When the Peugeot 205 GTi was launched in 1984, it was considered by many to be one of the best GTi cars – based on its light weight and good driving dynamics. Now Peugeot is renewing the concept with the E-208 GTi, and is immodest enough to draw parallels to the 205 GTi. I hope this is good news for those of us who experienced the legendary model.
Judging by the pictures, I'm pretty sure the E-208 GTi will be a success in the market regardless of what older car enthusiasts might think. But it would be incredibly fun if the designers at Peugeot Sport really succeeds in carrying on the soul of the successful 205 GTi.
Is there a reason why no automaker has yet launched an electric GTi? First, regular electric cars are more than fast enough for today's roads. Second, the level of equipment is lavish even on affordable cars. Putting the standard car in "Sport" mode transforms it into a sports car.
Or?
It is here. a dedicated GTi concept could come into its own. To carry the weight, today's best-selling electric cars are built on reinforced chassis that suit tall, heavy cars. However, the weight is easily felt during active driving. This is a challenge Peugeot Sport must have faced during the development of its new GTi model.
Here is the Peugeot E-208 GTi
The Peugeot E-208 GTi gets an electric motor with 280 hp and a torque of 345 Nm with traction on the front wheels. The stated acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 5,7 seconds. Other factors that contribute to driving pleasure are differential lock, reinforced brakes, rear stabilizer bar, lowered by 30 mm, extended track width 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear – compared to standard models. Driving pleasure is also that it should be possible to choose a driving program where ESP allows greater excesses for track driving.
Lightweight feel
An important feature of the original Peugeot 205 GTi was its light weight. The kerb weight of cars with a 1.6-litre engine was an incredible 848 kg – cars with a 1.9-litre engine were 910 kg. Driving a lightweight with a low centre of gravity and a responsive engine is a very important part of the GTi concept. This allows you to quickly adjust and correct the car when you drive a little too actively. That was possible with the 205 GTi.
It will be interesting to see if Peugeot Sport can recreate the lightweight feel of its new GTi. In comparison, the new electric Mini SE JCW Drives very sporty without feeling the weight of the battery pressing in. The Mini's curb weight is 1658 kg, which Peugeot can match considering that today's 208 GT only weighs just under 1500 kg.
A visual GTi
What was the first thing you noticed when you got into the Peugeot 205 GTi for the first time? Was it the steering wheel? The seats? The sitting position? Yes – all the answers are good. What jeg The first thing I noticed was the red floor covering that matched the car's black exterior so well. And of course, the new E-208 GTi also comes with red floor covering. The sporty impression is enhanced by the steering wheel and interior being kept in Alcantara.
Externally, the E-208 GTi will be recognizable by its widened wheel arches, a distinctive spoiler lip and roof spoiler. The model will feature brand new 18-inch wheels inspired by the original SpeedlinesInside, you can clearly see the red-painted brake calipers on the inside.
Range
The battery pack is said to have a capacity of 54 kWh and should be able to provide a range (WLTP combined) of 350 km. The cars will have the option of V2L, where the car's battery can be used as a power source for external purposes.
Peugeot 205 GTi today
In the fall of 1984, a Peugeot 205 GTi cost 105000 kroner. These cars still have many enthusiasts on the continent and in France. Nut-and-bolt restored cars sell for €30000 – 35000. Regular nice cars around €20000. These are classics that will increase in value. During the launch of the new E-208 GTi, Peugeot is using its old legend to promote the new model. It’s all about “taste and comfort” – and age.
Some like the mother, others like the daughter 🙂
See
Electric cars are as exciting as washing machines on wheels. Making a sporty washing machine makes no sense.
Moreover, there are versions of the current generation Peugeot 208 that have a gasoline engine, so Stellantis should have put a really potent combustion engine in a GTI version rather than wasting time on this electric dead end.