The return of an electric legend: Peugeot has published the first official images of the new production e-208 GTi
This weekend, the attention of the entire automotive world is turning to France, where the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race is taking place. For Peugeot, the moment has a double meaning: in addition to participating on the circuit, the manufacturer is celebrating exactly 100 years since its first appearance at this endurance competition. Taking advantage of this special occasion, the French brand has revealed the first official images of the definitive production version of the new Peugeot e-208 GTi, the first 100% electric hot hatch in the brand's history.
If the car's shape looks familiar, it's no coincidence. A highly realistic prototype was first shown last year at Le Mans. The enthusiastic reactions from fans convinced officials to keep the aggressive design almost intact for the production model that will reach showrooms.
Aggressive design and retro elements: A homage to the historic 205 GTi
Unlike other performance electric models within the Stellantis group, Peugeot has chosen a slightly more refined, but clearly sporty, aesthetic approach. The new e-208 GTi receives a pronounced front spoiler with a deep grille, flanked by the optical blocks with the signature light signature in the form of "lion's claws".
The flared wings conceal tracks that are substantially wider than a standard e-208 (+56 mm on the front axle and +27 mm on the rear), giving the car a muscular stance. The rear is dominated by a generous spoiler and a discreet black aerodynamic diffuser.
The piece de resistance, however, is the 18-inch wheels, whose retro design is directly inspired by the famous "pepperpot" rims of the iconic Peugeot 205 GTi from the 80s. The visual package is completed by discreet neon red accents applied to the grille, wings and under the spoiler, reminiscent of the red stripes specific to the old GTi models.
Digitalized interior with sporty DNA
Inside, the atmosphere is dominated by a classic combination of sportiness and modern technology. The cabin is personalized with:
- Strongly contoured sports seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with contrasting red stitching.
- Compact steering wheel with flattened lower and upper section, partially covered in Alcantara.
- Bright red floor mats and seat belts, a direct reference to the interior design of the grandfather 205 GTi.
- Dedicated graphics for the i-Cockpit digital instrument cluster and central multimedia screen, both adopting visual themes with red accents.
Circuit Dynamics: Double the Power of the Past
Although Peugeot has kept some of the secrets for the official press conference on Friday, June 12, the confirmed technical details place the new e-208 GTi at the top of its segment, sharing the technical architecture (e-CMP) with models such as the Abarth 600e or the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.
To efficiently manage resources on bends, Peugeot Sport engineers lowered the ground clearance by 30 mm and equipped the front axle with a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential. The suspension received shock absorbers with dedicated hydraulic stops and a unique rear stabilizer bar, and the braking system now includes massive 355 mm discs at the front with four-piston calipers, all shod in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Powertrain | Single electric motor (front-wheel drive) |
| Maximum Power | 278 hp / 280 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 345 Nm (254 lb-ft) |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 5.7 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 54 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | ~350 km (217 miles) |
Price estimate and availability in Romania
Peugeot will exhibit three production cars in the Le Mans competition village, painted in the colours of the French flag (blue, white and red). All final details regarding official figures and European price lists will be announced on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (Romanian time), by the brand's CEO, Alain Favey.
How much will it cost in Romania? Considering that the standard top-spec version of the e-208 is priced around €35,000, and its main rival, the Alpine A290, starts at around €38,000 in Western markets, we can expect the starting price for the Peugeot e-208 GTi in Romania to be between €42,000 and €45,000 (approximately 210,000 - 225,000 RON), before any eco-bonuses are applied through the Rabla Plus program.
Availability: The official opening of orders for the European market, including Romania, is scheduled for the end of this year (autumn/winter 2026), with the first deliveries to customers to be made early next year.