The new PEUGEOT 308 GT retains all the elements which have made the 308 range such a huge commercial hit throughout Europe. This includes the striking exterior design, innovative PEUGEOT
i-Cockpit cabin, versatile interior and high perceived quality. Remarkable engine efficiency, with high fuel economy and ultra-low emissions, is also part of the 308 GT package.
The 308 GT’s unique design quality is immediately obvious. The iconic PEUGEOT Lion emblem has moved from the bonnet’s leading edge to the front grille, with three horizontal blades on either side. For optimum vision in all circumstances, the 308 GT has been fitted with top-of-the-range headlights made up of 62 LEDs.
Exclusive new direction indicators also distinguish the 308 GT from other models. Their dynamic sequential operation, moving from the inside to the outside, emphasizes the technological identity of the car. They are placed above the new air scoops which supply the engine with additional cooling.
The 308 GT presents a great aerodynamic and stylistic purity, most notable where the black lacquered door mirrors merge with the tinted windows. Visibly widened by its side sill finishers, the 308 GT sits on 18-inch ‘Diamant’ wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. Their fluted spokes and engraved motif are also available on 308 GT-Line models.
At the rear, the 308 GT offers a striking and distinctive posture, due in part to the lacquered black diffuser and stylish twin exhaust pipes. The GT signature is integrated into the tailgate, as well as the front grille and front wings.
The range of colours for the 308 GT includes the new and exclusive ‘Magnetic Blue’. Evocative of the blue historically reserved for French competition vehicles, this bold shade suits the car’s fluid and dynamic lines, while emphasising its lowered ride height.
An exclusive new ambiance is also achieved in the car’s cabin, with both the roof lining and upper window pillars finished in anthracite. Red stitching adds a performance air to the upholstery trim and is also found on the dashboard, door panels, gear lever gaiter and floor mats.Aluminiumdetailing on the pedals, coupled with stainless steel sill finishers in the door apertures, add the finishing touch.
Vital in any sports-oriented car is the correct driving position. It’s already ideal in this new model because of the ergonomics of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, as seen in every 308. The driver can adjust the height and reach of the compact steering wheel, which is unique to this car due to its perforated leather trim and GT badge. The instrument panel bears a newchequeredflag motif background and switching on the ignition produces a GT welcome message. To complement this, the large touchscreen displays a new colour scheme dominated by red and black, titled ‘Redline’.
To deliver maximum enjoyment, the 308 GT features enhanced new chassis settings. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear for a more dynamic drive. The revised suspension is mated to a choice of high-performance engines, one petrol and one diesel, that both meet stringent Euro 6 emissions standards.
The four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 205Stop&Startpetrol engine is specified with a six-speed manual gearbox to make the most of its 285Nm of torque, available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm. This high level of performance is combined with well controlled CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, from just 130g/km and 50.4mpg. Engineers used all of the Brand’s expertise to achieve a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of just 5.85kg/hp (171hp per tonne) on this model.
The four-cylinder 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel engine also offers a high level of performance. It delivers its maximum power of 180hp at 3,750rpm and its maximum torque of 400Nm at 2,000rpm. Highlighting PEUGEOT’s attention to engineering detail, reducing the thickness of wall casings and the use of engine ancillaries only when required has led to a 7kg weight saving. With a power-to-weight ratio of just 7.3 kg/hp (136hp per tonne), this engine needs only 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 50-70mph in 5th gear. With a capacity of 1,997cc, it presents remarkable CO2 emissions of just 103g/km, with official fuel consumption of 70.6mp
This diesel engine is coupled to an EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission) six-speed automatic gearbox, designed and developed in collaboration with Aisin AW. Its efficiency is almost the same as for a manual gearbox due to reduced internal friction and the use of torque converters applied whenever needed to avoid transmission slip. This impressively results in CO2 emissions and fuel economy comparable to those achieved with the best manual gearboxes.
At one with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, the 308 GT driver is at the heart of the driving experience due to the 308 range’s standard-fit compact steering wheel and head-up instrumentation. Pleasure is further enhanced by the Driver Sport Pack, standard on every 308 GT. This includes:
– amplified and more sporty engine noise
– instruments illuminated with red display
– instrument panel that displays the power and torque delivered, turbo pressure, longitudinal and transverse acceleration
– firmer and more responsive power steering
– more responsive accelerator pedal mapping
– more responsive operation of the EAT6 gearbox, with steering wheel-mounted control paddles
The driver can choose to turn off the Driver Sport Pack setting for a more comfort-orientated drive, using a button on thecentreconsole.
To make the most of its character, the new GT offers various driving aids. Using radar built into the front of the vehicle, the Driver Assistance Pack includes three systems:
– Dynamic Cruise Control: automatically maintains and adjusts the speed of the vehicle to match the speed of the vehicle ahead. This ‘Dynamic’ function can be switched off by the driver.
– Emergency Collision Alert System: a visual and audible indication to encourage the driver to brake to avoid a collision.
– Emergency Collision Braking System: early application of the brakes to avoid a collision or reduce its consequences.
With the Blind Spot Monitoring System, LEDs in the door mirrors illuminate to warn the driver that there is a vehicle in the blind spot. Park Assist is an active parking aid allowing automatic parallel or bay parking.
