Peugeot planned to surprise us with a “new 308 performance model”, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but the internet just gave us an early look at the car.
Ah, there’s nothing like a set of pictures surfacing the web and spoiling the commotion caused by an upcoming car in the process. Of course, we all knew what Peugeot was talking about, but it does feel good to have some confirmation – official or not.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the new 308 GTi – allegedly. Thanks to a Cardisiac forum user, we can now admire the French version of the Golf GTi in all its glory.
At a first glance, the car may look like a normal GT Line 308, but there are a few bits and pieces that point out the obvious. Take for instance the front grille and bumper, which are garnished with a honeycomb mesh.
The big 19 inch rims are a giveaway as well, not to mention the “Peugeot Sport” red calipers with the grooved and ventilated disk brakes. Since power should come from a turbocharged, 1.6-litre engine, then the 255 35 ZR19 tire-wheel combo makes a lot of sense, even though we’re talking about a French hatchback. In addition, the alloys offer an aggressive stance to the car and feel right at home (surely a lower ride-height had something to do with the appearance of the car, as well).
Coming around the back, the Pug exudes a rather common vibe, the round exhausts being the only design cue differentiating it from the regular 308.
Will this Peugeot be an alternative to the Golf? We will find out soon enough, but considering the French automaker has an established heritage – consisting of fast hatchbacks – then surely the 308 GTi will give its German counterpart a run for its money.
Meanwhile, the car is still expected to debut at Goodwood and maybe offer an exhaust note.
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