Peugeot To Officially Revive The “GTi” In The New 308

Peugeot is considering the possibility of returning the 308 GTi, this time as a fully electric vehicle. It would be the next step after the venerable sports badge returned to the e-208 GTi in June, with company CEO Alain Favey saying a powerful version of the electric compact makes a lot of sense.

The sporty GTi badge returns in June with the premiere of the e-208 GTi at the 24 hours of Le Mans. Favey has confirmed its desire to create a whole range of sports electric vehicles, with the e-308 being a logical candidate. The previous generation of the 308 GTi was discontinued in 2021.

“Of course, I would like the full range of GTi models, so we are looking at the options and possibilities that our technology gives us,” said Favey. “We certainly want the GTi to be something really special, the pinnacle of what we promise. The 308 would obviously make a lot of sense there.”

However, he emphasized that creating the e-308 GTi model would not be a simple task due to several challenges. “The challenge is to find the technology that will allow us to achieve this at a price that is still acceptable,” he explained. “That’s what we’re struggling with right now – how to find the right technology and achieve a good price-to-performance ratio.”

Earlier this year, Autocar reported on plans by Opel’s sister brand Vauxhall to produce a powerful electric Astra GSE. It should use 277 hp front-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential. Since the e-308 and Astra share the same platform within the Stellantis group, it is likely that the French sports compact would also receive identical mechanics.

When asked about the further expansion of the GTi range, Favey confirmed that, unlike some other brands, Peugeot does not plan sports SUVs with that designation. “I don’t think an SUV in the GTi version makes much sense,” he said shortly.

Speaking about the e-208 GTi model, the first electric vehicle with that label, Favey expressed optimism. “Many are excited about the arrival of this car. There were also a lot of questions about why we decided to go electric,” he said.

“What personally makes me most happy is to see how those questions turn into delight when people get behind the wheel and discover how exciting it is to drive an electric car with 280 horsepower, whose chassis is the absolute top in the sports compact class,” added Favey. “I’m looking forward to seeing how those, let’s say, ‘die-hard petrol fans’ will turn into fans of the electric world through the 208 GTi. “

• Also See: Stellantis Intends To Produce Peugeot Cars In China