PEUGOT’S 208 GTi celebrated its 30th anniversary special edition at the 2014 Paris Motor Show recently.
Thirty years after the legendary 205 GTi, the new and more powerful 208 GTi delivers intense driving sensations thanks to its new Euro 6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine.
Peugeot has left its mark on the history of motorsport over many decades and today that DNA can now be found in the genes of the RCZ R, pumped up by Peugeot Sport. Celebrating 30 years since the original 205 GTi, it is now the turn of the 208 GTi to pass through the expert hands of Peugeot Sport, to give it a more radical character with extra soul, which is a response to enthusiasts wanting a sportier and more passionate experience.
The suspension has been lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. Its larger wheels stand out, giving it a well planted stance on the road, clearly indicating its sporty intent.
The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the fog lamps and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18
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The front wheels house large red Peugeot Sport labelled brake calipers. The window strip, which pays homage to the illustrious 205 GTi, is finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a 208 GTi 30th logo. At the rear, the rounded twin chrome tail pipes ensure the sound of the new engine is fully expressed to enhance the driving experience.
Uniting red and black in a two-tone and two-material treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new lacquered red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp, oblique straight-cut line. The 208 GTi 30th will also be available in top of the range Pearl White and Ruby Red, historical colours of GTi cars.
Inside, the compact steering wheel enhances driving sensations. The instruments, located high up, are directly in view. This facilitates the reading of information, which becomes instantaneous, without the driver having to take their eyes off the road. The driving position is ideally complemented by a specific bucket seat developed by Peugeot Sport.
Pierre Budar, 208 GTi 30th project manager, said:
“Based on the 208 GTi, itself already a very effective and well powered car, our ambition was to focus on behaviour on the road, by further increasing its effectiveness. For this we have developed the traction and a potential for more grip, mainly on the front axle. The benefits are essentially in passing speeds, driving sensations and feedback.
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The new 1.6L THP engine, meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard, is fitted with Stop & Start. Its maximum torque is increased to 300 Nm and maximum power to 208bhp.
The power and torque are transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios, and a Torsen limited slip differential – both taken from the RCZ R – allowing the full potential of the vehicle to be exploited.
The ESP and traction control are recalibrated, so as to be less intrusive when driving and to set free the vehicle’s traction and allow the Torsen to operate. The advantage provided by the Torsen and the reduced anti-roll at the front are felt in particular when accelerating in a corner by maintaining tight trajectories, and when braking, by improving stability.
The lowered centre of gravity and redefined suspension geometry and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 ZR 18 tyres optimise grip and ensure remarkable road holding. The steering calibration has also been much developed, both on a circuit and on the road.
Associated with new damper settings and spring rates, as well as revised anti-roll, the steering is informative. All together it offers both precision and agility. The 208 GTi 30th can count on a braking system to match the performance achieved, with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers.