Autosportfoto

The new Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot sport launches in UK to a splash

New 308 GTi launches in the UK on 5th November when the model is available in Dealerships
Dynamic credentials of this performance model demonstrated through special launch
National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham hosted the action against an F2 Powerboat
Ahead of the official UK launch of PEUGEOT's performance model, the forthcoming 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT, PEUGEOT UK took one of the first right hand drive production models in the country to the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham for a challenge to demonstrate the new model's sporting credentials.

Joining Peugeot at the 2000m lake was PowerboatGP - an organisation that stages a number of competition events and the annual F2 Nottingham Grand Prix championship at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham - who provided an F2 Powerboat. The two high performance machines were pitched against one another on two completely different surfaces.

F2 GP Powerboat 308 GTi
Weight 513-530kg 1205kg kerbweight
Power output 210-225hp at 9,300rpm 250hp / 270hp at 6,000rpm
2.0-litre / 2.5-litre petrol engine 1.6-litre petrol
98 octane unleaded fuel 95 or 98 octane unleaded fuel
Acceleration (0-62mph) 5.0 seconds 6.0 seconds
Top speed 126mph (limited by conditions) Limited to 155mph
Drive Single 4-blade propeller Two-wheel-drive with TORSEN
Length 4.8m 4.2m
Width 2.5m 1.8m
Both have been developed to perform with great efficiency and with each having advantages for different elements of the challenge, the event revealed how closely matched the two machines were - the Powerboat, while quick off the start, was very closely matched by the highly-tractable 308 GTi car. While the Powerboat soon reached its terminal velocity, limited by surface conditions and wind direction, the GTi just kept accelerating, even on uneven surfaces, demonstrating the high levels of grip enhanced by its TORSEN differential.

Both are agile and responsive, the Powerboat able to turn within a few lengths, the Peugeot able to change directions on demand too, albeit driving around the perimeter of the main lake at the National Water Sports Centre (in Nottingham) had the longer route to overcome.

Finally, though the specially developed Michelin 235/35 R19 91Y Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres have much more friction than a propeller and therefore allows for greater propulsion, the boat is much lighter and smaller in frontal area, so has less to move in its quest for performance. Equally, equipped with 380mm race-inspired brakes, it has the capability to arrest its speed should the need arise.

The film of the event is available now on Peugeot's official YouTube channel, perfectly capturing the comparison, and in the process some compelling shots of the two enjoying their impressive performance capabilities.

Here is the link to the film: 308 GTi vs F2 GP Powerboat

On the day, the 308 GTi was driven by Bradley Philpot, a PEUGEOT UK Brand Ambassador with its track cars and the F2 Powerboat piloted by Colin Jelf, an F2 champion. Bradley also has powerboat links - his grandfather, Robbie Hood, was a British open-water powerboat champion too.

Potentially interested thrill seekers can follow PowerboatGP.co.uk to see these exciting activities, but for first-hand daily thrills, the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT is all the more readily available and of course brings many more real-world practicalities, with a wide-variety of performance credentials.

PEUGEOT UK wishes to thank the organisers and management at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham and PowerboatGP for arranging a competitive F2 Powerboat.

ABOUT PEUGEOT

The PEUGEOT brand can trace its roots back to 1810. It was in 1890 that it began producing combustion-engine automobiles. Since then, over 65 million vehicles have been produced. Demonstrated through its Brand signature ‘Motion & Emotion', PEUGEOT is present in 160 countries, has 10,000 franchised Dealers and is recognised for the quality and design excellence of its products.

PEUGEOT UK

The UK is the 3rd largest market for PEUGEOT with its UK Headquarters located in Coventry. The UK car line-up includes the 108, 208, 308, 508, 2008, 3008, 5008 and RCZ, supplemented by people carriers and four-van range.

308

Launched in 2013, the 308 was voted 2014 European ‘Car of the Year'. Joined by the SW estate in 2014, is powered by accomplished BlueHDi diesel and PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines. GT Line, GT and GTi models enhance the desirability for this class-leading and very capable motor vehicle.