Peugeot has revived its rallying heritage with the E-T16, an electric reimagining of the iconic 205 T16 from the 1980s. This concept car blends retro design elements with modern technology, featuring a powerful 805-horsepower tri-motor setup. The E-T16 is not just a nod to the past but a bold statement of Peugeot’s electric future, leveraging advanced engineering to deliver both performance and sustainability.
A modern take on a rallying legend
The original 205 T16 dominated the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986. Peugeot produced 200 road-legal versions, detuned to around 200 horsepower but retaining its aggressive, function-over-form design. The E-T16 pays homage to this legacy while pushing the boundaries of what an electric vehicle can achieve. Its three electric motors—one at the front, two at the rear—achieve 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. The 85 kWh battery supports 15-minute fast charging and offers a claimed 248-mile range, though not under Nürburgring-style conditions. This performance is backed by an 800-volt architecture, enabling 10 to 80 percent charging in just 15 minutes using 350kW fast charging, ensuring practicality alongside power.
Design that blends old and new
The E-T16’s exterior combines retro elements with modern aggression. Its matte grey finish, known as gris Winchester, fat wheel arches, and sculpted bonnet echo the original, while a redesigned front end features three slim light bars and an illuminated logo. The rear wing, inspired by the ‘cat ear’ design, and adjustable diffuser enhance aerodynamic performance. The entire rear section opens, revealing a pair of electric motors and the carbon tub, a stark contrast to the combustion engine and turbo of the original. The wheels, finished in micro-blasted silver, complement the car’s aggressive stance, while the air extractors and cooling intakes show its performance focus.
Inside, the i-Cockpit evolves with a 21-inch panoramic display and the innovative Hypersquare steering system. This steer-by-wire setup replaces the traditional wheel, eliminating vibrations and offering a 170-degree lock-to-lock range. The vertically mounted hydraulic handbrake adds a touch of rally-inspired functionality.
A nod to the past, a leap forward
The E-T16 joins a trend of automakers revisiting 1980s icons. The car’s 805bhp and advanced torque distribution system, which adjusts power delivery based on driving conditions and mode, highlight its technological prowess. Simulations suggest it can complete three laps of the Nordschleife without battery derating, proving its endurance and performance credentials.
The Hypersquare system, set to debut in the next-gen E-208, signals broader changes in Peugeot’s lineup. As the brand reasserts its identity, the E-T16 serves as both a tribute to its rallying roots and a statement of its forward-looking vision. With its 380mm diameter brake discs and chunky Michelin rubber (275mm front, 315mm rear), the E-T16 ensures stopping power matches its acceleration.