MG to launch MG3 Trophy Championship concept,

• MG Trophy Championship concept created to highlight in house engineering, design and calibration capabilities at SMTC UK in Longbridge
• Developed by team of specialist MG engineers within a short time frame
• Latest MG continues the marque’s tradition of competitive club racing
• 204 BHP 1.5T VTi Tech engine with fully adjustable Macpherson strut front and coil over rear suspension with a full body shell weight optimisation programme
• Based on current production MG3 available for under £10,000
• Launched in Sept 2013, the current production MG3 is available with 0% APR from just £99 a month or with zero deposit

Last weekend’s MG90 event saw the iconic MG marque celebrate its 90th year anniversary at Silverstone circuit last weekend, with a display of historic, current and future MGs, including three concept vehicles.

The MG3 Trophy Championship concept, based on the current MG3 production vehicle platform and created to highlight in-house engineering, design and calibration capabilities by SMTC UK at Longbridge, continues the MG tradition of club racing. Modifications include tuning of the 1.5 litre, 106PS, MG3 engine currently featuring 136Nm torque, to achieve a max power output of 204 BHP (207 PS) and 260Nm of torque. 

The Trophy vehicle has also undergone a full body-lightening programme without compromising on stiffness, boasts a limited slip differential, a fully adjustable Macpherson strut front set up with bespoke rear anti roll bar, adjustable front splitter and twin plain adjustable rear spoiler.

The racing concept was created by a team of engineers, managed by Vehicle Engineering Specialist Adrian Guyll, and based at SAIC Motor’s state of the art European Design and Technical Centre (SMTC), located alongside MG Motor UK at the Longbridge site in Birmingham. SMTC and MG are both owned by parent company, SAIC Motor; the largest automotive company in China, currently ranked 103rd in the Fortune 500.

The Trophy Championship concept previewed at the MG90 event last weekend in order to gauge potential demand for an MG Trophy race vehicle. Any interest can be raised directly with Adrian via email Adrian.Guyll@saicmotor.co.uk. Passenger and display laps continued throughout the weekend at the Stowe and GP circuit, with the vehicle driven by MG BTCC drivers Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff.

Launched in September 2013, the MG3 supermini is fun to buy, fun to drive and fun to own with over one million personalisation options, class leading chassis and driving dynamics, and exceptional value for money aftercare packages. The successful supermini is priced from only £8,399 to £9,999, or on PCP from only £99 a month or from zero deposits. The MG3 benefits from an ultra low 4E insurance group, strong residuals of up to 61 per cent, class leading interior and boot space, and high levels of equipment on all specifications as standard, as well as complete peace of mind with the three years fixed servicing package MG CARE3, the ultimate in carefree

VW launches XL1 with price of £98,515 the cost to the UK's customer base, HOW MUCH ?

Volkswagen has announced pricing for its record-breaking XL1 model, the world’s most energy efficient production vehicle, which is now available to UK customers at £98,515 (RRP OTR).

A total production run of around 200 XL1s are being built at Volkswagen’s Osnabrück factory in Germany, a proportion of which will be made available for the UK.  The first delivery was made to a German customer at the end of May, with a number of UK customers already in line to purchase a car.

The XL1 is currently on display at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, turning heads on the Volkswagen stand, and making its way up the iconic hill among a host of other supercars.

The design brief for the XL1 was to produce a ‘one litre’ car – that is to say, a car that uses one litre of fuel per 100 km, equivalent to 282 miles per gallon.  The resulting vehicle uses just 0.9 litres per 100 km, or 313 mpg on the official combined cycle, and this high mpg figure correlates to a very low carbon dioxide emissions value of just 21 g/km.  This is achieved using a two-cylinder 48 PS 800 cc diesel engine with a 27 PS electric motor, driving through a modified seven-speed DSG transmission. 

The XL1 was also aerodynamically optimised, adopting the classic ‘tear drop’ shape and utilising innovations such as removing traditional wing mirrors and replacing them with small cameras called e-Mirrors which transmit exterior images to interior displays.  With a drag coefficient of 0.189 the XL1 can maintain 100 kmh on a level road in still air using just 8.4PS. 

It looks like a vision of the future, sitting very low on the road, and features scissor-opening wing doors.  Its striking and innovative yet highly functional design helped it win the Transport category of the Designs of the Year 2014 competition, and an XL1 remains on display at the Design Museum in London until 25 August.

