Peugeot has announced it will reveal a sporty version of its electric e-208 on 13 June, just before the famous Le Mans 24-hour race.
This new model will bring back the GTi name, which hasn’t been used since the last Peugeot 308 GTi was discontinued in 2021. It will also be Peugeot’s first fully electric performance car.
We don’t yet know many details, but Peugeot says the car will be powerful, quick to respond, and fun to drive. It’s expected to be a rival to the upcoming Alpine A290.
Peugeot’s CEO, Alain Favey, confirmed earlier this year that the GTi badge would return. He said this model is a way for the brand to connect with its past and show how road cars can share a spirit with Peugeot’s racing efforts, such as its 9X8 hypercar in the World Endurance Championship.
He also said Peugeot wants its cars to stand out for how they feel to drive, whether you’re behind the wheel or just along for the ride.
Favey suggested that this might not be the only GTi to come, but for now, the focus is on the e-208. Peugeot will listen to customer feedback before deciding whether to make other GTi models.
The e-208 GTi is expected to use the same electric platform and motor as the new Abarth 600e. That car has 237bhp and can go from 0 to 62mph in around 6.2 seconds. A lighter, lower version of the e-208 might be even quicker.
There’s also talk of an even more powerful version in the future, possibly using a 278bhp motor, like the one in the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.
Since the e-208 shares much of its design with the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, this move could also lead to a sporty Corsa in the near future. Vauxhall has already confirmed a performance version of the Mokka Electric is on the way, using the same setup as the Abarth.
