27.6.14
Wheelsology
The 208 GTi 30th delivers a more intense
driving sensation enhanced with a new Euro-6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine developing 300 nm of torque and maximum power increased to a symbolic 208 hp. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it has exceptional traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings. The exterior can also be distinguished with an optional paint finish - a coupe franche - where the rear is separated distinctively by a sharp dividing line from which the colours are cleanly divided.
Its sporty and assertive temperament can also been seen in its stance and look, in particularly by its dual-material livery, separated by a sharp dividing line. It will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November 2014.
"As with any project of this type, there was a convergence of ideas and needs. Following on from the RCZ R, Peugeot Sport proposed that the Brand make a more radical version of the 208 GTi. At the same time the Brand thought about how best to celebrate 30 years of the Peugeot GTi in 2014," said Maxime Picat, CEO, Peugeot.
"The 208 GTi 30th builds on the virtues of a strong identity, great attention to detail and in the style of the 208 GTi, and takes on a more radical and brutish fashion, making the link with the incisive character of its dynamic performance," added Julien Kerlidou, Product Manager 208.
From the outset, the exclusive and more radical temperament shines through with the 208 GTi 30th. The suspension is lowered by 10 mm, the track widened by 22 mm at the front and 16 mm at the rear, and larger wheels are specified giving it a pronounced sports car posture on the road.
The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18-inch wheels finished with matt black rims. The front wheels house large red Peugeot Sport labelled brake calipers. The window trim strip, which finishes with a signature paying homage to the illustrious 205 GTi, is also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a '208 GTi 30th logo'. At the rear, the round twin chrome tail pipes ensure the sound of the new engine is fully expressed to enhance the aural driving experience.
"Based on the 208 GTi, itself already a very effective and well powered car, our ambition was to focus on behaviour on the road, by further increasing its effectiveness. For this we have developed the traction and a potential for more grip, mainly on the front axle. The benefits are essentially in passing speeds, driving sensations and feedback," Pierre Budar, 208 GTi 30th Project Manager.
The new 1.6-litre THP engine, meeting the Euro-6 emissions standard, is fitted with stop & start. Its maximum torque is increased to 300 nm and maximum power to 208 hp, an immediate reference to the model name. The power and torque are transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios, and a Torsen differential - both taken from the RCZ R, allowing the full potential of the vehicle to be exploited.
The steering calibration has also been the subject of much development work, both on a track circuit and on the road. The objective was to obtain a linear level of assistance appropriate for the character of the car, taking account of the effect produced by the Torsen differential.
Associated with new damper settings and spring rates, as well as revised anti-roll, the steering is informative. All together it offers both precision and agility. The 208 GTi 30th can count on a braking system to match the performance achieved, with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers.
The sporty temperament of the 208 GTi 30th can also be seen in the figures - 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds and standing kilometre in 26.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is also of a high level with with 5th gear acceleration from 50-70 mph possible in 6 seconds. Its performance and sharper handling are achieved with efficiency that is unprecedented in the segment, with CO2 emissions of just 125 g/km.
Posted in: 208 GTi,30th Anniversary,Anniversary,Europe,Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014,Limited/Special Edition,Maxime Picat,Peugeot,Shows/Expo
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