Photo: Peugeot
Peugeot is currently displaying its brand new 308 GT mildly warm hatch at the Paris Motor Show 2014, available as both a hatch or estate, with petrol or diesel engines linked to manual and automatic gearboxes. As impressive as that diversity is, a mere 205 horsepower has no chance of setting your pants on fire. The news all Peugeot fans have been waiting for finally came today, as Peugeot has semi-officially confirmed plans to launch the hardcore 308 GTi next year.
The announcement comes from Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin, the man in charge of the project's development at a recent press conference. Australian magazine CarAdvice caught the words "308 GTI 250/270" written on screen during the powerpoint presentation and immediately questioned the official about their meaning.
Famin then confirmed the 308 GTI is destined to enter mass production some time next year, the "250/270" part signifying the horsepower output of the engine.
Why do we say that? Because most competitors do this. For example, the Golf GTI has 220 PS in stock form and 230 PS with the Performance Pack, the SEAT Leon Cupra offers either 265 or 280 PS, the Megane RS comes in 265 or 275 flavors and so on.
The super-hot Peugeot's power will likely come from a 1.6-liter THP turbo engine, the same one used by the RCZ R flagship coupe. Peugeot originally wanted to make the 308 into an R model as well, having even shown a concept (the one in our photo).
With the 208 GTi, Peugeot has built a sold reputation in the hot hatch market, not based on speed, but on refinement and class. The little 208 has a softer suspension setup and less intrusive engine noise than its rivals, the Renault Clio RS and Ford Fiesta ST. Expect more of the same from its big brother.
The 308 GT 5-door with a 1.6 THP engine and a manual has just been priced at €30,450 in France. Besides having to use better engine components for the GTi, they will also have to add a limited slip differential, upgrade to sports dampers, lighter alloys with performance rubber and completely replace the exhaust system. Expect the cost of these changes to push the cost of 308 GTi to around €34,000.
Famin then confirmed the 308 GTI is destined to enter mass production some time next year, the "250/270" part signifying the horsepower output of the engine.
Two different 308 GTi versions coming
Most have interpreted this story to mean that Peugeot has not yet decided or will not reveal which output will be used. But we actually thing both 250 HP (184 kW) and 270 HP (199 kW) hot hatchbacks will be offered.Why do we say that? Because most competitors do this. For example, the Golf GTI has 220 PS in stock form and 230 PS with the Performance Pack, the SEAT Leon Cupra offers either 265 or 280 PS, the Megane RS comes in 265 or 275 flavors and so on.
The super-hot Peugeot's power will likely come from a 1.6-liter THP turbo engine, the same one used by the RCZ R flagship coupe. Peugeot originally wanted to make the 308 into an R model as well, having even shown a concept (the one in our photo).
Why offer two versions?
It all has to do with the cost. Getting more power from an engine requires better components (exhaust, intake, turbo, valves… that sort of thing), which in turn adds to the cost of the car. Some buyers simply can't afford a more expensive motor or don't need the power and would rather spend the money on options.With the 208 GTi, Peugeot has built a sold reputation in the hot hatch market, not based on speed, but on refinement and class. The little 208 has a softer suspension setup and less intrusive engine noise than its rivals, the Renault Clio RS and Ford Fiesta ST. Expect more of the same from its big brother.
The competition
It's worth a quick note that almost all of the 308 GTi's rivals use bigger 2-liter engines. By continuing to develop the 1.6 engine they co-developed with BMW all those years ago, Peugeot will end up with a lighter car that's only slightly down on power. We've already seen that an RCZ R can be faster than a Megane RS 265, so the 308, which uses a newer platform, should be even better.The 308 GT 5-door with a 1.6 THP engine and a manual has just been priced at €30,450 in France. Besides having to use better engine components for the GTi, they will also have to add a limited slip differential, upgrade to sports dampers, lighter alloys with performance rubber and completely replace the exhaust system. Expect the cost of these changes to push the cost of 308 GTi to around €34,000.
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