PEUGEOT has formally introduced a completely electrical e-208 GTi scorching hatch to assist the French arm of Stellantis revive its former sporty notion – and preserve an upward profitability trajectory whereas on the identical time warding off archrival Renault.
New CEO Alain Favey says he needs to “nurture the fame of the model for driving sensations” spearheaded by his announcement of the brand new e-208 GTi scorching hatch and sure different GTi spec’ BEV efficiency fashions “relying on buyer suggestions”.
He additionally steered there could also be a possibility for some new GTi variants with combustion engines a growth gaining momentum inside the broader Stellantis Group significantly in the USA.
At a current press convention, Mr Favey stated, “I’m ready to substantiate that we’ll reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as quickly as doable. We’ve made the choice that Peugeot GTi might be reintroduced”.
It will likely be the primary Peugeot GTi mannequin because the previous-generation 308 GTi dropped off the twig again in 2021 and would be the French producer’s first sporty BEV.
Mr Favey stated the e-208 sends a sign about “what it means to reconnect to our previous, our historical past” and that it might leverage the French model’s involvement in motorsport into its street fashions.
UK automotive publication Autocar reported Mr Favey saying, “We need to proceed to nurture the fame of the model for driving sensations and the truth that our vehicles produce specific driving sensations, both as a driver or as somebody that’s being pushed within the automotive”.
“We’ll begin with the 208 and (are) undoubtedly listening to your inputs, or what our clients will say as properly,” he added.
“We don’t exclude that there is likely to be different executions of the 208 GTi beneath the GTi badge, however for in the present day there’s completely nothing deliberate in that sense.”
Autocar reported affirmation of the GTi badge’s return got here after Mr Favey final month stated that he would take into account it as one among his first jobs after taking on as Peugeot CEO.
Although nonetheless hypothesis, it’s thought the e-208 GTi will possible utilise the identical Stellantis group powertrain as the brand new Abarth 600e, which relies on the identical e-CMP platform because the backyard selection Peugeot e-208 (pictured).
The Abarth calls up some 176kW from its entrance mounted electrical traction motor driving the entrance wheels by means of a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Although no light-weight at 1625kg the Abarth clocks a 0-100km/h dash in 6.2 seconds, lots fast for Peugeot’s beginner particularly because it (the Peugeot) is probably going lighter and decrease which may see the French providing ducking into the 5.0-second bracket.
Additional advantages are tipped because of its decrease experience peak and decrease centre of gravity in contrast with the Abarth which, by the way, can be provided with a punchier 207kW traction motor in Scorpionissima kind.
Whereas not wishing to place the cart earlier than the horse, this offers rise to extra hypothesis of an much more potent e208 GTi, which has been seen in earlier iterations beneath the “by Peugeot Sport” nomenclature.
