Peugeot has unveiled the E-T16 electric concept, a four-wheel-drive performance car inspired by the 205 T16 rally legend and capable of producing 816bhp.
Revealed on the eve of the Paris Motor Show, the battery-powered model is intended as a modern interpretation of the uncompromising machine that dominated the Group B rally era in the mid-1980s.
The original 205 T16 secured back-to-back World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986, driven by Finland’s Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen respectively. Peugeot produced around 200 road-going versions to meet competition requirements.
Those homologation specials are now valued at about £300,000, while an official competition car sold for more than £875,000 in 2021.
Peugeot E-T16 electric concept delivers supercar performance
Where the road-going 205 T16 used a turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 197bhp, the E-T16 is powered by three electric motors. One drives the front axle while two power the rear wheels, with torque distributed independently through an advanced torque-vectoring system.
Peugeot says the concept can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 2.5 seconds and reach 186mph from a standing start in 16 seconds. With a power-to-weight ratio of less than 2kg per horsepower, it is positioned firmly in supercar territory.
The car has been engineered for sustained high-performance driving rather than short bursts of acceleration alone. Its battery uses motorsport-derived side-cooling technology, which channels cooling around the cells.
According to Peugeot, that allows the E-T16 to complete three laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife — more than 60 kilometres — without a reduction in power output.
Drivers would have three driving modes, including a track setting, while a custom mode would allow the powertrain, suspension and torque distribution to be adjusted. A hydraulic handbrake mounted vertically, Michelin tyres and 380mm brake discs at each corner reinforce its rally-inspired character.
Rally styling meets electric technology
The concept’s design draws heavily on the aggressive stance of the 205 T16. Flared wheel arches, large air vents, a sculpted bonnet, substantial diffusers and a tall rear wing give it a markedly wider and more purposeful appearance.
Its Winchester Matte Grey paint is a nod to the Eighties car, while an illuminated red line around the body echoes the original’s pinstripe. The rear section lifts to expose the mechanical hardware, although the petrol engine has been replaced by two electric motors and visible suspension components.
Inside, a 21-inch curved display dominates the cabin. Peugeot’s Hypersquare controller replaces the conventional steering wheel, while carbon fibre, anodised aluminium, technical fabrics and sculpted bucket seats continue the stripped-back motorsport theme.
The concept is built around an 800-volt electrical system and an 85kWh battery. Peugeot claims a range of 248 miles, with a 10 to 80 per cent charge possible in less than 15 minutes using a suitably powerful charger.
Production decision remains undecided
Peugeot has not confirmed whether the E-T16 will enter production. The concept’s arrival follows Renault’s decision to build a limited run of its 5 3e Turbo, a 533bhp electric model with 1,980 examples planned globally, including 100 for the UK.
The E-T16 therefore remains a showcase for Peugeot’s electrified performance ambitions rather than a confirmed production model. Its design and engineering nevertheless demonstrate how the company is drawing on one of the most celebrated chapters in its competition history for future electric cars.
