Tuesday 12th November 2013

Peugeot CEO confirms 208 R

More good news from Peugeot as a model above the 208 GTI gets the green light

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Often when we speculate on new cars, it's far more in hope than expectation. Take for example our musings on the Peugeot 208 R. It just made sense, we figured, to make a mega 208 after the Pikes Peak and N24 success. Furthermore, with the RCZ R using a development of the engine used in the GTI, surely it could make its way down to the hatch too? It apparently fits the 308 after all...

'R' aerokit option not confirmed yet...

But now we have a 208 R confirmed from the horse's (lion's?) mouth. In an interview with Automotive News Europe on Peugeot's upmarket future, Peugeot's CEO Maxime Picat said: 'Above the 208 GTI, we will soon have an even sportier 208 R, which is a good example of what we would like to add to top the 308 range'.

Exciting news for hot hatch fans then, though presumably the 208 R wouldn't get the full 270hp to avoid stepping on the toes of the 308 R. Picat didn't add whether 208 or 308 R would arrive first. With the RCZ R beginning UK sales in early 2014, we would have to assume some time later next year.

When we spoke to the Peugeot Sport engineers a few weeks back, their response to the 208 R question was very much a 'why not?' non committal stance. This news perhaps explains why they were so cagey!

[Source: Autocar via ANE]

 

 

[kayzee]

I still think the 208 GTi is the best looker compared to the Fiesta ST and Clio 4 RS... so a hotter version would be great! Especially if they can make it look a bit tougher.

[Johnnytheboy]

I'm betting on a pretty small power hike - 225bhp tops.

[Tickle]

would be nice if it was lighter than the 208 GTI with less 'toys' too.

[Roono]

Tickle said:

would be nice if it was lighter than the 208 GTI with less 'toys' too.

For that model they then need to add five extra letters : - allye

[Tickle]

Roono said:

For that model they then need to add five extra letters : - allye

If only they would!

[ManaghGB]

Hopefully this will spur Ford on to build a Fiesta RS.

I'm not holding my breath though

[brasse]

The RCZ R-engine and 208 weight could be promising with around 230 bhp pr. tonne.

[dukebox9reg]

Tickle said:

Roono said:

For that model they then need to add five extra letters : - allye

If only they would!

Really doubt in that the 'R' has been used on the RCZ and the market they are probably aiming at cant remember the original 106 rallye etc.

[Ollieb7]

Just build me a new original 205 1.9 GTI and i will sign whatever to disclose that i will drive it at my own responsibility to avoid all these heavy safety regs.. Otherwise just give up Peugeot as i can tell you now this car will disapoint.. :-(

[dukebox9reg]

ManaghGB said:

Hopefully this will spur Ford on to build a Fiesta RS.

I'm not holding my breath though

Well I believe Renault have said they will do a spicier Clio and now with this you think Ford would but I reckon you'll just get a phase 2 Mountune.

Its a shame though that it wont me a full fat 270 with an 1000-1100kg weight. Probs 220-230 tops I reckon.

[WCZ]

will be crap and unfocused

[Tickle]

Can’t see why they can’t offer a Rallye-esq version, The phase 2 Rallyes were made to accompany the range topping GTI’s at the time. It wouldn’t cost any extra in production costs (apart from the obligatory tacky decals). Mechanical LSD, brakes, no ridiculously big rims. As mentioned the market has changed, still it would be nice Peugeot.

[ajh38]

Can't wait. Just hope it's the 270. Why bother not making it that?!

[Liquid Tuna]

Tickle said:

Can’t see why they can’t offer a Rallye-esq version, The phase 2 Rallyes were made to accompany the range topping GTI’s at the time. It wouldn’t cost any extra in production costs (apart from the obligatory tacky decals). Mechanical LSD, brakes, no ridiculously big rims. As mentioned the market has changed, still it would be nice Peugeot.

No market I guess.

[Ecosseven]

The current GTI is around £19k list price so I'm guessing this may be around £21-22k? Good in concept but unless they make it very focused not sure it will sell. Also the bloody steering wheel obscures the bottom of the dials!

[ukaskew]

Ollieb7 said:

Just build me a new original 205 1.9 GTI and i will sign whatever to disclose that i will drive it at my own responsibility to avoid all these heavy safety regs.. Otherwise just give up Peugeot as i can tell you now this car will disapoint.. :-(

Presumably ever pedestrian you would ever end up near would also need to sign it, given the current pedestrian safety regs which a 205 would undoubtably fail.

[dukebox9reg]

ukaskew said:

Ollieb7 said:

Just build me a new original 205 1.9 GTI and i will sign whatever to disclose that i will drive it at my own responsibility to avoid all these heavy safety regs.. Otherwise just give up Peugeot as i can tell you now this car will disapoint.. :-(

Presumably ever pedestrian you would ever end up near would also need to sign it, given the current pedestrian safety regs which a 205 would undoubtably fail.

Not really, look at Eagle producing the E-Types (their not crashed). I reckon a company should do the 205 along the same lines. Fit the newer lightweight 206 alloy 180gti engine on throttlebodies, update the interior and suspension and your away. Reckon even at 30-35k people would buy them. Theyll be made in such a way that crash tests aren't required.

[Tickle]

Are Pug1off not offering this, albeit with a GTi-6 engine?

[dukebox9reg]

Tickle said:

Are Pug1off not offering this, albeit with a GTi-6 engine?

I don't know that but I do know the GTI-6 engines weighs a considerable bit more than the 180 GTI engine which doesn't help what 205 is obviously all about.

[Andy ap]

Yawn...