![“The 205 GTi returns as an EV?” Peugeot unveils the world premiere of its compact EV, the E-208 GTi [Video]](https://wheelfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1645-1761187368766.jpg)
PEUGEOT E-208 GTi
“GTi” with over 40 years of history
The GTi was first introduced on the 205 in 1983. Over the next 40 years, the GTi has appeared on various models and gained popularity.
The fully electric sports hatchback “Peugeot E-208 GTi” had its world premiere at the Peugeot Fan Zone set up at the Circuit de la Sarthe, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans was held. The unveiling was attended by Peugeot CEO Alain Favey, Stellantis Motorsport CEO Jean-Marc Finot, Peugeot Design chief Matthias Hossann, and Peugeot works driver Paul di Resta in the WEC, raising expectations for future motorsports success.
The E-208 GTi boasts the incorporation of electric powertrain technology developed for the Peugeot 9X8 Hybrid, which competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). During its development, Peugeot Sport, which also competes in the WEC, provided feedback on a large amount of technology and know-how, particularly in terms of thermal management and energy regeneration systems, which helped to optimize the chassis and braking systems.
Peugeot wrote a new chapter in automotive history in 1983 when it unveiled the 205 GTi. The 205 GTi, equipped with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, was released in Europe in 1984, and a 1.9-liter inline-four model was added in 1986. The 205 GTi was an important model that combined performance and driving pleasure with sporty, sophisticated design and ease of use, establishing a new segment known as the compact sports hatchback.
Over the next 40 years, the GTi has been offered on models such as the 309, 306, 206, 207 and the first-generation 208, and has achieved numerous victories in the world of motorsport, particularly in rallies. For Peugeot, the GTi is not just a model badge, but a title bestowed on particularly iconic and sporty models.
This time, Peugeot has decided to inherit the legend and revive the DNA of this icon. However, unlike previous models, the E-208 GTi was developed as Peugeot’s first fully electric GTi, rather than an internal combustion engine (ICE) model. The E-208 GTi is given the highest level of performance in the B-segment EV.
Special exterior that emphasizes the wide stance
Compared to the base E-208, it has a special body that is lowered and has a wider tread, and the fenders and front and rear bumpers also have a design exclusive to the GTi.
The E-208 GTi is lowered by 30mm compared to the base e-208, and is wider at the front by 56mm and at the rear by 27mm. It is fitted with large 18-inch wheels bearing the PEUGEOT GTi logo, creating a powerful stance befitting the GTi. These exclusive wheels are designed as a homage to the iconic Hole wheels of the 205 GTi, and are intended to improve brake cooling efficiency.
The wheel arches have been enlarged to accommodate the wider track. In homage to the 205 GTi, elegant red lines have been added to the wheel arches. The red colour that symbolises the GTi has also been added to the grille, Peugeot emblem, headlights, wheel arches, front brake calipers and the lower part of the rear spoiler.
The front bumper is fitted with a special front spoiler, and the lower rear bumper features an aerodynamic diffuser. The gloss black diffuser elegantly incorporates small LED rear fog lights.
Interior that pays homage to the 205 GTi
The interior features design elements that pay homage to the 205 GTi, such as the red lines and mesh on the seats.
The red that symbolizes the GTi is also incorporated into the interior. In homage to the 205 GTi, the carpet, floor mats, and seat belts are bright red. The small-diameter steering wheel is a combination of perforated red leather and Alcantara. The bottom features a special “GTi” logo, and the Peugeot emblem in the center lights up in red.
The sporty and elegant design of the dedicated front seats features integrated headrests. The seats and backrests feature red trim, which is said to replicate the seat design of the 205 GTi 1.9. The red mesh on the right side of the seat is inspired by the 205 GTi 1.6.
The digital instrument cluster and center display graphics are red as standard, a dedicated performance display screen is also available, and the ambient lighting is also red by default (seven color variations are available).
Peugeot Sport participates in development
Peugeot Sport, a WEC competitor, participated in the development of the powertrain and chassis, and a variety of know-how gained from actual races has been introduced, particularly with regard to the brakes.
The E-208 GTi is equipped with an “M4+” electric motor that delivers a maximum output of 283 PS and a maximum torque of 345 Nm. Its maximum range is 350 km (WLTP cycle), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 5.7 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. The 54 kWh CATL battery is equipped with an optimized thermal management system that protects the battery even during sporty driving, and a dedicated cooling system for high performance.
The E-208 GTi’s powerful electric motor is manufactured at the Trémery plant in eastern France, a facility historically specialised in engine production but now run by Emotors, a joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer, dedicated to the development and production of fully electric powertrains.
The high-performance brakes were designed under the supervision of Peugeot Sport engineers, with the red painted front calipers bearing the “PEUGEOT Sport” logo, while the rear disc calipers are carried over from the original E-208.
