Peugeot exhibited the Peugeot E-T16 Concept at the Paris Motor Show, a powerful electric hatchback that serves as a preview of the future generation of the E-208, expected in the second half of 2027. This concept pays homage to the manufacturer's iconic rally car.
The vehicle celebrates the 40 years of titles won by the 205 Turbo 16 in the World Rally Championship, specifically in the 1985 and 1986 editions, when Finnish drivers Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen were behind the wheel.
Peugeot coined the term 'hyperhatch' to classify this new model. Developed in collaboration with the Peugeot Sport division, the E-T16 is equipped with three electric motors: one in the front and two in the rear. An advanced system manages the power distribution between the axles and wheels according to available traction.
According to the manufacturer, the model's performance allows it to reach 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and achieve 300 km/h in 16 seconds. Its 85 kWh battery uses an 800-volt architecture, enabling charging from 10% to 80% in less than 15 minutes. The projected range reaches up to 400 km under the European WLTP cycle.
A battery cell cooling system, adapted from racing, allows the car to complete three laps on the German Nürburgring circuit, covering over 60 km, without suffering any loss of power. The design incorporates matte gray and red piping, reminiscent of the 205 T16's look, with the classic's rear air intake transformed into the charging port.
The rear bodywork features a full opening for mechanical display. Furthermore, the lighting signature composed of three horizontal bars, both front and rear, anticipates the design of the next 208. Inside, the vehicle has four-point harnesses, a red Saint Anthony style headrest, and carbon fiber shell seats upholstered with recycled leather sourced from handbag industry scraps. There is also a dedicated space to store two helmets.
The steering wheel, named Hypersquare, has a rectangular shape and operates via electronic control, meaning steer-by-wire technology, without a direct mechanical connection to the wheels. Peugeot had previously presented this idea in the Inception concept in 2023 and plans to integrate it into the next generation of the 208. In terms of maneuverability, the steering becomes more agile, requiring less wheel rotation from the driver.
In the E-T16, the four-point harnesses eliminate the need for airbags, and the center of the steering wheel houses a configurable screen. The instrument panel features a 21-inch curved screen. Maintaining the tradition of rally cars, the handbrake is hydraulic and positioned vertically. Peugeot has not yet confirmed whether the new generation of the 208 will be launched in the Brazilian market.