidable competitor, securing the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ titles in 1985 and 1986.

Rather than simply recreating the classic rally car, Peugeot has reinterpreted its most recognizable design elements through a distinctly futuristic approach.

The E-T16 Concept translates the original model’s muscular stance and purposeful proportions into a modern electric performance vehicle. Its dramatic architecture, sculpted surfaces and assertive styling establish a visual connection with the 205 T16 while giving the concept an identity of its own.

The result is a design study that connects Peugeot’s motorsport achievements with the possibilities offered by next-generation electric vehicle engineering.

Radical Exterior Design Combines Motorsport Heritage With Electric Performance

The Peugeot E-T16 Concept makes its intentions clear through an athletic silhouette and an aggressive visual presence.

Its proportions draw inspiration from the purposeful architecture of the 205 T16, while its futuristic bodywork introduces a more radical interpretation of Peugeot’s performance design language. Distinctive lighting signatures reinforce its modern identity, giving the concept a recognizable appearance that connects its heritage-inspired details with advanced automotive styling.

Every major design element contributes to the impression of a car developed around performance and driving emotion rather than efficiency alone.

The concept also demonstrates how Peugeot could reinterpret its traditional design cues for an electric era. Instead of relying on retro styling, the E-T16 uses the brand’s motorsport history as a foundation for a forward-looking design philosophy.

Although the concept does not establish that a production model will follow, it provides an indication of the visual direction Peugeot could explore as its electric vehicle lineup evolves.

Peugeot E-T16 Concept Delivers 816 Horsepower From an Electric Drivetrain

At the heart of the Peugeot E-T16 Concept is an electric drivetrain producing an impressive 816 horsepower.

That figure places the concept firmly in high-performance territory and demonstrates Peugeot’s ambition to explore the potential of electric propulsion beyond everyday transportation.

The powertrain is central to the concept’s role as a technological showcase. By combining substantial output with a design inspired by rally competition, Peugeot aims to demonstrate that electric performance can deliver more than acceleration figures alone.

The manufacturer places equal emphasis on the relationship between driver and machine, suggesting that the next generation of electric performance vehicles should preserve the emotional appeal traditionally associated with motorsport-inspired cars.

However, Peugeot has not provided production specifications such as battery capacity, driving range, charging performance, vehicle weight or acceleration times in the supplied announcement. The 816-horsepower output should therefore be understood as a stated specification of the concept rather than confirmation of the performance of a future production vehicle.

Hypersquare and Steer-by-Wire Technology Transform the Driving Experience

One of the Peugeot E-T16 Concept’s most intriguing innovations is its futuristic cockpit, which combines the brand’s Hypersquare steering interface with steer-by-wire technology.

Unlike a conventional steering wheel, the Hypersquare uses a distinctive geometric design intended to create a different relationship between the driver and the vehicle. Its integration with steer-by-wire technology replaces the traditional mechanical steering connection with an electronically controlled system.

This approach allows steering inputs to be interpreted electronically, opening up possibilities for adapting steering response to different driving situations and vehicle speeds.

For a high-performance electric concept such as the E-T16, the technology could offer new opportunities to make steering feel more direct, intuitive and responsive. It also creates greater freedom for interior designers to rethink the traditional driving position and cockpit layout.

Peugeot has not disclosed the complete technical specifications of the E-T16’s steering system, so its precise operating characteristics remain unconfirmed. Nevertheless, the combination of Hypersquare and steer-by-wire underlines the company’s interest in redefining how drivers interact with future electric vehicles.

Peugeot Sport Puts Driving Pleasure at the Centre of Electrification

The E-T16 Concept was developed in collaboration with Peugeot Sport, highlighting the importance of the manufacturer’s motorsport expertise in shaping its vision for future performance vehicles.

The partnership reflects an approach that treats driving enjoyment as a central engineering objective rather than a secondary benefit of increased power.

