Peugeot 208 GTi Concept

Peugeot and GTi. Two words which entered the automotive history books with the arrival of the original 205 GTi. Since that car, Peugeot have never managed to produce another hot hatch that matched the 205 GTi’s go-kart like handling. And thanks to the more neutral handling characteristics of modern cars, chances are they never will. Despite that, they’ve decided to have another go at the GTi, this time using the 208 as a starting point. The Peugeot 208 GTi concept is powered by the same 200 horsepower, 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine available in the RCZ coupe. The transmission is a six-speed manual driving the front wheels. A wider track and some larger brakes are designed to improve the GTi concept’s handling and braking over the standard car. On the outside there are a number of changes designed to help the 208 GTi stand out. It features chequered-flag motifs that embellish the metal mesh of the grille, and the lower bar is decorated with the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag. However when the car goes to the UK it will wear the Union Jack. Other upgrades include double chromed exhaust tailpipes, new wheels, different bumpers and lower sill skirt extensions. On the inside, the 208 GTi concept is fitted with a smaller diameter leather wrapped steering wheel, matching gear stick, double stitched Nappa leather sports seats, LED backlighting, and Alcantara trimmed dashboard. The Peugeot 208 GTi concept will make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month. And while it’s just a concept for now, a production version shouldn’t be too far behind.