Commenting on the XL1, Product Manager Lianne McKnight said: ‘Enthusiasm for the XL1 has been building since the first concept of the car was unveiled in Qatar in January 2011.  Knowing that production of our cars is now underway and that customers will soon be taking delivery of them is very exciting.  We’re looking forward to seeing this record-breaking model on UK roads, as well as seeing technologies within it filtering down to many of our mainstream Volkswagen cars.

‘To achieve its benchmark efficiency goals with materials and technology available today required a radical approach.  Each XL1 customer is therefore able to own an example of the type of car we may be driving in 15 years time, and benefit today from the investment that a company like Volkswagen makes in its future,’ she added.

GOODWOOD - Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Global Launch

• Design Prototype 100 joins stable of Vision Gran Turismo racers in popular racing game for PlayStation®3
• Designed and engineered over six months by Aston Martin Design team
• Downloadable for in-game play in July 2014

Aston Martin is unveiling an exceptional new addition to the hugely popular PlayStation®3 exclusive racing game Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™) in the shape of the stunning Design Prototype 100 – DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo.

Developed in-house by the Design team at Aston Martin, led by Design Director Marek Reichman, DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo is a new, virtual-only GT racer that will be available for Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™) owners to download in July 2014, following the global launch at Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Starting with nothing but the traditional ‘blank sheet of paper’ the design team and design engineers worked for six months to create the new addition to the Vision Gran Turismo stable of race cars. Clearly pushing the boundaries of what an Aston Martin could be, DP-100 not only looks beautiful but also boasts a high degree of engineering integrity.

The twin-turbo V12 mid-engined racer offers up to 800bhp, endowing it with blistering performance fully in keeping with the high octane nature of the game.

Created utilising many of the same techniques as applied in the development of  Aston Martin production sports cars – hand sketches and 3D modelling, followed by full realisation in the virtual world – DP-100 provides an exceptional level of detail with a fully functioning suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics.

Design Director Marek Reichman said: “DP-100 has been an exciting and intensive project for the team here at Gaydon.

“Features such as the car’s revolutionary ‘active aerodynamics’ are there not just as a way of enhancing form, but also to support the car’s function in-game.

“As with the CC100 Speedster Concept, many of the design cues visible in DP-100, such as the light blade rear lamps, could also feed through into future sports cars that we’ll launch in the offline world so the importance of this project should not be underestimated.”

Aston Martin has supported previous editions of the long-running and hugely successful Gran Turismo®series, debuting in the very first game with the Aston Martin DB7 Coupé and Volante. The stunning 2011 Aston Martin One-77 is already a popular car in the Gran Turismo® 6 stable.

Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo and President of Polyphony Digital Inc, enthused: “When I first came face to face with this car at the Aston Martin Headquarters in Gaydon, UK, I was at a loss for words seeing the level of perfection in its design. I was surprised by the bold proposal of the car being the first midship layout model in Aston Martin history. And while it is clean and classy in design, it is also very emotional. Not only that, there was this future Aston Martin in front of me, that was so detailed it could be released on the market pretty much as is.”

Mercedes E300 goes from Tangiers, Africa, to Goodwood, UK on one tank of fuel.

A standard, British-registered Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has driven from Africa to the UK non-stop on one tank of fuel.

British journalist Andrew Frankel was behind the adventure. Averaging 73.6 mpg (3.1 l/100 km), the journey took him from Tangier in Northern Africa to the UK, visiting two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road which he shared with a relief driver – arriving at Goodwood in time for its appearance at the Festival of Speed having covered a total of 1,223-miles (1,968 km).

The original intention was simply to see if it were possible to get to the UK without refuelling, but on arriving at Goodwood and the Festival of Speed late last night the fuel gauge was yet to register empty, the car estimating an available range of 100-miles (160 km) – equating to a range of 1,323-miles (2,129 km).

During the course of the journey Andrew encountered heavy rain, intense heat, rush hour traffic jams and dramatic elevation changes – providing a real challenge to the aim of travelling from Africa to the UK without the need to fill up.

The car, fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank (a popular £100 option), was scrupulously standard – enduring the 26 hours of driving with relative ease. Despite the focus on economy on the run from Africa, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which emits just 109g/km of CO₂, is no slouch. Its 204 hp diesel engine and 27 hp electric motor combine to allow it to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in 7.5-seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph. It’s equipped with COMAND, automatic climate control, DAB (useful on long journeys) and leather upholstery with heated front seats as standard.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID – which has travelled further than any standard E-Class has ever achieved - can be seen in action throughout the weekend as part of the ‘First Glance’ paddock.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is available as a Saloon or an Estate with prices starting from £39,880.

