Peugeot 308 GT: Fast Francais Motoring Channel Staff - 21/February/2008 | 
Peugeot 308 GT
Peugeot's new sports hatch has 130kW of
power from its turbo 4-cylinder petrol motor
Drilled alloy pedals, metal gear knob and
a new steering wheel are the most obvious
upgrades to the Peugeot 308 GT's interior
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Paris, France —
Only a few weeks after Peugeot launched the new 308 European hatch
in Australia, priced from $25,990, and the sporty version broken cover. French automaker Peugeot has taken the covers off the new 308 GT, the first hot hatch in the new 308 range. It is being shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, and will go on sale in Europe from April. Like
the 207 range, this new 308 model is also likely to be followed by an
even more powerful 308 GTi version, which will get an engine with even
more grunt. The new 308 GT is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo
4-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels. It outputs 130kW
(175hp) @ 6000rpm and 240Nm of torque @ 1600rpm. The engine
can also squeeze out more torque for short periods of acceleration
using the overboost feature, which takes maximum twist to 260Nm. This
feature helps when overtaking or improving standing starts. Peugeot
claims that the turbo engine "provides excellent in-gear acceleration
and levels of driveability normally associated with a larger capacity
engine." Peugeot
hasn't said how fast the 308 GT will be from zero to 100km/h, but it is
expected to be around 8.5 seconds, making the vehicle more a mid-level
performance hatch than a full blown hot hatch. As well as a
performance boost, Peugeot has given the 308 GT a sportier, more
suitable design to reflect its power increase. It sits on 18-inch alloy
wheels with high performance tyres and the new model has also been
lowered to give a sportier look. The new front apron has a more
aggressive design than standard 308 models, while the rear end gets new
bumper treatments with greyed-out sections and a stubby roof
spoiler. It is strange that no exhaust pipe is showing at the rear, as this aspect is often used a performance-enhancing design cue. Standard
equipment will include 6-speed manual gearboxes, a strong compliment of
airbags, stability control and a number of sporty items such asan
aluminium gear knob, alloy foot pedals and a trendy new steering wheel.
The
new GT model is expected to compliment the current Peugeot 308 range,
but may not be coming to Australia until later in the year. Related articles:
- Peugeot
308 RC Z Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 207 GTi (Road Test)
- Peugeot Flux Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi & SW (2007)
- Peugeot
207 GT (Road
Test)
- Peugeot 207 CC: Pricing (2007)
- Peugeot 407 Coupe HDi (Road Test)
- Peugeot 307 HDi
(Road Test)
- Peugeot 207 GTi (2007)
- Peugeot 4007 SUV (2007)
- Peugeot Spider 207 (2007)
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