Peugeot has revealed the E-T16 Concept, an all-electric tribute to the 205 T16 that won the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986. It has three electric motors with a combined 816 hp, and the company calls it the most powerful Peugeot ever. The concept also previews the design and cockpit of the next-generation Peugeot E-208.

A rally legend recast for the electric era

The E-T16 Concept marks 40 years since the 205 T16 won back-to-back World Rally Championships. Peugeot developed it with its in-house performance arm, Peugeot Sport. The company describes the result as the first of a new “Hyperhatch” segment.

According to Peugeot, the only car in its history that comes close in performance is the 208 T16 Pikes Peak prototype. That car set a record at the American hill climb in 2013.

Three motors and 816 hp

There is one electric motor on the front axle and two on the rear. Together they produce 816 hp. Peugeot says the power-to-weight ratio is below 2 kg per horsepower. The company has not given a kerb weight.

A torque-vectoring system splits torque in real time between the two rear wheels and between the front and rear axles, depending on grip. There are three preset driving modes, including a Track mode with no restrictions. A fourth mode can be set up by the driver. Each mode changes power delivery, torque split and suspension settings.

Peugeot quotes 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.5 seconds and 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) in 16 seconds. Stopping power comes from four 380 mm discs. A vertical hydraulic handbrake is borrowed from rally cars. The Michelin tyres are 275 mm wide at the front and 315 mm at the rear.

Built to keep performing

Peugeot Sport says it worked to prevent derating, where an EV cuts power to protect an overheating battery. One measure is a racing-derived “Side Cooling” system that cools the cells through their side walls instead of their base. The company claims the car can complete three laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, more than 60 km (37 miles), in Performance mode without any power limitation.

For everyday use, the concept has an 800V architecture and an 85 kWh lithium nickel manganese battery. Peugeot quotes up to 400 km (249 miles) of WLTP combined range and a 10–80% charge in under 15 minutes.

Design that previews the next E-208

The car introduces Peugeot’s “Feline Future” design language, which will appear first on the next E-208. The brand’s three-claw lights have been turned horizontal at both ends: three slim illuminated bars frame a lit Peugeot badge.

“E-T16 CONCEPT reinterprets the lines of the future PEUGEOT E-208, pushing every proportion to the extreme. A radical design that celebrates our heritage and transforms power and sportiness into a true design language.” — Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Design Director

There are several direct references to the 205 T16:

  • Winchester Matte Grey paint, close to the original grey
  • a backlit red line around the whole body, echoing the original’s red pinstripe
  • a charging port in the air intake ahead of the rear wheel, which once fed the combustion engine
  • a rear body section that tilts open in one piece

With the rear section raised, you can see the two rear motors, the suspension components, a red roll cage and a storage area that Peugeot says can hold two helmets. The aero package includes large bonnet vents, three front cooling intakes, a twin diffuser with adjustable blades and a “cat-ear” rear wing.

A first look at the new i-Cockpit

Inside is the next generation of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit. It has a curved 21-inch panoramic display and the Hypersquare steer-by-wire control, which takes inspiration from the 9X8 endurance racer. For this car, Hypersquare gets a central display for information such as speed and lap times. That screen sits where the airbag would normally go, which Peugeot says is possible because the car uses four-point harnesses. Apart from that, the company says the Hypersquare matches the version planned for the future E-208.

The cabin uses carbon fibre, anodised aluminium and technical mesh. The carbon-shell bucket seats are trimmed in woven fabric and PELINOVA, a recycled leather made from offcuts of untanned leather.

What it means

The E-T16 is a concept, and Peugeot has not announced plans to produce it. Its main job is to preview the lighting, interior and steering technology of the next E-208, and to show what Peugeot Sport can do with an electric powertrain.

Facts: Peugeot E-T16 Concept

  • Motors: three electric (one front, two rear)
  • Power: 816 hp
  • 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 2.5 seconds
  • 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph): 16 seconds
  • Battery: 85 kWh, lithium nickel manganese, 800V architecture
  • Range: up to 400 km (249 miles) WLTP combined
  • Charging: 10–80% in under 15 minutes
  • Brakes: four 380 mm discs
  • Tyres: 275 mm (front), 315 mm (rear)
  • Price and availability: not announced

Peugeot has not said whether the E-T16 Concept will go into production. The design and cockpit features it previews are due on the next-generation E-208.

Source: www.media.stellantis.com