While electric vehicles can deliver immediate torque and rapid acceleration, Peugeot’s concept explores a broader definition of performance. Steering response, cockpit ergonomics, driver engagement and the overall relationship between vehicle and driver are presented as equally important parts of the experience.

Its immersive technologies and futuristic interior are intended to create a more involving driving environment, while the powerful electric drivetrain provides the performance foundation.

The concept therefore represents an attempt to carry Peugeot’s sporting identity into an era in which electric propulsion is becoming increasingly important to the automotive industry.

Is the Peugeot E-T16 Concept a Preview of the Future E-208?

One of the most significant aspects of the Peugeot E-T16 Concept is its connection to the future of the Peugeot E-208.

Peugeot describes the concept as an ultimate vision of what its future electric compact car could become, suggesting that the project explores possibilities for the next generation of the brand’s electric vehicle design and technology.

Its influence could extend beyond exterior styling to include cockpit architecture, steering interfaces, digital technologies and the broader experience of driving an electric Peugeot.

However, the E-T16 remains a concept car, and its 816-horsepower drivetrain should not be interpreted as a confirmed specification for a future E-208. The manufacturer has not established that the concept’s extreme performance, architecture or technologies will reach production unchanged.

Instead, the E-T16 offers a look at the ideas Peugeot is exploring as it considers how to combine electric mobility with the emotional appeal of its performance heritage.

Peugeot E-T16 Concept: A New Chapter in the Brand’s Performance Heritage

The Peugeot E-T16 Concept brings together three central themes: motorsport heritage, electric performance and technological innovation.

Its connection to the championship-winning 205 T16 gives the project historical significance, while its 816-horsepower electric drivetrain and advanced steering technology point towards a radically different performance-car experience.

More importantly, the concept demonstrates Peugeot’s intention to preserve driving pleasure as the industry transitions towards electrification. Its design and engineering ideas suggest that future electric vehicles can be defined by their character and driver engagement as much as by efficiency, range or outright acceleration.

The E-T16 may not preview a production car in its entirety, but it offers a compelling statement of intent from Peugeot. Forty years after the 205 T16’s championship success, the French manufacturer is once again using its motorsport legacy to explore what performance could mean in the next era of electric mobility.

Source: Peugeot

News

Tesla Renames Full Self-Driving to Assisted Driving in Europe

Tesla has renamed its controversial Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to Tesla Assisted Driving across several European markets as the American electric vehicle manufacturer continues its push to secure broader regulatory approval for its advanced driver-assistance technology across the European Union.

The name change, which has appeared on Tesla’s European websites and in updated online owner’s manuals, represents a significant adjustment in how the company presents its driver-assistance technology. It also addresses one of the main concerns raised by European safety regulators: the potential for the Full Self-Driving name to give motorists an exaggerated impression of the system’s capabilities.

Despite its previous branding, Tesla’s FSD technology does not make its vehicles fully autonomous in all driving situations. Drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle whenever necessary.

Tesla Full Self-Driving Becomes Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe

Over the past week, Tesla has updated the name of its Full Self-Driving system to Tesla Assisted Driving on its websites in several European countries, including Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. The company’s online owner’s manuals in these markets have also been revised to reflect the new terminology.

The rebranding comes as Tesla works to expand access to its advanced driver-assistance features across Europe, where regulatory requirements and approval procedures differ from those in other markets.

Although Tesla has previously used the designation Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to emphasize the driver’s responsibility, the original name has attracted criticism from safety authorities and industry observers for potentially suggesting a level of autonomy the technology does not provide.

The new Tesla Assisted Driving name more directly communicates the system’s role: helping the driver rather than replacing them.

Why European Regulators Questioned Tesla’s FSD Branding

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is among the more advanced driver-assistance technologies available in passenger vehicles. Depending on the market, its features can assist with steering, acceleration, braking and navigating certain driving situations.

However, these capabilities do not mean a Tesla can operate independently in every situation. The driver remains responsible for supervising the system, monitoring road conditions and intervening when required.

