French Revolution: Part 2

Forty years after the 205 T16 conquered the World Rally Championship, Peugeot has reimagined its most famous rally icon for the electric age. The E-T16 Concept takes the spirit of the 1985 and 1986 champion and turns everything up. Developed with Peugeot Sport, its radical proportions preview the next E-208 while introducing Peugeot’s new “Feline Future” design language, from a fresh take on the three-claw light signature to its muscular arches, enormous cooling intakes and dramatic rear wing.

Underneath sits an 800V electric powertrain with three motors producing a remarkable 816 bhp. Four-wheel torque vectoring, 380 mm brakes, huge Michelin tyres and a rally-style hydraulic handbrake give it the hardware to match the looks. 0 to 62 mph takes just 2.5 seconds, while 0 to 186 mph arrives in 16 seconds.

There are plenty of details that tie the future back to the 205 T16. The Winchester Matte Grey paint echoes the original, a red line wraps around the bodywork, and the old rear air intake now houses the charging port. Even the entire rear section opens to reveal the machinery beneath.

With its 85 kWh battery, 248-mile WLTP range and the ability to complete three laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife without power limitation, the E-T16 isn't simply a nostalgic tribute. It is Peugeot asking what a modern electric rally-bred road car could become.

A 205 T16 for the next generation. Just considerably more ferocious.

Photos © Peugeot