Peugeot revives the T16 spirit with a 600kW electric hyperhatch

Peugeot has reimagined one of its rallying greats for the electric age, unveiling an E-T16 Concept with three motors, 600kW and a claimed 0–100km/h time of just 2.5 seconds.

The wild-looking hatch celebrates 40 years since the 205 T16’s back-to-back World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986. It also offers a glimpse of the next-generation E-208, previewing its design direction, lighting and steer-by-wire controls.

Developed with Peugeot Sport, the E-T16 puts one electric motor at the front and two at the rear. Its torque-vectoring system adjusts drive between the axles and individual rear wheels according to available grip.

Peugeot calls it a “hyperhatch”, and the performance claims support the billing. Alongside that 2.5-second sprint to 100km/h, the company says it can reach 300km/h from rest in 16 seconds.

Keeping that performance available for more than one acceleration run has been a priority. The battery uses a motorsport-derived cooling system that draws heat through the sides of its cells, rather than their bases. Peugeot says the concept can complete three laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, covering more than 60km, in Performance mode without limiting power.

An 85kWh battery and 800V electrical architecture provide a claimed WLTP range of around 400km, with a 10–80 per cent charge taking less than 15 minutes.

There are three preset driving modes, including a track setting, plus a fourth that drivers can customise. These alter power delivery, torque distribution and suspension settings. Braking hardware includes 380mm discs at all four corners, while a vertical hydraulic handbrake adds another rally-car reference. Michelin tyres measure 275mm wide at the front and 315mm at the rear.

Visually, the concept mixes familiar T16 cues with Peugeot’s new “Feline Future” design language. Its grey paint and red line around the body recall the original car, although the latter is now illuminated.

The old rear-side air intake has been repurposed to house the charging port and door-opening mechanism. And, just like the 205 T16, the entire rear body section tilts open. This time it exposes two electric motors and suspension hardware rather than a turbocharged petrol engine.

Wide wheelarches, large cooling openings and bonnet vents give it plenty of presence. A twin rear diffuser incorporates adjustable aerodynamic blades, while a sizeable rear wing completes the package. Peugeot’s three-claw lighting signature takes on a new horizontal arrangement at both ends.

Inside, the E-T16 introduces the next version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, with a curved 21-inch display above its Hypersquare steering control. The steer-by-wire system is tuned for performance use, while a separate screen within the steering control can show speed and lap times.

Carbon-fibre bucket seats, four-point harnesses, a red roll cage and a compartment for two helmets reinforce the track theme.

For buyers, the more relevant development is what this previews for the next E-208. Peugeot says the lighting treatment, cabin layout and Hypersquare technology point towards the production hatch, although the concept’s steering-mounted display is a specific feature of the E-T16.