Regulators have expressed concerns that the Full Self-Driving name, much like Tesla’s Autopilot branding, could encourage some motorists to overestimate the technology’s capabilities. A driver who mistakenly believes a vehicle can manage every driving situation without supervision could pay insufficient attention to the road.

Tesla has repeatedly stated on its website and social media channels that its driver-assistance technology does not make its vehicles fully autonomous and does not eliminate the need for an attentive human driver.

Nevertheless, the distinction between advanced driver assistance and full autonomy remains an important issue for regulators as increasingly sophisticated systems become available in modern vehicles.

By adopting the Tesla Assisted Driving name, the company has addressed one of the concerns surrounding its technology without fundamentally changing the system itself.

Tesla FSD Approval in Europe: The Netherlands Leads the Way

The rebranding follows progress in Tesla’s efforts to obtain regulatory approval for its advanced driver-assistance system in Europe.

Approximately six months earlier, the Dutch vehicle authority RDW approved the introduction of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system in the Netherlands following an extended testing process.

Since that decision, seven additional European Union countries have approved the introduction of relevant driver-assistance features in their markets: Croatia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark and Belgium. Slovakia has also been expected to approve the system.

These national approvals represent important progress for Tesla, although they do not automatically establish unrestricted availability throughout the European Union.

The company’s broader objective is to secure sufficient regulatory support for a wider rollout, allowing more European Tesla owners to access the technology under the applicable local rules.

EU-Wide Tesla Assisted Driving Approval Delayed Until December

Tesla’s European expansion plans still face a significant regulatory hurdle.

A vote concerning the technology had been expected to take place in October 2026 but has been postponed until December, delaying a potentially important step towards broader EU-wide availability.

For the system to receive approval across the European Union through the relevant voting procedure, a qualified majority of at least 15 of the bloc’s 27 member states must vote in favour.

The outcome will determine whether Tesla can make further progress towards offering the system across more European markets under a common regulatory framework.

For CEO Elon Musk, the approval process is particularly important. He has repeatedly emphasized the role of Full Self-Driving technology in Tesla’s long-term strategy, as the company seeks to expand beyond electric vehicle manufacturing into software-driven services and autonomous-driving development.

The branding adjustment could therefore help remove one obstacle in the company’s negotiations with European authorities, although a name change alone cannot guarantee regulatory approval.

Tesla Assisted Driving Is Not Fully Autonomous Driving

The distinction between driver assistance and autonomous driving remains central to understanding Tesla’s technology.

Advanced driver-assistance systems can reduce the workload associated with certain driving tasks, but their capabilities depend on the specific software, vehicle configuration, operating conditions and regulatory approval applicable in each market.

Full autonomy requires a substantially different level of capability and regulatory acceptance. Until a vehicle is legally and technically permitted to operate without continuous human supervision under the relevant conditions, drivers must remain responsible for driving.

Tesla’s revised branding makes that distinction more explicit. However, the new name does not, by itself, indicate that the company has changed the underlying technology, introduced new capabilities or altered the driver’s legal responsibilities.

The precise functions available to European customers will continue to depend on the version of the system approved for their market.

What Tesla’s Name Change Means for the Future of Driver Assistance

Tesla’s decision to replace Full Self-Driving with Tesla Assisted Driving highlights a broader challenge facing the automotive industry: communicating increasingly advanced vehicle technology without creating unrealistic expectations.

As manufacturers introduce systems capable of handling more driving tasks, clear terminology is becoming increasingly important for consumer understanding and road safety. The difference between a vehicle that assists a driver and one that can operate autonomously is not merely a marketing distinction; it affects how motorists understand their responsibilities behind the wheel.

For Tesla, the new name is a relatively straightforward change that could help address European regulators’ concerns while the company continues pursuing broader approval.

