The new Peugeot E-208 is starting to be revealed, with the E-T16 Concept prototype showing us its key features.
Although the electric return of the new RCZ has been one of Peugeot’s biggest surprises at the Paris Motor Show, the lion brand also unveiled a second prototype during the event: the E-T16 Concept, which pays tribute to the legendary 205 T16 rally car... and gives us a glimpse of the future E-208’s design.
Developed in collaboration with Peugeot Sport, this 816 HP electric beast is capable of accelerating from 0 to 300 km/h in just 16 seconds. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the French company is planning to release it as a competitor to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which boasts 555 HP and will be produced in a limited edition (the diamond-shaped brand plans to manufacture a total of 1980 units).
What will indeed make its way to the streets is its Feline Future design language, which blends certain elements from the past with clearly futuristic ones. This is evident in the distinctive front lighting feature, where the front optical groups consist of three horizontal lines that visually recall the slats of the grille on the old 205. Other elements intended to evoke memories of the original model include the completely vertical shape of the rear window and the square-shaped headlights.
The interior features the new generation of i-Cockpit, now equipped with the Hypersquare steering wheel. The upcoming E-208 will also have a by-wire steering system, meaning it lacks a mechanical connection. This electronic system is expected to offer more comfortable and precise driving, endowing the electric utility vehicle with the agility typical of the French brand’s products.
The Peugeot E-T16 Concept has a range of 400 km
The Peugeot E-T16 Concept uses three electric motors (one on the front axle and two on the rear). Of course, it also features a torque vectoring system to optimize the vehicle’s handling. Its braking system consists of four 380 mm discs, while the tires are equipped with Michelin tires that are 275 mm wide in the front and 315 mm wide in the back.
The manufacturer states that the E-T16 Concept is capable of completing three laps around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit (over 60 km) in Performance mode without any loss of power. “The E-T16 CONCEPT reinterprets the lines of the future Peugeot E-208, pushing every proportion to its extreme. It’s a radical design that honors our heritage and transforms power and sport into a true language of design,” says Matthias Hossann, Peugeot’s design director.
Source | Stellantis