It’s official: a Peugeot E-208 GTi is on its way
Peugeot will revive the GTi name for its electric models, with the E-208 GTi set to be the brand’s first performance EV.
CEO Alain Favey confirmed the decision to create an E-208 GTi as the French car maker bids to reconnect with its past and “nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations”.
The GTi branding has not been used by Peugeot since the 308 GTi of 2021. It briefly adopted PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) for the high-power 508 hybrid and had suggested this could become the new standard for electrified performance Peugeots.
However, just 60 days into his new role, Favey said that Peugeot was returning to its roots and reviving three of the most famous letters in motoring.
He told media: “Today I’m in a position to confirm we will reintroduce GTi on an E-208 as soon as possible.
“It’s a signal that we want to reconnect with our past. GTi shows our performance orientation and our involvement in motorsport – performance is what Peugeot stands for.”
The E-208 currently uses 132bhp or 152bhp motors, but is based on the same eCMP2 platform as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior. In their most potent form, they both use a 276bhp motor to drive their front wheels, raising the prospect of a near-300bhp E-208 GTI. Alternatively, Peugeot could be more reserved and use the 236bhp motor found in lower-spec versions of the Italian crossovers.
The new model could also feature performance-focused hardware such as beefed up suspension, and the Torsen mechanical limited slip differential used in the Abarth and Alfa. It will, inevitably, also get a visual makeover with a bigger, more aggressive body kit and a GTI-themed interior.
A new E-208 GTI would give Peugeot a model to compete with the Alpine A290 and John Cooper Works Mini, and opens up the door for other performance-focused Peugeot EVs. It could also pave the way for a hot Vauxhall Corsa.
There’s no word on when it will arrive, but Favey’s comments suggest we could see it before the end of 2025.
