Peugeot releases pictures and info of the 208 GTi Concept, which will be introduced to the world at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The car is based on the 3-door version of Peugeot’s new 208 hatchback and is powered by a supercharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder THP unit delivering 200 hp and 275 Nm of peak torque, coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox that transfers the power to the front axle. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds.
From an aesthetic point of view, the model uses a distinctive aerodynamic kit featuring side sills as well as a number of specific badges spread all across the car’s body. In the cabin we have a sporty steering wheel coated in perforated leather, sports seats trimmed with Nappa leather, capped alcantara dash with contrasting stitching, a roof lining that is entirely black, aluminum pedals, LED technology backlighting the surrounds of its high-tech instruments and the mandatory info-tainment system with internet connectivity.
At the moment Peugeot has not officially confirmed whether this car will eventually hit the market or not, but the fact they are about to introduce it in Geneva is a sign that they are at least thinking about it. In comparison to the standard model, the 208 GTi Concept boasts a 36 mm wider track, which will measure 1,506 mm at the front and 1,503 mm at the rear. It also comes with a set of 5-spoke 18″ alloys fitted with 302 mm discs at the front and 249 mm discs at the back, mated to red-painted calipers. Did you notice the lower bar on the front grill sporting the Union Jack? That can be changed into a French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag too, if you feel like. More info on the 208 GTi can be found on the Press Release right after the jump.
View the full Peugeot 208 Gti Concept photo gallery
GTi Concept: The re-generation of a legendary icon
The first sensations are completely visual and evident as soon as the GTi Concept is revealed. Instantly characterised by being the performance icon of the 208, it features chequered-flag motifs that embellish the metal mesh of the grille, and the lower bar proudly affirms its origin by displaying the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or the Union Jack when in the UK.
Other distinctive exterior features include: double chromed exhaust tailpipes, aero lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions that all capture the signature badging. Placed within the grille is the brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo that can also be found on the rear quarter panels, as a salute to its illustrious predecessor - the legendary 205 GTi.
On the inside, the passenger compartment is a true GTi environment, with a characteristic sports leather stitched steering wheel, the treatment of which is replicated on the sides of the gear lever, double stitching in the seats and enhanced with LED backlighting to the surrounds of the high-tech instruments. The sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section, and cloth in the centre with an embossed tartan motif, and a leather head restraint.
The red perforated leather steering wheel continues the check motif, and has a pronounced lower flat section, which carries the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. To complete the sports interior, the fascia capping is dressed in Alcantara with grey stitching, the roof lining is entirely black and the pedals are aluminium. The centre console architecture and ventilation vents all feature a graduated red to black effect, and the chequered-flag theme is also present on the aluminium door crossbars.
The GTi Concept takes its propulsion from the powerfully-compact RCZ THP 200 engine. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.6-litre THP engine puts its driver at the controls of a machine that captivates the potential for a great driving experience. Like all 208s, a small steering wheel greets the driver and with the GTi Concept, this accentuates the dynamic capability of this car with the enhanced power available. With the raised instrument panel in line of sight, the information is clearly visible from the dials that have a brushed aluminium background and very precise graduations.
The GTi Concept also benefits from the improvements that characterise the 208, taking full advantage of its compactness and lightness, delivering road-holding that is both excellent and precise. To enhance the dynamic experience, it has a 36mm wider track, at the front and at the rear, and a rear roof spoiler to generate down force at speed. For optimum braking performance, the GTi Concept is equipped with four discs; 302mm diameter at the front and 249mm at the rear, set off by red-painted brake callipers.
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