Peugeot has unveiled the E-T16 concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, an electric tribute to its iconic 205 T16 rally car. This hot hatchback honors the legacy of the Group B rally legend, which dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the 1980s. Perhaps spurred on by the positive reaction to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, Peugeot has built its own reincarnation of a Group B WRC hero, celebrating the 205 T16’s 40-year legacy since its last WRC title.
The E-T16 packs a punch with three electric motors delivering a combined 816 horsepower, making it the most powerful Peugeot ever. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reaches 186 mph in 16 seconds. A torque-vectoring system ensures all-wheel drive, while an 85 kWh battery offers up to 248 miles of range, or three flat-out laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Performance mode. The original Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, driven by legends like Ari Vatanen and Timo Salonen, won two World Manufacturers’ Championships in 1985 and 1986, cementing its place in rallying history.
Inspired by the 9X8 Le Mans racer, the E-T16 features a unique ‘Hypersquare’ steering wheel, though Peugeot notes its lack of an airbag limits production potential. The exterior boasts Winchester Grey paint and a ‘cat ear’ rear spoiler, while the interior includes carbon fiber bucket seats and a 21-inch widescreen display. Like the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a hydraulic handbrake is fitted, allowing for Group B-style drifting, and the cabin is dominated by red, echoing the E-208 GTI’s design.
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