After at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Peugeot->ke68 has unveiled the 208 GTi concept car, this September's Paris Auto Show will bring the unveiling of the 208->ke3444 GTi production version. The new model will arrive on the market in the spring of 2013.

When compared to the standard 208, the GTi version is lower and wider (10 mm front and 20 mm rear) and of course it is much more powerful. Under the hood Peugeot has placed a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine that delivers a total of 197 HP and a peak torque of 203 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission, the new 208 GTi will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and will go up to a top speed of 140 mph.

"With the 208 GTi, our objective was to produce an engaging sporty performance driving pleasure, an experience that speaks immediately to all enthusiasts: performance, power, reactivity, and an aura of respect and desire. While the 205 GTi was naturally our inspiration, the 208 GTi is its modern interpretation.” Gaëtan Demoulin, Peugeot Customer Synthesis Manager.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Peugeot 208 GTi.

peugeot-208-gti

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: peugeot-208-gti
Pros
Cons

2013 Peugeot 208 GTi

Specifications
  • Horsepower: 197
  • Torque: 203
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior and the interior

The new 208 GTi can be simply described in two words: sporty and refined. It will be offered with a special Satin Pearlescent White color (offered for a limited edition of just 50 units), for all the other customers having the possibility to choose between six different exterior colors. This special white will be combined with 17" diamond alloy wheels with Onyx Black paint coated in gloss varnish and a special spoiler.

While looking from the front, customer will notice a new gloss black, mesh grille featuring a 3D chequered motif, with chromed inserts, headlamps with LED DRLs, bright chrome on the fog-amp trim surrounds, the grille upper trim and the door mirrors. Peugeot also added wider side sills and flared wheel arches, plus of course a very cool GTi logo in bright chrome accentuated in red highlights. At the rear the model will be distinguished by a gloss black rear skirt and a very cool exhaust system that emerges with a trapezoid chromed double tailpipe.

For the interior Peugeot added a stimulating color scheme combining red, black and satin chrome. The sports seats are covered in Club Nappa leather and the Caro Weave cloth, while the dashboard features a taut black polyurethane PVC covering with red over-stitching. The sports steering wheels comes in red leather marker and is beautifully completed by an aluminum gear lever knob, with red side insert.

The engine

Under the hood Peugeot has placed a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine that delivers a total of 197 HP and a peak torque of 203 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission, the new 208 GTi will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and will go up to a top speed of 140 mph.

This improved engine has been combined with recalibrated dampers, sports springs, updated anti-roll bars and revised steering for extra firmness. The car sits on 17" diamond Carbon wheels, with Storm paint and matte varnish housing 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear.

Prices

Prices for the new Peugeot 208 GTi will be announced closer to its market launch in the spring of 2013.

The competition

If you are looking for a competitor for the new 208 GTI, Europe is of course the market where you need to look for it. From France we have the Renault Clio Renaultsport, while the British market comes with Vauxhall Corsa VXR.

The VXR is powered by 1.6 liter Turbo engine that delivers 192 HP. Performance numbers are pretty close to the one delivered by the new 208 GTti: 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. As for the new Clio RS - we are still waiting for it to debut. Rumors say that the new model will be offered with a choice of 1.2 and 1.4 turbocharged tCe four-cylinders with output taken close to 200 HP.