News Source: autoblog.com

There's another hot hatch on the block wearing the letters "GTI," but it's not a Volkswagen. It's the latest performance model from Peugeot, based on the 308.

Set to debut at Goodwood later this month, the new 308 GTi is the latest road-going model from the Peugeot Sport competition department. It follows the smaller 208 GTi and the less potent 308 GT in the Lion marque's growing roster of hot hatches.

Powering the new Golf-sized pocket rocket is a 1.6-liter turbo four, offered in two states of tune, with either 250 or 270 horsepower – the latter packing a Torsen limited slip differential to keep it all on the straight and narrow. It's an approach similar to that which rival Seat has taken with the Leon Cupra (available with 261 hp or 276). That's said to be enough to propel PSA's new performance model to 62 in six seconds flat (or 6.2 in the less potent version). Top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour.

Other features include an upgraded aero kit, dropped suspension, wider track, enhanced rolling stock, bigger brakes, and full LED headlamps. The interior has been worked over as well, with upgrades like red stitching, flat-bottom steering wheel, sill plates, aluminum pedals and shifter, and sport buckets upholstered in Alcantara and full-grain leather.

Peugeot has also spruced up the 308's rather bland styling with a two-tone red and black paint job, split front to back in a style that may not be everyone's cup of tea, but is fast becoming a Peugeot performance signature. Fortunately for those who aren't enamored, it's an option – at least, that is, in markets where Peugeot participates altogether, which (given enticing new products like these) we're beginning to regret does not include ours.

308 GTi BY PEUGEOT SPORT: THE CAR FOR THRILL-SEEKERS HAS ITS WORLD DEBUT NEXT WEEK AT GOODWOOD FOS

- Twice the appeal and desirability: not one, but two 308 GTi versions available with 250hp and 270hp
- Both developed by PEUGEOT SPORT and designed to provide a thrilling driving experience
- World debut at the 2015 Goodwood Moving Motor Show and Festival of Speed

Ever since the acclaimed PEUGEOT 308 was voted 'European Car of the Year', enthusiasts have been asking one question – when will the Brand launch a more extreme performance-oriented 'hot hatch' version following recent sportier GT Line and GT models?

Now we can welcome ...... the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT.

Powered by a highly-efficient 1.6-litre THP Stop&Start (S&S) petrol engine and extensively developed by PEUGEOT SPORT, this latest PEUGEOT GTi is offered in two versions with 250hp and 270hp outputs both delivering impressive performance. Inspired by a rich PEUGEOT pedigree in GTi models, the 308 GTi has been developed to have a capable chassis that produces top-level road holding and driving pleasure, with fun and ultimate performance enhanced by the Torsen® limited-slip differential equipping the 270hp model.

The clean lines of the modern exterior style takes the Brand's now-familiar design language in a more assertive and contemporary direction. Inside, the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit cabin has been enhanced to reflect the sporting nature of the car, with additional detailing to signify this performance flagship.

Exhibiting exceptional dynamic prowess was the number one goal during development, but the Brand's reputation for class-leading environmental credentials has not been sacrificed. The powerplant is the most efficient in its sector, with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km and fuel economy of 47.1mpg – impressive numbers for such a capable and sports-oriented model.

The 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT makes its world debut at this year's Goodwood Moving Motor Show and Festival of Speed, over 25th – 28th June.

"PEUGEOT is proud to add the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT to its stable. This is a car that has generated great anticipation among enthusiasts aware of PEUGEOT's history of hot hatches in the B and C-segments. From the 205 GTi to the latest 208 GTi and RCZ R, the Brand has sold its sportier models to over 800,000 delighted customers. What's more, the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT is a symbol of the Brand's dynamism and upmarket shift." Maxime Picat, PEUGEOT Brand CEO

308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT - IN DETAIL

A stunning and purposeful exterior

From the very beginning, PEUGEOT knew that designing the most radical model in its range, then creating a top class driving experience for a particularly demanding set of enthusiastic-driving customers was a tall order. Rising to the challenge required a development team infused with a passion for performance and the obvious solution was to challenge the experts: PEUGEOT SPORT engineers, with a wealth of international expertise in the field of motor sport and top level racing.

The visual enhancements they have made to create the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT are obvious from every angle. Boasting exclusive styling front and rear, the car sits 11 millimetres lower to the ground than the standard 308. The nose features full LED headlamps, flanking a new black radiator grille with a horizontal chequered pattern and gloss-black finishing. The same motif is echoed on the air intake, which is surrounded by sequential LED indicators and a red detail strip (chrome on Ultimate Red cars). Below the bumper, two front spoilers boost aerodynamic performance.

In profile, the redesigned door sills hint at the car's aggressive nature, while the sleek new rear design features a gloss-black section housing the twin exhaust pipes. The GTi signature of the car is clearly visible on the front wings and tailgate.

With a wider track of 1,570mm at the front and 1,554mm at the rear, the 308 GTi has been engineered to offer exceptional grip. GTi 250 versions are shod with 225/40 R18 92W Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres on 'Diamant' alloy wheels, while the GTi 270 versions feature the new 19-inch 'Carbone' light-weight alloy wheels and are equipped with Michelin Super Sport 235/35 R19 91Y tyres, which showcase the 380mm front discs, complete with solid red four-piston calipers and PEUGEOT SPORT signature.

A 'Coupe Franche' two-tone design is exclusive to the GTi 270 version – RRP £1,300 - and contrasts the vibrant new 'Ultimate Red' colour with Nera Black. The 308 GTi is also available in the new Ultimate Red, Pearlescent White, Magnetic Blue, Nera Black, Cumulus Grey as well as the standard colour, a non-metallic Hurricane Grey.