This weekend, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race is not only a celebration of motorsport history but also the stage for a major automotive comeback. Peugeot has chosen the iconic event to officially unveil the all-new e-208 GTi, its first high-performance electric vehicle and the long-awaited return of the legendary GTi badge.
A name once synonymous with hot hatch glory, especially with the classic 205 GTi, the GTi label is back—this time, fully electric. The new model is based on the Peugeot e-208, but heavily reworked by Peugeot Sport, signaling the brand’s renewed commitment to performance, even in the age of electrification.
A Competitive Comeback
The e-208 GTi enters a growing segment of electric hot hatches and takes direct aim at competitors like the Alpine A290 GT Performance. But with 278 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, the Peugeot edges ahead in performance. Thanks to a front-mounted electric motor and mechanical limited-slip differential, it achieves 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, outpacing the Alpine’s 6.4-second sprint.
The drivetrain shares components with its Stellantis cousin, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, while sporting engineering enhancements such as hydraulic shock absorbers, a rear stabilizer, and recalibrated steering for sharper handling. Peugeot has also lowered the chassis by 30 mm and widened the track to ensure more confident road-holding at speed.
Design Inspired by a Legend
Visually, the e-208 GTi pays homage to its 1980s predecessor. A completely redesigned front grille, dual spoilers, and new diffuser give the car a more aggressive stance. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels, styled after the 205 GTi’s originals and paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, complete the athletic look.
The interior maintains the sporty theme, with bucket seats trimmed in red and black, Alcantara upholstery, and distinctive GTi branding throughout. Even the floor mats feature red piping, a nostalgic nod to the original hot hatch hero.
Racing Pedigree and Technical Refinements
While the e-208 GTi uses the same 54 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery found in the standard e-208, it benefits from race-derived software tweaks. These changes, influenced by Peugeot’s 9X8 hybrid endurance racer, improve thermal management under high loads and optimize energy recovery—ensuring the GTi’s performance doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency or reliability.
A Signal of Things to Come?
This electrified rebirth of the GTi may just be the beginning. Although Peugeot currently has no concrete plans to launch petrol-powered GTi models, CEO Alain Favey hinted at future possibilities: “We are starting with the e-208 and we are definitely listening to what our customers have to say. We do not exclude the possibility of other versions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but there is absolutely nothing planned in that sense today.”
For now, the e-208 GTi stands as a bold statement of Peugeot’s electric future—combining nostalgic flair with cutting-edge engineering. As it roars into view at Le Mans, the legend of the GTi begins a thrilling new chapter.
Source: Stellantis
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