Peugeot celebrate iconic GTi label at Rétromobile show

Peugeot launched their ‘GTi Year’ with an exhibition at the Rétromobile show in Paris earlier IN 2026, where the public discovered the Peugeot 205 and 208 GTi models that shaped the legend, along with their successor, the new Peugeot E-208 GTi, presented for the first time in France, in the iconic white colour of the very first 205 GTi.

On their stand, Peugeot celebrated GTi passion, a passion fuelled by enduring driving pleasure, performance, and the uniquely French charisma of its distinctive design.

Attention, driving enthusiasts – 2026 marks the major comeback of the Peugeot GTi label, with the launch of the new Peugeot E-208 GTi scheduled for the second half of the year.

The first highlight of the season was at the famous Rétromobile show (January 28 to February 1), at Paris Porte de Versailles, where Peugeot showcased the models that gave birth to the GTi legend, the Series 2 Peugeot GTi line-up, namely the Peugeot 205.

More than 40 years after the unveiling of the first Peugeot 205 GTi, the historic models formed a guard of honour to welcome their successor, the new Peugeot E-208 GTi. More GTi than ever, it delivers even more driving pleasure, best-in-class performance with its 280hp, unique sensations, and a discreet yet elegant design that embodies the French charisma of the ‘GTi style’.

The new Peugeot E-208 GTi was shown for the first time in France in its white launch colour, a nod to the iconic paint of the first Peugeot 205 GTi.

Visitors were able to admire a unique exhibition dedicated to the GTi universe, featuring an engine, steering wheels, alloy wheels… and even a Peugeot GTi soapbox car.

Peugeot extended thanks to the Peugeot GTi clubs and to L’Aventure Peugeot for their collaboration and support in providing the range of historic vehicles displayed on the stand.

Peugeot Series 2 GTi Models Displayed at Rétromobile 2026

Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 105hp – the original: the Peugeot GTi that started it all in 1984: a small, spirited car that was chic and sporty, capable of competing with much larger, more powerful, and more expensive rivals. The new Peugeot E-208 GTi presented at Rétromobile borrows its emblematic white colour, and its DNA.

Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 115hp – added energy: in 1986, the lively 1.6-litre engine of the Peugeot 205 GTi, enhanced by Peugeot Talbot Sport, gained 10hp. Thanks to that, l’enfant terrible de Sochaux remained a benchmark among hot hatchbacks, a segment whose growth it had already driven significantly. But Peugeot wasn’t done with the 205 GTi…

Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 130 hp – the ultimate version: also in 1986, the Peugeot 205 GTi entered a new dimension with the arrival of a 1.9-litre version topping the range. With its increased displacement, it now offered 130hp along with revised running gear. Faster and more capable than ever, the Peugeot 205 GTi earned legendary status in its own lifetime.

Peugeot 205 CTi – the wind-through-your-hair GTi: The spirit of the GTi in a convertible: the Peugeot 205 CTi. Launched in 1986, this Cabriolet adopted the GTi’s 115hp 1.6-litre engine (later replaced by a 105hp 1.9-litre) and its upscale styling. It quickly became a favourite among fans of small, sporty convertibles.

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 – world champion: in the mid-1980s, Jean Todt set out to enter Peugeot in the World Rally Championship. To be accepted in the mythical Group B category, the car first had to be produced in 200 road-legal units. The 205 Turbo 16 on display at Rétromobile was one of those: four-wheel drive, mid-rear 1.8-litre engine, Turbo 16-valve delivering 200hp, or up to 300hp with the Peugeot Talbot Sport kit.

The 205 T16 also benefited from the balance and lightness of the 205 GTi, giving it an edge over heavier rivals. The result was two World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986.