Peugeot E-208 GTi Bows As A 280 HP EV Hot Hatch Reboot

Revealed ahead of the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours race happening this weekend is the hot new Peugeot E-208 GTi.

Ahead of the 2025 edition of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race that takes place this weekend, French automaker Peugeot revealed its latest metal, and the Stellantis-owned marque elected to reboot one of its most iconic nameplates.

Aptly, the new Peugeot E-208 GTi pictured is exactly what you reckon it be – a much hotter version of the regular E-208 EV hatch. Clearly, this ‘Pug has got placed the rivalling Alpine A290 compatriot its crosshairs and, on paper at least, things look pretty promising.

Essentially, this is a hotter version of the regular E-208 model Peugeot already builds.

Inspired by the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi, the Peugeot E-208 GTi was developed by Peugeot Sport. Part of this dramatic makeover sees said motorsports arm of the French silver lion marque transplant the e-motor from the Alfa Romeo Junior.

Paired with a mechanical limited-slip diff, said e-motor develops 280 HP and 345 NM to drive the front wheels. In turn, 0-100 KM/H sprints take just 5.7 secs whilst enroute towards a claimed 180 KM/H V-max – respectable considering its 1,596 KG kerb heft.

Apart from the added Alcantara and obvious touches referencing the 205 GTi original, much of the base E-208 model's cabin design and layout is retained.

Juicing said motor is the same CATL-supplied 54 kWh NMC-type battery pack as brimmed in the non-GTi variant of the E-208. Peugeot does claim that its software has been tweaked using developments pioneered by its hybrid-powered 9X8 Le Mans racer.

The latter sees reduced temperatures whilst under high loads, as well as enhance energy recuperation. Additionally, it accepts up to 100 kW DCFC input to see 20-80% re-charges done in 30 minutes, whilst a full charge yields between 350 KM and 433 KM (WLTP).

Completing the E-208 GTI's hot hatch credentials are the bucket seats brimmed in its cabin.

Next, Peugeot also brimmed the E-208 GTi's chassis with hydraulic bum-stops plus a rear anti-roll bar, re-tuned steering for more direct and precise responses, 30 MM lower ride height, as well as 56 MM (front) and 27 MM (rear) widened tracks.

As for rolling stock, the E-208 GTi dons bold 18-inch wheels featuring 205 GTi-inspired looks. Naturally, each are shod in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres too. Also notable are the massive 355 MM front brake rotors grabbed by quad-piston calipers.

Bold 18-inch wheels are inspired by the 205 GTi, and each come shod in gippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Visually, the E-208 GTi is also set apart by its inclusion of a front lip, as well as a new rear spoiler plus rear diffuser combination. The latter even boasts an integrated fog light, just like a racecar.

On board, the 205 GTi references continue with the red-black panels splitting the bucket seats, as well as red floor mats. Otherwise, this is largely the same E-208 cabin, albeit with more Alcantara trims added, even in the in the steering wheel.

Apart from the rivalling Alpine mentioned, this ‘Pug is poised to rival other things like the MINI JCW Electric and perhaps the MG4 Xpower too.