PEUGEOT CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF ICONIC GTi BADGE AT RÉTROMOBILE SHOW

PEUGEOT is celebrating the return of the brand’s iconic GTi badge with an exciting exhibition at the Rétromobile show where the new PEUGEOT E‑208 GTi will make its French debut alongside a line-up of legendary PEUGEOT 205 and 208 GTi models.

At the Rétromobile show, held in Paris from 28 January to 1 February 2026, which brings together the best of vintage and classic cars, members of the public will be able to discover the impressive legacy of the GTi badge and discover its future with the new PEUGEOT E-208 GTi – the brand’s first ever electric GTi.

PEUGEOT will showcase heritage models from the GTi line‑up, namely the PEUGEOT 205 and PEUGEOT 208 GTi, which helped shape the iconic GTi badge. Meanwhile, their successor – the new PEUGEOT E‑208 GTi – which is scheduled for release in the second half of 2026 is presented for the first time in France, in the same iconic white colour reminiscent of the very first 205 GTi from 1984.

More than forty years after the unveiling of the very first PEUGEOT 205 GTi, the historic selection of models will form a guard of honour on the stand to welcome the arrival of the new PEUGEOT E‑208 GTi nameplate. Reinterpreting the DNA of its predecessors, the PEUGEOT E-208 GTi delivers the same feedback, agility, and driver connection that made the originals legendary, but now with even more power and driving pleasure with 280hp and 345Nm of instant torque. Its design still carries the same discreet yet elegant styling that famously embodies the French charisma of ‘GTi style’.

Appealing to all automotive enthusiasts, the large PEUGEOT stand at the Rétromobile show will celebrate this GTi passion, which has been fuelled by decades of driving pleasure, performance, and the uniquely French charisma of its distinctive design.

All show visitors are invited to explore the PEUGEOT stand to enjoy the brand nostalgia and share their passion with representatives of the PEUGEOT GTi clubs who will be present and providing invaluable support with their range of historic vehicles displayed on the stand. Visitors will also be able to admire a unique exhibition dedicated to the GTi universe featuring an engine, steering wheels, alloy wheels, and even a PEUGEOT GTi soapbox car.

Rétromobile show details and opening times

The Rétromobile show is open to the public from 28 January to 1 February, held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The PEUGEOT stand is located in Hall 7.1.

Press Evening: 27 January: 18:00 to 22:00 CET (17:00 to 21:00 GMT)

28 January: 10:00 to 19:00 CET (09:00 to 18:00 GMT)

29 January: 10:00 to 20:30 CET (09:00 to 19:30 GMT)

30 January: 10:00 to 22:00 CET (09:00 to 21:00 GMT)

31 January: 10:00 to 20:30 CET (09:00 to 19:30 GMT)

1 February: 10:00 to 19:00 CET (09:00 to 18:00 GMT)

Historic PEUGEOT GTi Models Displayed at Rétromobile 2026

PEUGEOT 205 GTi 1.6 105 hp – the original

The PEUGEOT GTi that started it all in 1984: a small, spirited car that was both chic and sporty, capable of competing with much larger, more powerful, and more expensive rivals. The new PEUGEOT E‑208 GTi presented at Rétromobile borrows its emblematic white colour, and its driving DNA.

PEUGEOT 205 GTi 1.6 115 hp – added energy

In 1986, the lively 1.6‑litre engine of the PEUGEOT 205 GTi, enhanced by PEUGEOT Talbot Sport, gained 10 hp. Thanks to this boost, the 205 GTi remained a benchmark among hot hatchbacks — a segment whose growth it had already driven significantly.

PEUGEOT 205 GTi 1.9 130 hp – the ultimate version

Also in 1986, the PEUGEOT 205 GTi went up a gear with the arrival of a 1.9‑litre version topping the range. With its increased displacement, it now offered 130 hp along with revised running gear. Faster and more capable than ever, the PEUGEOT 205 GTi earned legendary status in its own lifetime.

PEUGEOT 205 CTi – the wind‑through‑your‑hair GTi

The spirit of the GTi in a convertible: the PEUGEOT 205 CTi. Launched in 1986, this Cabriolet adopted the GTi’s 115 hp 1.6‑litre engine (later replaced by a 105 hp 1.9‑litre) and its upscale styling. It quickly became a favourite among fans of small, sporty convertibles.

PEUGEOT 205 GTi Dimma – a hint of 205 Turbo 16

With its dramatically flared arches, the 205 GTi revisited by Belgian coachbuilder Dimma Design recalls the legendary 205 Turbo 16. Homologated by PEUGEOT in 1989, this polycarbonate kit’s wide arches and wraparound bumpers was available for both the 1.6 and 1.9 GTi. Dimma later offered similar transformations for the 306, 106 and 206.

PEUGEOT 205 GTi Griffe – inspired by Jean Todt

At the 1990 Paris Motor Show, PEUGEOT unveiled the 205 GTi Griffe. Inspired by the personal 205 GTi of Jean Todt, then director of PEUGEOT Talbot Sport, this limited edition of 3,000 units stood out with its elegant Fluorite Green paint, anthracite wheels and Grey “Ouragan” leather interior with green stitching. As sporty as ever — and even more chic.

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 – World Champion

In the mid‑1980s, Jean Todt set out to enter PEUGEOT in the World Rally Championship. To be accepted into the revered Group B category, the car first had to be produced in 200 road‑legal units. The 205 Turbo 16 on display at Rétromobile is one of these: a four‑wheel drive, mid‑rear 1.8‑litre engine, Turbo 16‑valve delivering 200 hp – or up to 300 hp with the PEUGEOT Talbot Sport kit. Beyond these radical specs, the 205 T16 also benefitted from the balance and lightness of the 205 GTi, giving it an edge over heavier rivals. The result: two World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986.

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.