However, the more significant milestone will be whether Tesla Assisted Driving secures the necessary support for an expanded European rollout. The postponed December vote could prove important in determining the technology’s regulatory future across the EU.

For now, Tesla’s rebranding marks a change in presentation rather than a declaration of full autonomy. The system remains a driver-assistance technology, and European motorists must continue to supervise its operation and remain prepared to intervene.

Source: Automotive News

NEW CARS

Škoda Epiq SportLine Revealed: 211 PS Electric SUV Promises 270-Mile Range

Škoda is expanding its upcoming electric SUV range with the introduction of the new Škoda Epiq SportLine, a sportier flagship variant that combines distinctive styling, upgraded interior equipment and 211 PS of electric power. Priced from £32,450 in the UK, the new model will sit at the top of the Epiq line-up, above the Edition 55, ahead of the all-electric SUV’s highly anticipated British arrival.

The new Epiq SportLine brings Škoda’s popular sporty trim level to all four of the brand’s all-electric models, reinforcing the manufacturer’s strategy of offering a broader choice of design and performance-focused electric vehicles.

With a 55 kWh battery (52 kWh usable capacity), 290 Nm of torque and a claimed driving range of approximately 270 miles on a single charge, the Epiq SportLine aims to combine everyday practicality with a more dynamic character. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds, while rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes as little as 24 minutes under suitable conditions.

Beyond its powertrain, the new flagship introduces exclusive exterior details, 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED lighting and a distinctive black interior with electrically adjustable sports seats. The result is a compact electric SUV designed to appeal to drivers who want efficiency and usability without sacrificing sporting style.

Škoda Epiq SportLine Becomes the New Flagship of the Electric SUV Range

The new Škoda Epiq SportLine occupies the highest position in the Epiq range, sitting above the Edition 55 and bringing a more assertive appearance to the Czech manufacturer’s forthcoming electric SUV.

The SportLine designation has become an established part of Škoda’s model strategy, offering customers a combination of distinctive styling, sportier cabin details and enhanced equipment. Its introduction to the Epiq extends that formula into the brand’s smallest upcoming electric SUV.

With a starting price of £32,450 in the UK, the Epiq SportLine is positioned as a premium-styled version of the model rather than a fundamentally different vehicle. Its powertrain combines 211 PS with 290 Nm of torque, while the battery and charging specifications are designed to support both daily commuting and longer journeys.

The SportLine’s appeal lies in the balance between visual differentiation and practical electric mobility. Rather than relying exclusively on additional power, Škoda has focused on exterior design, cabin materials, lighting technology and equipment to distinguish the flagship from the rest of the line-up.

The new model also strengthens the consistency of the manufacturer’s electric portfolio, giving customers a SportLine option across all four of its all-electric models.

Škoda Epiq SportLine Exterior: Black Details and 19-Inch Alloy Wheels

The exterior of the Škoda Epiq SportLine adopts the familiar visual language of the brand’s performance-inspired models, with a series of black accents and exclusive design elements.

Unique front and rear bumpers give the compact SUV a more assertive appearance, while black roof rails, black exterior mirrors and darkened badging reinforce its sporting identity.

The SportLine is also the only Epiq variant to offer an optional black roof, providing an additional personalization option for buyers who want a more contrasting exterior finish.

One of the most prominent features is the set of 19-inch Langur black alloy wheels, which give the SUV a more purposeful stance. The larger wheels complement the dark exterior details and distinguish the SportLine from less extensively equipped versions.

Lighting technology also plays an important role in the new model’s appearance. Matrix LED headlights and rear lights are included, alongside an illuminated Tech-Deck front face that adds a distinctive visual signature.

The SportLine badge on the rear completes the package, identifying the range-topping model without relying on excessive decorative elements.

Together, these changes give the Epiq a more individual identity while retaining the compact proportions and practical format expected of a small electric SUV.