GOODWOOD - Ford Focus ST, the new family car from Ford gets global public showing.

• New Ford Focus ST makes global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – demonstrating the vehicle’s performance and enhanced driving dynamics on famed hill climb
• New chassis control technologies, re-tuned suspension and steering help deliver a driving experience that is even more responsive, balanced and refined
• Ford introduces diesel Focus ST that offers 114 g/km CO₂, Auto-Start-Stop technology that improves fuel efficiency of 250PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost model by 6 per cent
• Sporty and aggressive new five-door and wagon models offer a muscular body kit; unique lamp, grille and bumper designs; and new 19-inch alloy wheels
• Well-crafted interior features ergonomic controls, Recaro seats and sports steering wheel
• New driver assistance and connectivity features include SYNC 2 connectivity system with high-resolution 8-inch colour touch screen and class-leading voice control

The new Focus ST makes its global debut today 64.2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – the ideal location to showcase the speed and enhanced driving dynamics of the global performance car.

The most advanced Focus ST yet offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification that ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience. And for the first time, it will be offered with the choice to two powerful engines – one petrol and diesel.

The first diesel Focus ST takes day-to-day usability and sportiness to a new level by delivering the most fuel‑efficient and lowest CO₂ Ford performance car ever; 185PS 2.0‑litre TDCi achieves 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, 64.2 mpg and 114 g/km CO₂.*

For customers who prefer petrol, the 250PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, fuel efficiency of 41.5 mpg and 158 g/km CO₂. Both models offer Auto-Start-Stop for the first time that improves the EcoBoost version’s fuel efficiency by 6 per cent and help make it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever.

“The new Focus ST delivers an even more sophisticated balance of performance, driving dynamics, refinement and style – the core of Ford’s Sports Technologies DNA,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Even more enjoyable and rewarding to drive and with the choice of diesel power for the first time, the new Focus ST is in a class of its own.”

The Focus ST also will benefit from technology and craftsmanship first revealed earlier this year for the new Ford Focus – the world’s best-selling global nameplate.** The sporty and aggressive new five-door and wagon models will offer class-leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system.

Ford has sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in 40 countries worldwide since the car was first launched in 2002.

Enhanced driving dynamics

Ford Team RS, the award-winning European arm of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicle group, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the new Focus ST.

The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance.

The calibration of the Electronic Power Assisted Steering and electronic vehicle control systems also has been revised to meet the specific sporting requirements of the new Focus ST.

These changes deliver:

• A quicker response from the variable ratio steering, improving turn-in and delivering better overall balance
• A new Electronic Transitional Stability function in the advanced three-stage Electronic Stability Programme. This senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, intervening as required to maintain optimal precision and control during rapid changes of direction at speed – for example in a lane-change situation
• Revised Electronic Torque Vectoring Control settings that further optimise wheel torque distribution, maximizing traction through corners and increasing agility

Power delivery refinement under hard acceleration – particularly front wheel traction and gear shift quality – is also assisted by engine mounts engineered specifically to accommodate the performance of the new Focus ST. Additionally,Ford worked with Michelin to develop a new 19-inch tyre that complements the driving dynamics, especially maximising lateral grip.

“Ford has long enjoyed a reputation for producing performance hatchbacks with superb driving dynamics and the new Focus ST more than lives up to that pedigree,” Bakaj added. “The engineering enhancements to the suspension, steering and electronic control systems deliver greater responsiveness, agility, precision and an exhilarating driving experience – whichever powertrain you choose.” 

Power of choice

The new 185PS 2.0-litre diesel engine that debuts in the new Focus ST has been optimised to deliver ST performance and character alongside fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.

The increased power output of the Focus ST 2.0-litre TDCi – a 23 per cent gain over the 150PS 2.0-litre engine in the new Focus range – is achieved by electronic calibration, a revised air intake system and a new sports-tuned exhaust.

