The GTi from Peugeot is back, this time as a battery-electric model as the Peugeot e-208 GTi. This emerges as the high-performance version of the Peugeot e-208 that was facelifted for the 2024 model year, and is the latest in a line of GTi-badged performance models, most recently with the 308 GTi of 2017.
Now, as a battery-electric model, the e-208 GTi outputs 280 hp and 345 Nm from its single electric motor driving the front wheels, propelling the hatchback from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 180 km/h. While its maximum is some way short of the 208 GTi‘s 230 km/h, the EV newcomer is 0.8 second quicker over the century sprint.
The motor is made in France at a plant that is a joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer; this electric motor features a limited-slip differential integrated into its reduction gearing, says the carmaker.
Energy comes from a CATL 54 kWh battery, which offers up to 350 km of range on the WLTP testing standard. For AC charging, the e-208 GTi can be charged at up to 7.4 kW which will bring a full charge in four hours and 40 minutes; there is also a function to limit charging to reach 80% state of charge, says Peugeot.
For faster charging, the e-208 GTi can be charged from 20-80% in under 30 minutes from a 100 kW DC charging point. The e-208 GTi’s battery pack has been adapted with software developed with the brand’s 9X8 endurance racing prototype, to aid with heat management and energy recovery.
Its footprint relative to the standard e-208 features a 56 mm wider front track width and a 27 mm wider rear track width, while its ride height is lower by 30 mm with model-specific hydraulic bump stops. Tyres as standard for the e-208 GTi are the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, measuring 215/40R18.
Braking equipment for the e-208 GTi is comprised of 355 mm front discs with four-piston fixed calipers, while the rear brakes are carried over from the standard e-208. These are housed within 18-inch alloy wheels of a design harking back to the 1.9 litre 205 GTi – one of many nods to its petrol-powered forebear.
Elsewhere, bodywork alterations over the standard e-208 include a revised front bumper lip, and a new rear spoiler with a new diffuser design, which now integrates a rear fog lamp.
The interior continues with the 205 GTi-inspired themes, carrying over the red-and-black colour scheme for its seats while the floor mats are also in red. Alcantara now features on the seats as well as on the steering wheel, the latter carried over from the regular e-208.
In terms of other conveniences, the e-208 GTi – like other current Peugeot models – get the onboard trip planner that is linked to the onboard navigation system to optimise journeys for maximum range and facilitate ease of charging. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is also featured in the e-208 GTi, to charge or power external devices.
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