Peugeot is using the 2026 Paris Motor Show to give two concept cars their world debut: the 816 hp E-T16 Concept and the RCZ Vision electric coupé. Both have the brand’s new Hypersquare steering control, which the company plans to introduce in production cars from 2027. The new E-208 GTi is also making its first motor show appearance.

Peugeot has a 1,300 m² stand in Hall 4 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for the 91st Paris Motor Show, which runs from 12 to 18 October. Three concept cars sit at the centre of the display. Two of them are new: the E-T16 Concept and the RCZ Vision. The third is the Polygon Concept, which has already been shown. All three use Hypersquare, Peugeot’s new rectangular steering control.

E-T16 Concept: a 205 T16 tribute with 816 hp

The E-T16 Concept marks the anniversary of the 205 T16’s back-to-back World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986. Peugeot Sport worked on the project. The car is an electric reinterpretation of the hatchback, which Peugeot calls a new “Hyperhatch” segment.

Peugeot quotes 816 hp and a 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) time of 16 seconds. According to the company, that makes it the most powerful Peugeot ever made. Only the 208 T16 Pikes Peak prototype, which set the American hill-climb record in 2013, comes close. The brand also says the concept’s light signature and next-generation Digital i-Cockpit point to the design of the next E-208.

RCZ Vision: a coupé to test future technology

The RCZ Vision follows on from the RCZ coupé built between 2009 and 2015, which Peugeot says is now a collector’s car. It uses the brand’s “Feline Future” design language. Underneath is an architecture based on the STLA One platform. It also has a 1,000 V electrical system and a solid-state battery developed with Factorial Energy.

Peugeot quotes these figures for the concept:

  • 500 hp
  • a range of up to 600 km (373 miles)
  • consumption of 11.5 kWh/100 km

The interior has Hypersquare and an i-Cockpit with transparent MicroLED displays.

Hypersquare and steer-by-wire from 2027

Peugeot has used the Polygon Concept as a test bed over the past year for technology due to arrive from 2027. The two main items are Hypersquare and steer-by-wire, which removes the mechanical link between the steering control and the wheels. The company says the combination gives sharper responses at speed and makes manoeuvring easier. Visitors can try two Hypersquare simulators next to the Polygon. The concept also previews a horizontal take on Peugeot’s three-claw light signature.

E-208 GTi makes its show debut

Peugeot revealed the production E-208 GTi in June. Paris is the first motor show where it is on display. Peugeot describes it as the first fully electric GTi. Its 281 hp electric motor gives a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds. On the stand it sits next to a 1986 205 GTI 1.9 with 130 hp and the 9X8 Hypercar that races in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

More equipment across the range

The full passenger-car range, from the 208 to the 5008, is on show. For orders placed since 1 October, Peugeot has replaced the Allure and GT trims with Allure Plus and GT Plus, which add more standard equipment. The company says prices have not gone up. Depending on the model, the extra equipment includes:

  • connected navigation
  • Highway Assist 1.0
  • wireless phone charging
  • a reversing camera or parking sensors

The Connect Plus subscription that comes with the car now lasts four years instead of six months. This applies to cars with navigation fitted as standard or as an option. The 208 and 2008 also get a new Envy special edition.

Peugeot also restated its electric range figures (WLTP combined):

  • E-308: up to 450 km (280 miles)
  • E-5008 230 hp Long Range: 668 km (415 miles)
  • E-3008 230 hp Long Range: 701 km (436 miles). Peugeot says this is the longest electric range on the SUV market.

What it means

The two concepts show where Peugeot is heading on design, battery technology and a new way of steering. The trim changes add equipment to the cars it sells today. Hypersquare is the clearest sign of what is coming next. Some buyers may find a steering control without a conventional wheel a big change when it arrives from 2027.

Facts: Peugeot concepts and E-208 GTi

  • E-T16 Concept: 816 hp, 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) in 16 seconds
  • RCZ Vision: 500 hp, up to 600 km (373 miles) range, 11.5 kWh/100 km, solid-state battery, 1,000 V architecture, STLA One platform
  • E-208 GTi: 281 hp, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.5 seconds
  • Hypersquare and steer-by-wire: due from 2027

The Paris Motor Show is open to the public until 18 October.

Source: www.media.stellantis.com