Peak power is developed at 3,500 rpm and there is 400Nm of torque available from 2,000-2,750 rpm, enabling the new Focus ST diesel to achieve a maximum speed of 135mph. The torque output enables impressive in-gear acceleration and strong performance at low rpm. In 6^th gear, acceleration from 50-75mph takes just 9.7 seconds in sixth gear, the combination of a shorter ratio and the increased power enabling the Focus ST to outpace the 150PS Focus by 2.2 seconds.

Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technology, and high-pressure direct-injection to deliver uncompromising performance. Peak power is available at 5,500 rpm, 360Nm of torque is available from 2,000-4,500 rpm, and maximum speed is 154mph. 

Both engines use a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shift. The gear ratios – exclusive to ST and matched individually to each engine – deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.

Powerful appearance

The new Focus ST features sportier and more aggressive styling than the previous generation, with a lower, wider stance; new dynamically sculpted bonnet; slimmer headlamps and rectangular foglamps.

The sports bodykit also includes body‑coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance. All new Focus ST models feature twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes.

Black lamp bezels, ST badging and new 19-inch ST Design alloy wheels – that are available as an option – complete the look.

“Focus ST has proved very popular with Ford’s sporty customers and the new model takes that to an even more striking and dramatic level,” said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. “The signature honeycomb upper grille has been reproportioned, there are new rectangular fog lamps in the outer apertures, and the lower fascia offers a much sharper definition and profile. At the rear, the width of the car is emphasised by a new full-width graphic.”

A new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth is introduced exclusively to the Focus ST. Deep Impact Blue also is new to the range that includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black and Race Red.

Cockpit-style cabin

Ford has redesigned the Focus interior for a more intuitive layout that also is simpler, with a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.

An additional bank of three gauges – an ST hallmark – is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim; a satin chrome-topped gear lever; and ST pedals deliver the interior that ST drivers expect. 

Satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates add extra touches of refinement, and sports seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro provide the support required to fully enjoy the ST driving experience, and also are comfortable for every day driving.

The new Focus ST will be available in ST1, ST2 and ST3 trim levels. ST1 seats feature grey/charcoal/anthracite black fabric; ST2 adds partial leather with base and side bolsters available in four colours (Tangerine Scream; Performance Blue; Smoke Storm or Race Red); ST3 seats have a full charcoal black leather finish.

Advanced technologies

Driver assistance, convenience and connectivity technologies that will be introduced for the first time include the Ford SYNC 2 connectivity system. SYNC 2 offers access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones using class-leading voice control and a high-definition, 8-inch colour touchscreen that displays the ST logo on start-up.

Adaptive Front Lighting, available for the first time on the Focus ST, adjusts the intensity and angle of the Bi-Xenon HID headlamp beams according to vehicle speed, steering angle and distance to objects to provide optimal illumination. Cross Traffic Alert also is a new addition for Focus ST, and warns drivers reversing from parking spaces if other vehicles are about to cross their path.

Ford’s enhanced Active City Stop collision avoidance system – now operative at speeds of up to 31mph – readies the brakes if a potential impact is detected and – if the driver does not respond – will automatically apply the brakes. Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the Focus ST back in to lane if drifting is detected.

Available to order in Europe from autumn 2014, the first new Focus ST models are scheduled to be in dealerships from early 2015. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

GOODWOOD - Mercedes central feature soars 26 meters over Lord March's home.

The Central Feature at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed – the sculpture soaring 26 metres over Goodwood House, weighing 160 tonnes and measuring 90 metres in length – has been unveiled in spectacular style by Lord March and Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic, Michael Bock.

Created by artistic genius Gerry Judah, the sculpture is the most complex and ambitious yet conceived and is a fitting celebration of 120 years of motorsport heritage by Mercedes-Benz and its founding fathers. 

Swooping over Goodwood House, the curve – which spans 45 metres – tested the artistic and engineering ingenuity of the team of specialists assigned to making Gerry Judah’s concept a reality.

Two cars spanning 80 years form an integral part of the sculpture – a replica of the 1934 Mercedes-Benz W 25 Silver Arrow, like that raced by Manfred von Brauchitsch to victory “first time out” at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and a MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W04, the same chassis raced by Lewis Hamilton in 15 Grands Prix in 2013.  The car forms a special part of recent racing history, having taken Lewis Hamilton to five pole positions, and to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.  Together, the W25 and the F1 W04 show the first – and currently last – of the eight-cylinder Silver Arrows Grand Prix machines.  This years’ car, the F1 W05 HYBRID, has a 1.6-litre V6 turbo PowerUnit, and is currently leading the F1 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.