Škoda Epiq SportLine Interior: Sports Seats and Exclusive Finishes

Inside, the Škoda Epiq SportLine features a bespoke black cabin designed to deliver a more sporting atmosphere than the standard model.

The most significant change is the introduction of electrically adjustable sports seats upholstered in soft-touch microsuede and Techtona artificial leather. White contrast stitching adds visual definition, while the seats’ enhanced lateral support is intended to keep the driver and front passenger more securely positioned during cornering.

Black microsuede fabric and white accents continue across the armrest, door-panel inserts and dashboard trim, creating a consistent design theme throughout the cabin.

The steering wheel also receives special treatment. The heated, three-spoke sports steering wheel carries SportLine branding and incorporates paddles that allow the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking.

This feature gives the driver greater control over how the vehicle recovers energy during deceleration, while the heated steering wheel adds comfort during colder weather.

Additional standard equipment includes ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging with an output of up to 15 watts and decorative door sills.

The emphasis is on making the Epiq SportLine feel more distinctive without compromising the straightforward usability expected from a compact family-oriented electric vehicle.

13-Inch Infotainment Screen and Advanced Technology

The new Škoda Epiq SportLine combines its sporting interior with a technology package intended to make everyday driving more convenient.

At the centre of the dashboard is a 13-inch infotainment display, complemented by a five-inch digital cockpit that presents key driving information to the driver.

Wireless SmartLink provides smartphone connectivity, while two-zone climate control allows the driver and front passenger to select separate temperature settings.

Drive mode select enables the driver to tailor the vehicle’s responses to different driving situations, supporting the Epiq SportLine’s dual role as an everyday electric SUV and a more sporting variant.

Electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support further improve comfort, particularly during longer journeys.

The lighting specification is also upgraded compared with the lower trims, with Matrix LED headlights, rear lights and the illuminated Tech-Deck face included in the equipment package.

Another notable feature is bi-directional charging capability. Depending on the supported functions and compatible equipment, this technology can allow energy to flow both into and out of a vehicle’s battery. The precise functions available to UK customers should be confirmed against the final market-specific specifications.

Overall, the equipment list suggests that Škoda is positioning the Epiq SportLine as a well-equipped flagship, combining visual appeal with connectivity, comfort and practical electric-vehicle technology.

Škoda Epiq SportLine Performance: 211 PS and 290 Nm

Powering the Škoda Epiq SportLine is an electric powertrain producing 211 PS and 290 Nm of torque.

Electric motors deliver torque rapidly, giving the vehicle responsive acceleration from low speeds and making it well suited to urban driving. In the Epiq SportLine, that output translates into a claimed 0–62 mph time of 7.1 seconds.

Although the SportLine sits at the top of the Epiq range, its character is not defined solely by outright acceleration. The combination of electric power, a compact SUV body and a performance-inspired interior is intended to deliver an engaging everyday driving experience.

The SportLine’s sports seats, Drive mode select function and regenerative-braking adjustment paddles reinforce its driver-focused positioning.

However, the available specifications do not establish whether the SportLine receives a unique suspension setup or other chassis upgrades compared with lower Epiq variants. Its sporting character should therefore be understood primarily in terms of its confirmed power output, design and equipment until further technical details are released.

For drivers considering a compact electric SUV, the headline figures place the Epiq SportLine in a useful middle ground: quick enough to deliver responsive performance, while prioritising range, charging convenience and everyday usability.

270-Mile Range From a 55 kWh Battery

The Škoda Epiq SportLine comes equipped with a 55 kWh battery, of which 52 kWh is usable.

Škoda quotes a driving range of approximately 270 miles on a single charge. This figure is a manufacturer-quoted estimate, and the final certified range and the test cycle used should be checked against the official UK specification before direct comparisons with competing electric SUVs are made.

Real-world range will vary depending on driving speed, temperature, road conditions, passenger and luggage loads, wheel specification and the use of heating or air conditioning.

