E-208 GTi PROJECT CHIEF CHRISTOPHE AURIAULT REVEALS HOW PEUGEOT SPORT HELPED CREATE THE GTi OF THE FUTURE

The PEUGEOT E-208 GTi is the first all-electric GTi, redefining the celebrated performance badge for a new generation. To faithfully reimagine a GTi for the electric era, it required PEUGEOT to take inspiration from its motorsport past as well as the state-of-the-art engineering currently used in its most advanced competition cars.

Developed extensively with the expertise of the PEUGEOT Sport team, based in Satory, France, the E-208 GTi draws engineering knowledge directly from the brand’s racing programmes including the team behind the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar driven in the World Endurance Championship.

Christophe Auriault, GTi Project Chief, reveals the input PEUGEOT Sport had in creating the new hot hatch and why an electric GTi is so different to a combustion engine version:

“Motorsport plays an important part in the development of every PEUGEOT road car, and none more so than the new E-208 GTi. Driving this car is a completely new experience and delivers a different view of what a GTi with Battery Electric Vehicle engineering represents compared to a GTi with an internal combustion engine.”

Auriault adds that the new powertrain technology has opened opportunities to innovate: “It is important to find a way to offer something that is different to the combustion engine experience and the new BEV power unit lets us play with the car.”

Delivering on the legendary qualities of performance, engineering precision, and driving pleasure the GTi badge has long stood for, the early prototype E-208 GTi, revealed at Le Mans last year, is the most powerful electric hot hatch in its class, producing 280hp and 345Nm of torque.

Its 54kWh battery benefits from optimised thermal management technology found in the World Endurance Championship with the PEUGEOT 9X8. Learnings from PEUGEOT Sport’s specialists in notoriously intensive endurance racing shaped the cooling and energy management system, particularly in maintaining consistent power delivery during sustained high performance driving.

“Working very closely with our colleagues from the World Endurance Championship programme for E-208 GTi’s battery cooling system has been key. Many competitors produce very powerful cars but can only use that power for a few seconds before the battery overheats. We have a specific development for the battery cooling system to avoid power deteriorating.”

Adding to the E-208 GTi high-performance prowess is a powerful electric motor produced in Trémery, in eastern France – a factory historically specialised in engine manufacturing, now dedicated to electric powertrains as part of the Emotors joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer.

Handling honed with French motorsport flair

With the collaboration of the PEUGEOT design team in Vélizy, near Paris, and their unique experience in competition, the influence of PEUGEOT Sport is evident throughout the chassis and handling characteristics of the car.

The E-208 GTi offers a power to weight ratio of 175hp per tonne, an advantage that the engineering team sought to exploit by comprehensively revising the suspension, steering, and balance. Ride height has been reduced by 30mm and the track width has been widened by 56mm at the front and 27mm at the rear. The springs, shock absorbers with hydraulic stops and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are all tuned for sharper response and greater precision.

Ariault adds: “We changed the balance of the anti-roll bar stiffness between the front and rear. On the standard car we are at around 30% to 70% front to rear spilt. On this car it’s 50-50 distribution and that changes the feel of the car completely.”

Reinforcing the performance integrity expected from a true GTi, the E-208 GTi features a mechanical, rather than electronic, limited-slip differential integrated into the gear reducer. This performance-led decision enhances agility and stability through hard cornering.

Ariault said: “Mechanical is better than electronic in this case. When you push it hard, it’s not dangerous and it gives you a feeling that’s different to other cars.”

High-performance braking system to suit all driving styles

There are three driving modes on the E-208 GTi – Normal, Eco, and Sport. To support the variety of driving, the braking system featured on the E-208 GTi was designed under the supervision of PEUGEOT Sport engineers and employs 355mm front discs with fixed four-piston calipers developed for optimal cooling and consistent braking performance.

Auriault highlights the importance of this system: “You can’t drive a car like a racing driver if you don’t have a good feeling from the brakes. And to have a good braking feel you need to have only one kind of braking system. So we only have hydraulic braking in Sport mode. It’s the reason there are bigger discs and calipers at the front and standard size on the rear because we need to stop the car only with the discs, not with the regeneration system. It’s a deliberate choice.”

Electronic systems on the E-208 GTi have been tuned to support an unfiltered driving experience. A specific ESP Sport mode reduces driver assistance intervention to maximise engagement, particularly on the track.

E-208 GTi ready for the road or track

However, on the road, PEUGEOT Sport’s expertise have honed a vehicle that’s ideal for daily use. Thanks to its battery with a gross capacity of 54kWh, optimised management and the natural efficiency qualities of the E-208, the GTi version offers a range of 200 plus miles (WLTP mixed cycle).

The E-208 GTi can be recharged in 4 hrs 40 mins from a 7.4 kW AC charger. The new ‘80% charge limitation’ function, available in alternating current (AC), also allows the charge level to be adapted to daily use. For more intensive uses, such as on the track, the E-208 GTi can be charged from 20-80% in less than 30 minutes from a 100 kW DC rapid charger.

Development work is ongoing as Auriault and his team continue refining steering calibration and power delivery to achieve the precise dynamic balance expected from a GTi ahead of the model’s launch.

The new PEUGEOT E-208 GTi pays homage to the icons that came before it while boldly taking the GTi philosophy into a new era. Informed by competition, engineered by specialists, and designed to deliver authentic driving pleasure, it represents the future of PEUGEOT performance shaped by the heritage of PEUGEOT Sport.

ENDS

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ABOUT PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT offers the widest EV lineup of any European mainstream brand, covering all needs from urban cars to commercial vehicles. The French charisma, the driving sensations and the Designed to last constitute the brand values of PEUGEOT. Established in over 140 countries, PEUGEOT sold almost 1.1 million vehicles worldwide in 2024. Already the leader in electric B-segment and LCV vehicles in Europe, PEUGEOT is now offering a complete lineup of 12 models, of which nine are Passenger cars and three LCVs. PEUGEOT offers 8-year/100,000-mile PEUGEOT CARE coverage on the battery and the vehicle of all its core electric passenger cars for complete peace of mind. PEUGEOT products incorporate the latest technology, showcased by the Panoramic i-Cockpit and ChatGPT® on board across the entire range. PEUGEOT is also committed to educating younger generations by supporting initiatives, such as Born Free and Under The Pole, to bring them closer to nature. Furthermore, PEUGEOT's passion for performance and innovation is showcased through the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar, which competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.