Michael Bock commented:  “The sculpture goes beyond my wildest expectations.  It’s truly amazing and an apt focal point for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of the most thrilling, most charismatic and most beautiful racing machines ever created.  Our support of the Festival of Speed is stronger than ever this year as we celebrate 120 years since Daimler-powered cars won the first motorsport events in 1894.  These tentative first steps set us on a course that’s led us to where we are today – here’s to the next 120 years of thriving competition, both on and off the track.”

In unveiling the sculpture, Lord March explained:  “This year’s Central Feature is the most architecturally and artistically challenging sculpture that we’ve ever had at Goodwood and it’s a testament to the out-of-the-box thinking of Gerry Judah, which is very much aligned with our philosophy of constant innovation around the Festival of Speed.  The result is a truly spectacular sight for all our Festival of Speed visitors to see.”

Gerry Judah added:  “It is a tremendous opportunity to be asked by Mercedes-Benz to create a sculpture to celebrate their 120 years of motor racing.  For this we have pushed the limits of what is possible with size and complexity in engineering, with a 160 tonne steel arch connecting two of their great historic cars over the top of Goodwood House.   The sculpture also celebrates the dynamic between Mercedes-Benz and the Festival of Speed, which for me is a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with.”  

The unveiling was accompanied by spectacular fireworks and a pack of Mercedes-Benz road and race cars making a dramatic and unique run up the Goodwood Hill in darkness.

A century-old Mercedes Grand Prix car, an SSK from 1928, the mighty W 196 R from 1955 and a fire-breathing Sauber-Mercedes C9 from 1989 were joined by a distinctive SLS AMG Black Series, emerging from the darkness with striking glowing bodywork for the occasion.

All five cars will be joined by an array of iconic Mercedes-Benz cars from over the decades as the track action kicks off on Friday.

GOODWOOD - 30th Anniversary 208 GTi gets dynamic launch.

• PEUGEOT GTi – first introduced with the iconic 205 GTi back in 1984
• GTi badge has proudly featured on performance versions of the Brand’s products ever since
• The PEUGEOT Brand is on the move up-market and GTi is a key aspect of that journey

PEUGEOT unveiled the 208 GTi 30th anniversary Limited Edition on the occasion of the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. 30 years after the 205 GTi, Peugeot reinterprets the iconic GTi in a more radical version of the 208 GTi.

The 208 GTi 30^th delivers a more intense driving sensation enhanced with a new Euro6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine developing 300Nm of torque and maximum power increased to a symbolic 208hp. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it has exceptional traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings.The exterior can also be distinguished with an optional paint finish – a coupe franche – where the rear is separated distinctively by a sharp dividing line from which the colours are cleanly divided.

Its sporty and assertive temperament can also been seen in its stance and look, in particularly by its dual-material livery, separated by a sharp dividing line. It will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November 2014.

The 208 GTi 30^th anniversary Limited Edition made its world debut on display with dynamic demonstrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – dynamically in the Supercar & ‘First Glimpse’ class on the Hillclimb at speed and on static display in the Moving Motor Show showroom – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It goes on public display at the next Paris Motor Show in October and will be going on sale in November 2014.

"As with any project of this type, there was a convergence of ideas and needs. Following on from the RCZ R, PEUGEOT Sport proposed that the Brand make a more radical version of the 208 GTi. At the same time the Brand thought about how best to celebrate 30 years of the PEUGEOT GTi in 2014."

Maxime Picat – PEUGEOT Brand CEO.

A year after its commercial launch over 10,000 Peugeot 208 GTi Hatchback cars have been produced, confirming the success of the reinterpretation of the GTi icon and the strategy to offer a well-specified, performance sports model from PEUGEOT in the B Segment.

PEUGEOT has left its mark on the history of motor sport and DNA can be found in the genes of the 208 GTi, as in those of the RCZ, and its R version greatly enhanced by PEUGEOT Sport. As Peugeot celebrates 30 years since the original 205 GTi, it is now the turn for the 208 GTi to benefit from the expertise and racing pedigree of the engineers at Peugeot Sport. They have worked to give it a more radical character with what some call ‘extra soul’, in response to expectations by driving enthusiasts to have an authentic product with real capability.

