Autonomous project. If you look at it from the front, the 205 Turbo 16 could also seem like a normal GTI (albeit enlarged), but just move to the side to understand that the Peugeot small car has undergone the same genetic mutation of the Renault 5 (the “Maxi”): in fact, here we do not start from a series chassis reworked and modified to allow the installation of the engine in a central position, but from an autonomous project. The 205 T16 in road version – produced in the standard 200 units necessary for approval – it is in fact based on a self-supporting shell of pressed and welded steel, onto which the tubular structureswhile the bodywork is made of fibreglass, with the exception of the doors, which are made of sheet metal.
Aggressive, but sober. The versions used in the World Rally Championship they will have their fill of victories, demonstrating overwhelming superiority and combining tremendous effectiveness, resulting from a very powerful engine (340 HP in race configuration, increased to 430 in the Evo 2 version) and a featherweight, less than a ton, with a look that has made history. Balanced proportions, compact dimensions, the large side air intakes positioned behind the doors and the widened wheel arches to accommodate 15″ 215/55 tires make the road T16 a car where mechanical exaggerations they are dressed with elegance and sobriety.
The engine is “crooked”. However, just turning on the engine – a nearly 1.8-litre twin-cam inline four-cylinder with a 16-valve head and supercharged with a 0.7 bar KKK turbocharger – to enjoy a power of 200 HP at 6,750 rpm, which, thanks to the 1,145 kg of weight, projects the T16 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds, and to a top speed of 209 km/h. The placement of the engine is curious: it is not in fact longitudinal, but it is located in a transverse position behind the passenger, and is inclined backwards by 20°, while the gearbox and intercooler are located behind the driver. A solution that determines a non-optimal weight distribution and different behavior in right-hand bends compared to left-hand bends.
Exclusive, rare, expensive. The traction is all-wheel drive, with three self-locking differentials and a torque distribution of 34% to the front axle and 66% to the rear, the origin of the oversteering tendency of the T16 exiting a curve. Inside, we obviously find only two seats, very square and with the enormous Lion logo dominating the backrests, while the two-spoke steering wheel bears the words “Turbo 16” in red. Finally, the dashboard is spectacular, extending horizontally to the centre of the dashboard with the instruments (fuel level, oil temperature and pressure, water temperature) with a black background and orange needles and graphics. The approximately 200 units built are all dark grey, except one, pearl white, preserved at the Sochaux Museum: they are very rare, special cars with prices now pure collectorsover 300,000 euros.
