As promised earlier this month, Peugeot blew the covers off a special edition model of the 208 GTi to mark the 30th anniversary of the brand’s GTi badge. Scheduled for a preview at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and a debut at the Paris Auto Show this autumn, the Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary is a more radical version of the standard model.
Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 1.6-liter THP petrol engine has been tweaked to develop 208hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). The car also features a Torsen limited slip differential from the RCZ R and specific suspension and steering settings, which should grant a more interesting driving experience.
At least that’s what the performance specs suggest: the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.5 seconds and the car covers a kilometer (0.62 miles) from standstill in 26.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is also good, with the car going from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) in 5th gear in 6 seconds. Despite the performance stats, Peugeot says CO2 emissions are just 125 g/km.
Styling-wise, the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary looks more aggressive, thanks to the 10mm (0.39in) lowered suspension, widened track (22mm at the front, 16mm at the rear), larger 18-inch matt black wheels and matt black grille surround, foglamp bezels, side skirts, wheel arch extensions and door mirror caps. At the rear, the rounded twin chrome tail pipes and the larger spoiler make the car stand out from standard 208 GTis.
Finally, the two-tone paint job is similar to the 308 R Concept, but Peugeot says the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary will also be available in Pearl White and Ruby Red, historical colors of GTi cars. Sales begin in November 2014.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
