Peugeot Australia is set to expand its GT line of models with two new sporty variants – and it's plotting more.
Expected to arrive within the first quarter of 2015, the 308 GT (hatch) and 508 GT (sedan and wagon) will grow the performance side of Peugeot's local portfolio considerably. The models will join the 208 GTi (from $29,990 plus on-road costs), which has been on sale locally since August 2013, and like that car will likely sit near the top of their respective ranges in terms of pricing.
The all-new 308 GT will arrive with a choice of turbocharged petrol or diesel engines, and while the petrol-powered model is available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the diesel is automatic only.
The twin-scroll direct-injected 1.6-litre petrol makes 150kW and 285Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine develops 131kW and 400Nm. ADR fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures will be announced closer to the models' launch.
The new 308 GT versions, both of which are front-wheel drive, are likely to border the entry-grade Volkswagen Golf GTI on price (currently from $41,990 plus ORCs), and top the current 308 Allure (from $34,990 plus ORCs). Although shy of the German mainstay's performance figures, the go-fast 308 models are quoted at up to 140kg lighter.
Both 308 GT variants will feature identical packaging, equipment and styling attributes, including a red-lit instrument panel displaying power and torque levels, turbo boost pressure and longitudinal and transverse acceleration.
Each is offered with what Peugeot says is "firmer and more responsive steering, more responsive accelerator pedal mapping and more responsive shifts from the six-speed transmission".
A new signature colour, dubbed Magnetic Blue, will headline the 308 GT range, while a sporty exhaust note, model-specific interior trim and steering wheel, and GT badging are also offered. Both variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres stopped by 330mm ventilated discs up front and 268mm solid rotors at the rear.
The suspension tune is said to be between 10 and 20 per cent firmer than the regular 308 (depending on drivetrain), while idle stop-start, electric power steering and electronic driver aids including blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control and auto self-parking are all expected.
A wagon variant of the 308 GT is also offered in some markets, though Peugeot Australia's public relations and communications manager, Tyson Bowen, says Australia will not receive the model straight away.
"It's a proposition we're certainly interested in, and one we're going to watch closely," observed Bowen.
"Depending on how well the hatch is received, and if the business case is there, we could definitely ask France to build it [for the local market]," he said.
The new-look 508 GT, also expected in the first quarter of this year, will likewise carry performance and visual upgrades. Powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, and mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, the 508 GT develops 150kW and 450Nm; and like the current model rides on 19-inch alloy wheels suspended by double wishbone front suspension.
Equipment highlights of the 508 GT include bi-xenon directional headlights and GT badging.
"Australians love performance and sports-oriented models, as proven by the response to the 208 GTi, so there is an opening for us to talk to a range of customers who don’t necessarily want the high-performance experience of a GTi variant," said Peugeot Australia's national marketing manager, Dimitri Andreatidis.
"The GT Line will give us the ability to offer a vehicle that offers visual and performance upgrades, while still maintaining comfort in day-to-day driving duties.
"The first step in broadening the GT Line will be the launch of the all-new 308 GT in 2015. From there we will be working with France to investigate a number of opportunities to grow this segment in the future," Andreatidis concluded.
Pricing and full specification details for the 308 GT and 508 GT ranges are expected closer to the models' local launch in the next few months.