Move Over VW, Stellantis Is Making Its Own GTi

- Peugeot will revive the GTi moniker in a hotter version of the E-208 small hatchback
- The model could borrow bits from the Abarth 600e and the Opel Mokka GSE SUVs.
- Peugeot hasn’t had a GTi in its line-up since the previous generations 208 and 308.
There’s still life in the hot hatch world, and Peugeot isn’t letting electrification dull its edge. The brand is bringing back the GTi badge, and this time, it’s going on an EV.
Peugeot has confirmed it will launch a GTi version of the all-electric E-208, marking the return of its storied performance line. The new hot hatch is set to make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13, and it could pave the way for future GTi variants across the French automaker’s lineup.
The E-208 GTI will be the automaker’s first performance-focused electric vehicle and targets buyers who want something engaging to drive. Peugeot boss Alain Favey said relaunching the GTi brand will help it “reconnect” with its past and history while also establishing a link between its road cars and its involvement in the World Endurance Championship.
More: VW Promises A Whole Family Of ‘Mind-Blowing’ GTIs, But There’s A Catch
“I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the E-208 as soon as possible,” Favey told Autocar. “We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced. We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”
The return of the GTi will effectively replace the short-lived Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) badge. The latter was only applied on the 508 in sedan and SW forms, despite initial plans of an entire lineup of electrified performance variants.

The GTi version of the E-208 could borrow powertrain components from the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and the upcoming Opel Mokka GSE. The mechanically-related SUVs generate from 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) up to 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) from a single electric motor. Power is transmitted to the front wheels with the help of a limited-slip differential.
More: Stellantis Turns Small SUV Into An Electric Rally Weapon
Given that the Peugeot E-208 is a bit smaller and lighter, it should be pretty nippy, perhaps capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 6 seconds. The model will most likely benefit from styling and chassis upgrades, communicating its sporty character.
Favey added that, apart from the E-208, Peugeot will consider launching a new combustion-engined GTi if that’s what customers want.
“We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well,” he said. “We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”
Thanos Pappas contributed to this story.