Nevertheless, the quoted range suggests that Škoda is targeting customers who need an electric vehicle for regular commuting, school runs, shopping and occasional longer trips.

The 52 kWh usable battery capacity also places an emphasis on efficient energy use rather than simply installing a larger battery. For buyers, the key consideration will be how effectively the Epiq converts its stored energy into useful real-world mileage.

The SportLine’s combination of compact dimensions, electric propulsion and a practical SUV layout could make it particularly appealing to households looking to move to an electric vehicle without stepping up to a larger and potentially more expensive model.

Rapid Charging: 10 to 80 Percent in Just 24 Minutes

Charging performance is another important part of the Epiq SportLine package.

Škoda states that the battery can recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 24 minutes, provided suitable rapid-charging conditions are available.

That charging window can make longer journeys more manageable, allowing drivers to replenish a substantial portion of the battery during a relatively short stop.

Actual charging times will depend on the output of the charging station, battery temperature, the vehicle’s state of charge and other environmental conditions. The quoted figure should therefore be treated as a best-case manufacturer claim rather than a guarantee for every charging session.

The ability to adjust regenerative braking through the steering-wheel paddles also gives drivers an additional way to manage deceleration and energy recovery.

For buyers who expect to use public rapid chargers regularly, the maximum DC charging power and charging curve will be important details to consider alongside the headline 24-minute figure. Those specifications should be confirmed when Škoda publishes the complete UK technical data.

Even so, the combination of a quoted 270-mile range and rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes gives the Epiq SportLine a specification designed to accommodate more than short urban trips.

Škoda Epiq SportLine Price: From £32,450 in the UK

The new Škoda Epiq SportLine is priced from £32,450 in the UK, positioning it at the top of the forthcoming Epiq range.

The model sits above the Edition 55 and builds on the equipment offered by the SE L and Edition versions, adding its own combination of exterior styling, cabin finishes and technology.

Key additions include 19-inch Langur black alloy wheels, Matrix LED lighting, an illuminated Tech-Deck face, electrically adjustable front sports seats and the bespoke SportLine interior.

The optional black roof provides another way for buyers to personalize the exterior, while standard features such as ambient lighting, wireless charging and the heated sports steering wheel add to the model’s everyday appeal.

The price will inevitably be a central consideration for buyers comparing the Epiq SportLine with other compact electric SUVs. However, a full assessment of its value will require comparison with similarly equipped rivals, taking into account battery capacity, official driving range, charging speeds, standard safety equipment and warranty coverage.

The Epiq SportLine’s position as a range-topping model suggests that Škoda is targeting customers who are prepared to pay more for a distinctive design and a richer equipment specification.

Is the Škoda Epiq SportLine Worth Waiting For?

The Škoda Epiq SportLine brings together several elements that are increasingly important in the compact electric SUV market: distinctive styling, responsive performance, a useful quoted driving range and technology designed around everyday convenience.

Its 211 PS powertrain and 290 Nm of torque deliver a claimed 0–62 mph time of 7.1 seconds, while the 55 kWh battery is quoted as providing approximately 270 miles of range.

Rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes adds further flexibility, although real-world performance will depend on charging conditions and the final certified specifications.

The SportLine’s biggest differentiator is its design and equipment. Black exterior details, 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED lighting and an illuminated front panel give it a more assertive appearance, while sports seats, microsuede upholstery and white stitching create a distinctive cabin.

The 13-inch infotainment screen, digital cockpit, wireless smartphone connectivity and bi-directional charging capability add a technological dimension to the package.

The main questions still concern final certified range, detailed charging specifications, real-world efficiency and how the SportLine drives compared with the other Epiq variants. Those details will help determine whether its £32,450 starting price represents strong value against competing electric SUVs.

Even so, the new flagship appears to have a clear role within Škoda’s expanding electric portfolio: offering a compact, practical electric SUV with a more expressive design and a stronger sporting identity.

Source: Škoda

Cars and catalogues