Peugeot has revived a classic rallying name at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, unveiling the electric E-T16 concept.
Following the recent launch of the E-208 GTI, Peugeot has gone a step further by paying homage to the mid-engined 205 T16 rally car.
Perhaps spurred on by the positive reaction to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, Peugeot has built its own reincarnation of a Group B World Rally Championship (WRC) hero.
The original Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 was one of the most successful cars of the WRC’s ill-fated Group B era, winning two World Manufacturers’ Championships in 1985 and 1986.
Driven by legends such as Ari Vatanen, Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen, the 205 T16 cemented itself into rallying folklore.
Now, 40 years after the 205 T16’s last WRC title, Peugeot has commemorated it with an electric hot hatchback.
The most powerful Peugeot ever
This is no ordinary EV, however, thanks to a trio of powerful electric motors. A combined output of 816hp is even more than Vatanen and Salonen had to play with in the Group B era. Indeed, the E-T16 is the most powerful Peugeot in history.
A torque-vectoring system helps direct drive to all four wheels, and allows the E-T16 to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds. Zero to 186mph takes 16 seconds.
An 85kWh battery pack is connected to 800-volt architecture, said to deliver up to 248 miles on the official WLTP combined cycle. Alternatively, with Performance mode engaged, the E-T16 can manage three flat-out laps of the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Like the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a hydraulic handbrake is fitted to the Peugeot concept, seemingly to allow for Group B-style drifting.
A ‘Hypersquare’ steering wheel
The exterior of the E-T16 features Winchester Grey paintwork covering most of its widened body, plus a distinctive ‘cat ear’ rear spoiler.
The interior also looks dramatic, with low-slung carbon fibre bucket seats and a 21-inch widescreen display. As with the E-208 GTI, red is the dominant colour in the cabin.
The biggest talking point is the steering wheel. Known as the ‘Hypersquare’, it was inspired by the item fitted to the 9X8 Le Mans racer. Peugeot admits that it lacks an airbag, limiting its production feasibility.
Could the E-T16 become a production reality, though? The fact that Renault gave the Turbo 3E a green light gives us hope, even if it has a supercar price tag to match its extreme performance.
Fingers crossed a positive reaction at the Paris Motor Show persuades Peugeot to take a similar route…
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