Peugeot 308 GTI 270
The Peugeot 308 GTI 270 was the spiritual successor that fans of the legendary 205 GTI had been waiting decades to see. Based on the European Car of the Year-winning 308, the GTI 270 version packed the THP (Turbo High Pressure) 1.6-liter engine with 270 horsepower — an astonishing specific output of 169 hp per liter. More importantly, Peugeot Sport equipped it with a Torsen limited-slip differential on the front axle, which transformed the car's handling from merely quick to genuinely involving. The 308 GTI could carve through corners with precision and adjustability that recalled the best of the 205 GTI era, while the powerful brakes (380mm discs from the RCZ R) provided confidence-inspiring stopping power. The lightweight EMP2 platform kept weight under 1,210 kg, contributing to the car's agile, eager character. Inside, Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout featured a small steering wheel and high-mounted instruments — controversial but effective once you adapted. The 308 GTI 270 proved that Peugeot could still build hot hatches to rival the best from Volkswagen and Renault.
Check for turbo issues — the THP engine can suffer from timing chain stretch on earlier versions. The Torsen LSD is robust. Carbon buildup on direct injection valves is a known issue. Verify that the car is genuine 270 spec (not the lesser 250). Clutch wear on hard-driven examples.
The THP 1.6 engine was co-developed by PSA and BMW (also used in MINI). The Torsen LSD was shared with the RCZ R. The '270' designation indicated the hp figure (a '250' version was also available). Built at the historic Sochaux plant. Peugeot Sport developed the chassis.