At the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, PEUGEOT unveiled its latest performance icon: the all-electric E-208 GTi. The reveal took place at the PEUGEOT Fan Zone in the presence of Alain Favey (CEO of PEUGEOT), Jean-Marc Finot (CEO of Stellantis Motorsport), Matthias Hossann (Head of Design at PEUGEOT), and Team Peugeot TotalEnergies driver Paul Di Resta. Reviving the iconic GTi badge on one of the most successful B-segment cars, the E-208 GTi was engineered to deliver the ultimate electric hot hatch experience. With 280hp, 345 Nm of torque, and a 0–100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds, it offered best-in-class performance in its segment.
The E-208 GTi paid homage to the legendary 205 GTi, introduced in 1984. That model pioneered the sporty hatchback formula and set the tone for decades of dynamic PEUGEOTs—including the 306, 206, 207, and the original 208 GTi. With the new E-208 GTi, PEUGEOT reimagined the GTi legacy in an electrified and sustainable future, without compromising performance or driving pleasure. Designed by PEUGEOT Sport engineers and the PEUGEOT design team, the E-208 GTi stood out for its elegant aggression. Its lowered ride height (by 30 mm) and widened tracks (56 mm front, 27 mm rear) gave it a bold, planted stance. Unique 18-inch wheels with a perforated design, recalling the 205 GTi’s “pepper pot” alloys, not only added character but also improved brake cooling.
Other exterior enhancements included flared and red-accented wheel arches, a redesigned front bumper with a new spoiler, and a rear aerodynamic diffuser in gloss black. The signature red body colour was a clear nod to its 1980s predecessor. Inside, the cabin echoed classic GTi cues. Red seatbelts, carpets, and stitching created a sporty atmosphere, while the front seats, with integrated headrests and distinctive red mesh, offered both support and comfort. A compact, Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel featured red perforated leather and an updated red central emblem.
The E-208 GTi was the first 100% electric GTi developed by PEUGEOT Sport. Drawing on their World Endurance Championship (WEC) experience with the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar, the engineers optimised the GTi’s thermal management, chassis dynamics, and regenerative systems. Power came from a 280 hp M4+ electric motor produced in Trémery, France, backed by a 54 kWh battery. This setup enabled a top speed of 180 km/h and exceptional responsiveness, enhanced further by a limited-slip differential integrated into the reducer for improved agility and traction. The chassis received comprehensive upgrades: stiffer springs, specific dampers with hydraulic stops, a rear anti-roll bar, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in 215/40-18. The braking system, developed by PEUGEOT Sport, featured 355 mm front discs and red-painted four-piston callipers.
Inside PEUGEOT’s signature i-Cockpit was adapted for the GTi, offering digital performance pages, red ambient lighting (with seven additional colour options), and an immersive artificial sound derived from motor feedback. The intuitive layout and compact steering wheel delivered precise control, reinforcing the car’s sporty character. Despite its high-performance focus, the E-208 GTi remained a practical daily driver. Its 54 kWh battery offered a WLTP range of 350 km, with a 20-80% charge taking under 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC fast charger. Home charging via a 7.4 kW WallBox took around 4 hours and 40 minutes. Features like V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) enabled the car’s battery to power external devices. The MyPEUGEOT® appallowed users to precondition the cabin, schedule charging, or plan navigation routes remotely. The E-208 GTi also supported trip planning through the onboard navigation system to simplify longer journeys.
Assembled and engineered entirely in France, the E-208 GTi showcased French know-how. PEUGEOT partnered with leading French companies, including Michelin for tires and Emotors for the drivetrain. The model’s design was a collaboration between PEUGEOT’s Satory (motorsport) and Vélizy (design) teams, combining competition experience with premium design sensibility. Upholding the GTi name meant delivering not just performance, but lasting quality. High-end materials like Alcantara, reinforced fabrics, and specific GTi trim details ensured durability and refinement. The vehicle came equipped with PEUGEOT’s i-Connect Advanced system, complete with voice recognition, wireless smartphone mirroring, and TomTom navigation.
The E-208 GTi is part of the PEUGEOT Electric Promise, which included an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on both the vehicle and battery, a home WallBox charger, and access to over a million European charging stations via the Free2Move charging pass! We cant wait to see one on Irish roads.
