Peugeot: GTI out, coupes in
French brand plans to shift focus from hot-hatches to premium coupesPeugeot is set to kill off its iconic GTI badge and shift its attention to sporty coupes, according to a report by UK's authoritative Autocar magazine.
The publication quoted Peugeot marketing director Christian Stein, who said: "For us, the GTI concept is dead. We will move away from hot hatches towards premium sports coupes."
The hallowed three-letter suffix debuted on the 1984 205 GTI, which earned a cult following for its zippy performance and ultra-responsive handling.
The original 205 GTI's 1.6-litre engine was replaced in 1986 by a 1.9-litre unit, and well-preserved examples of the latter are likely to acquire collectable status over time.
Peugeot's current Australian line-up includes the 207 GTI -- the modern-day successor to the 205, even though it doesn't recapture the magic of its ancestor.
In any case, it appears destined for the chopping block as Peugeot shifts its focus to slinky coupes such as the Audi TT-rivalling RCZ, which was revealed in showroom-ready form at the recent Frankfurt motor show.
Peugeot is also considering a smaller coupe, according to Autocar, although the magazine points out such a model could cannibalise sales of the existing 207 and 308 CC folding hardtop convertibles.
The demise of the GTI badge will be met with dismay by hot-hatch enthusiasts, even though the formula had been watered down in recent years from the unrestrained exuberance of the 205 GTI and 306 GTI 6.
The RCZ coupe will launch here in the second half of 2010 and Peugeot Australia boss Ken Thomas recently said the model represents a huge opportunity for the brand.
"The RCZ got a lot of attention when it was unveiled as a concept car, and we are confident that the car will receive even more attention on the road," he said.
"Peugeot has definitely maintained the spirit and flair of that original design. We will be offering high performance petrol and diesel engines when the car arrives here."
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