Peugeot 208 1.2Puretech100 – Stage2 100RON : Bringing 3cylinder power to 4cylinder 207 RC – Gti levels

Peugeot 208 1.2Puretech100 – Stage2 100RON : Bringing 3cylinder power to 4cylinder 207 RC – Gti levels

When Stellantis phased out the 1.6 THP four-cylinder engine platform, it marked the end of the iconic 207 GTi/RC and 208 GTi lineages. For almost two decades, the Sochaux plant was synonymous with high tuning potential pocket rockets.

Turns out that the new 3cylinder replacement ( EB2ADTD ) is not that bad after all (excluding the wet timing belt, which there is a fix for). For this project, we started with tuning a bone stock 1.2puretech100. Measured at just 101hp engine power, it made 135hp on our stage1. At which point the stock intercooler overheats. Due to high intake air temperatures (IATs) and subsequent thermal saturation, the ECU began pulling ignition timing to prevent detonation. No more power could be gained consistently, no matter how much the engine was pushed.

After upgrading to a full exhaust with sports cat and a front mounted intercooler, the car came back to us for updating. Taking advantage of its new specs we safely maxed out the flow capacity of the factory turbocharger. Generating an incredible 161hp and 269Nm. Considering that the car weighs around 1150kg, compared to 1270kg on a 207RC, that brings performance and the combined hp/kg ratio to very similar numbers.

This modern three-cylinder build matches and delivers identical performance characteristics, throttle response and power compared to yesterday’s legendary 1.6 THP hot hatches.

Upgrade specifications

• 100RON fuel, for high quality combustion
• Upgraded exhaust with sports cat, to reduce exhaust backpressure and lower exhaust gas temperatures
• Forge Motorsport Cold air intake kit, to minimize intake restriction
• Upgraded front mount intercooler, to control IATs and maintain high air charge density.
• Etuners Stage2 ECU remap for Valeo VD56

Performance results

• Maximum engine power: 161hp (measured stock with upgraded air intake kit 101hp), gains 60hp
• Maximum engine torque: 269Nm (measured stock with upgraded air intake kit 188Nm), gains 81Nm

Have questions about a performance stage, want to book a dyno tuning session, or interested in joining our global dealer network? Reach out to our technical team