Update: While the 308 GTi drawing did appear on Peugeot’s official document, it seems that the French brand took it off from designer Cavalino who had posted it on his blog last June.

Even though we’ve seen prototypes of what are widely believed to be GTi versions of both the 308 five-door hatchback and its estate sibling, Peugeot officials have been rather silent on the matter. At least in person, because as this document on the French brand’s new 1.2-liter PureTech turbocharged engine proves, they’re flaunting around a sketch of the new 308 GTi…

We doubt that the new petrol engine has anything to do with the 308 GTi, as it’s not powerful enough for the moniker, being available in three outputs with 82PS (81hp), 110PS (108hp) and 130PS (128hp), so we gather someone might have thrown it in the sketch by mistake.

As seen here, the GTi differs from the regular hatchbacks from the blacked out grille with red accent bars, the redesigned front bumper with enlarged corner vents that do away with the lights, new alloy wheels through which we see red brake calipers, side skirts and, of course, the red “GTi” logo on the fender. A different roof spoiler and a new rear bumper, possibly with a diffuser, should be included.

We believe that the 308 GTi will get a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with around 220-230 horses, along with all the customary chassis upgrades to improve handling and feel.

Peugeot has also introduced a concept for an even higher performance variant of the series, the 308 R, which featured the modified 270PS (266hp) 1.6-liter turbo from the RCZ R concept, but the French have not yet confirmed a production version.

By John Halas

Many thanks to Elli E. for the find!

PHOTO GALLERY