A coherent exclusive signature with a more radical temperament

"The 208 GTi 30^th builds on the virtues of a strong identity, great attention to detail and in the style of the 208 GTi, and takes on a more radical and brutish fashion, making the link with the incisive character of its dynamic performance," Julien Kerlidou - Product Manager 208.

From the outset, the exclusive and more radical temperament shines through with the 208 GTi 30^th. The suspension is lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, and larger wheels are specified giving it a pronounced sports car posture on the road.

The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18" wheels finished with matt black rims. The front wheels house large red PEUGEOT Sport labelled brake calipers. The window trim strip, which finishes with a signature paying homage to the illustrious 205 GTi, is also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a ‘208 GTi 30^th logo’. At the rear, the round twin chrome tail pipes ensure the sound of the new engine is fully expressed to enhance the aural driving experience.

Finally, the 208 GTi 30^th could only be finished in colours that identify this sporting world. The interpretation uniting the red and black in a two-tone and dual material treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new high-gloss red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line (a ‘coupe franche’), as first seen on the Onyx Supercar Concept and reinterpreted on the 308 R and Exalt Concept cars. The 208 GTi 30^th will also be available in Pearl White and Ruby Red – historical colours of PEUGEOT GTi cars.

Perfectly consistent with its exterior signature and dynamic character, the interior ambience has a more radical sports character developed for the 208 GTi 30^th. The red fading to black finishers on the 208 GTi change to lacquered black. The black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts. High-quality floor mats are trimmed in red, while the front bucket seats are of a form specially developed by PEUGEOT Sport. These seats are trimmed in an exclusive blend of materials, mainly Alcantara, accompanied by black TEP with red stitching and a black dotted mesh pattern with red highlights.

A numbered plate marked ‘208 GTi 30^th’ positioned above the courtesy lamp finishes off this limited edition anniversary model.

Unrestrained driving sensations for incisive behaviour on the road

“Based on the 208 GTi, itself already a very effective and well powered car, our ambition was to focus on behaviour on the road, by further increasing its effectiveness. For this we have developed the traction and a potential for more grip, mainly on the front axle. The benefits are essentially in passing speeds, driving sensations and feedback,” 

Pierre Budar –208 GTi 30^th Project Manager.

The sensations begin when taking the wheel of the 208 GTi 30^th. For the driver, familiarisation is simple and obvious as is directing the car. The compact steering wheel makes it easy to place the vehicle and enhances driving sensations. The instruments, positioned above the compact steering wheel, are directly in view. This facilitates the reading of information, which becomes instantaneous, without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.

Consistent with its specific dynamic character and pronounced driving sensations, this driving position is ideally complemented by a specific ‘bucket’ seat developed by PEUGEOT Sport. Together with the small wheel, the head-up instruments and feedback from the compact steering and suspension, it allows the driver to be at one with their car.

The new 1.6-litre THP engine, meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard, is fitted with Stop & Start. Its maximum torque is increased to 300Nm and maximum power to 208hp, an immediate reference to the model name. The power and torque are transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios, and a Torsen differential – both taken from the RCZ R, allowing the full potential of the vehicle to be exploited.

The ESP and traction control are recalibrated, so as to be less intrusive when driving and to set free the vehicle’s traction and allow the Torsen to operate. The advantage provided by the Torsen and the reduced anti-roll at the front are felt in particular when accelerating in a corner by maintaining tight trajectories, and when braking, with improving stability.

The lowered centre of gravity and redefined suspension geometry (wider track, camber angle, wheel alignment, 0.5’’ wider wheels) and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 ZR 18 tyres optimise grip and ensure remarkable road holding.

The steering calibration has also been the subject of much development work, both on a track circuit and on the road. The objective was to obtain a linear level of assistance appropriate for the character of the car, taking account of the effect produced by the Torsen differential.

Associated with new damper settings and spring rates, as well as revised anti-roll, the steering is informative. All together it offers both precision and agility. The 208 GTi 30^th can count on a braking system to match the performance achieved, with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers. 

The sporty temperament of the 208 GTi 30^th can also be seen in the figures: 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and standing kilometre in 26.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is also of a high level with with 5^th gear acceleration from 50 to 70mph possible in 6.0 seconds. Its performance and sharper handling are achieved with efficiency that is unprecedented in the segment, with CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km.

The 208 GTi 30^th again demonstrates that emotion, sportiness and efficiency are engrained in PEUGEOT’s heritage and genes