The maker of the iconic 205 GTi might not use the GTi moniker anymore on its sporty models. Instead, it could replace it with Peugeot Sport Engineered, a nameplate that debuted on the Concept 508, shown in Geneva last March.
AutoExpress reports that the decision is still pending, but if they do go ahead and drop the GTi nomenclature, that’s because the next 208 hot hatch might go electric.
Also Watch: Take A POV Ride In The New Peugeot 208 GTI
While some inside Peugeot are convinced that a new naming scheme is the best way to go forward, others are not so sure that would be the best move. Peugeot UK’s execs believe there’s no reason to swap the GTi with Peugeot Sport Engineered, and they gave the Porsche Taycan as an example, which is also electric (although it sits in a very different league), but retains the Turbo suffix.
Looking to keep the GTi badge alive in the upcoming top-of-the-line 208, a Peugeot UK representative said that it has “great resonance and heritage within the UK, and the GTi name would be a perfect fit” [for such a car].
Whatever road Peugeot decides to take, one thing is certain: the next 208 GTi/Sport Engineered will be quicker than the outgoing model that needs 6.5 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) and tops out at 230 km/h (143 mph). The Volkswagen Polo GTI, Ford Fiesta ST and Renault Clio RS rival is powered by a 208 PS (205 hp / 153 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
