Peugeot Marks GTi Return With E-208 Presentation at Rétromobile

Peugeot presents the new E-208 GTi at Rétromobile 2026 in Paris, marking the return of the GTi badge alongside historic models. Explore the full story.

PEUGEOT is officially opening 2026 as the year of the GTi’s return, choosing a highly symbolic stage for this comeback: the Rétromobile show in Paris. From January 28 to February 1, the brand will present a large-scale exhibition that brings together the past, present, and future of its most iconic performance badge.

The centrepiece of the display is the first public appearance in France of the new PEUGEOT E-208 GTi. Producing 280 hp, the electric hot hatch is shown in white, a deliberate reference to the original PEUGEOT 205 GTi. More than a model debut, this presentation confirms the GTi nameplate’s full return to PEUGEOT’s lineup, now reinterpreted for the electric era. The market launch of the E-208 GTi is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

Surrounding the new model is a carefully curated selection of cars that built the GTi legend. PEUGEOT is showcasing all key versions of the 205 GTi, from the early 1.6-litre 105 hp model to the 130 hp 1.9-litre flagship, alongside the 205 CTi convertible, the rare Dimma wide-body conversion, and the limited-edition 205 GTi Griffe. A special highlight is the PEUGEOT 205 Turbo 16, the car that secured two World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986 and became a defining icon of the Group B era.

Against this historical backdrop, the E-208 GTi appears less as a break with tradition and more as its natural evolution. Beyond its 280 hp electric motor, the car features a lowered suspension, wider track, a limited-slip differential, reinforced braking hardware, and dedicated high-performance tyres. These elements underline PEUGEOT’s intention to preserve the GTi character not just in name, but in driving dynamics.

Choosing Rétromobile as the setting for this return reflects a clear strategy. Before looking ahead, PEUGEOT is grounding its future in a celebrated heritage, reinforced by the presence of GTi clubs, original technical exhibits, and rare historic vehicles. The message is clear: GTi is not a short-term revival, but a core part of the brand’s identity.

As the market for compact electric performance cars continues to grow, the timing of the GTi’s comeback appears deliberate. PEUGEOT is signalling its readiness to translate a storied badge into a new technological context, while remaining faithful to the values that made GTi synonymous with driving pleasure, character, and restrained sporting design.