Alexandre
The Lancia Ypsilon HF is a sporty compact car due to go on sale in a few months' time. And it could well inspire Peugeot for its future e-208 GTi.
As a reminder, the Lancia Ypsilon HF will be a radical version of the compact Ypsilon, with an electric motor increased from 156 hp to 280 hp. The model will be equipped with a limited-slip differential, a braking system optimized for its power, and a resolutely sporty interior and exterior look. The Ypsilon HF should not only be an efficient car, but also an interesting one to drive.
But the Lancia Ypsilon HF didn't just captivate brand enthusiasts, it also caught the attention of Peugeot fans. At the first unveiling in May 2024, Some observers saw this model as a modern version of the Peugeot e-208 GTi, regretting that Stellantis had not validated the latter's project at the time.
Good news for Peugeot fans: the project for an e-208 GTi is well and truly underway. Peugeot boss Alain Favey recently confirmed this information, putting an end to speculation. Indeed, it would be a shame if Stellantis didn't use its resources to develop these two sporty electric models, whose Peugeot e-208 GTi would complete the range in the face of the new Alpine A290 rival.
Based on what we already know about the Lancia Ypsilon HF, it's likely that the Peugeot e-208 GTi will adopt similar characteristics, particularly in terms of motorization. The electric motor could be an emotors M4 model, with a power output of 240 hp or 280 hp. Like the Lancia Ypsilon HF, the eCMP platform will be used, a platform that has already proved its worth on other Group models, such as the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, a 280 hp B-SUV. The latter is capable of 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and it's reasonable to assume that the Peugeot e-208 GTi and Lancia Ypsilon HF will probably be just below this figure.
The Lancia Ypsilon HF is scheduled for summer 2025, while the Peugeot e-208 GTi should follow close behind, according to Alain Favey. Although the precise date has yet to be confirmed, An arrival in 2026 seems most likely for the GTi version of the Peugeot. In terms of price, we estimate that both models will come in at between €40,000 and €45,000.
High-performance Alfa Romeos and Lancias are supposed to have at least a few specific engines, as well as different tunings.
But not according to Stellantis, who wants to make spin-off products everywhere, with this possible e-208 to further undermine the Lancia Ypsilon HF.
As if the experience of the Dodge Hornet selling for less than the Alfa Romeo Tonale on the North American market hadn't plummeted the Tonale's career in the USA, Stellantis wants to repeat the same mistakes.
But the 208gti has a heritage, probably bigger than the Ypsilon, and it was inevitable that fans would demand it back and the Stellantis head said that they want to go back to where they left their customers. So Stellantis isnt wrong in fulfilling its fans demands.
For 15 years FCA didn't release a single new Lancia model and withdrew the brand from every foreign markets.
Now that Stellantis is reviving Lancia and Alfa Romeo they are suddenly the bad guys because they aren't investing billions of euros into dead brands to satisfy pipe dreams about it being a rally car that noone would buy? Color me impressed - car manufacturing is not a fan service. The target audience of subcompact and compact cars that is 20-39 old young adults do not even know what a Lancia is, let alone a HF.
Looks like Tavares was indeed wrong - he shoulda had closed down Lancia right at the start instead of giving every brand a chance to thrive.
And the copying continues, after Renault as usual. Stop taking us for?