The GTi models are not dead. At least not quite yet. Now Peugeot's new director is considering reviving the cars. But without an internal combustion engine.
The new Peugeot director, Alain Favey, is considering reviving the brand's GTI models.
The issue of bringing back the GTI name is something Favey has been dealing with since taking over the role of Peugeot director from Linda Jackson, as part of a larger management shake-up at Stellantis.
The GTI designation has not been used on a 208 model since the second generation of the car arrived in 2019. It has also not adorned a Peugeot car since the 308 GTi was released in 2021.
Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) was originally intended to fill the void left by the GTI models in Peugeot's model range.
But it was only used on one version of the 508. But that department was put to rest in the summer of 2024. That happened after that model was taken out of production.
During one of his first meetings with the press as Peugeot boss, Favey was asked if there were plans for an e-208 GTI. He replied that he is very interested in associating the Peugeot brand with something 'meaningful', its past and its heritage.
He said Peugeot will look back at the brand's heritage and examine how it can be adapted to the modern world. Nothing is off the table in their review of this, and certainly not the GTi designation, Autocar believes.
It would make sense for any future GTi models to use the same setup as the Lancia Ypsilon HF and Abarth's 600e. These share the e-208's e-CMP platform. Both send 237 hp through the front wheels and use a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The Abarth 600e is also available with 278 horsepower. But it's unlikely that a new Peugeot will get as much horsepower due to the internal Stellantis heraki.
If Peugeot management gives the green light to an e-208 GTI, it will likely also result in a sporty version of the Opel Corsa Electric. The cars are one hundred percent identical, apart from a few lights and logos.
It is unclear whether Peugeot or Opel consider an electric GTi to be commercially viable, especially as the Corsa and 208 are expected to be replaced next year by new generations based on Stellantis' new STLA Small platform.
On the other hand, the Abarth 600e has shown that the e-CMP platform can easily accommodate a more powerful engine. Therefore, sporty versions of the 208 and Corsa could be launched as the last models of the current generation.
