2002 - Espera Pontarlier

GT-HDI - 2002

At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot presented two superb RC concept cars, one of which was powered by an HDI diesel engine. Curiously, the students of the 2002-2003 Espera Sbarro graduating class also presented a prototype with very similar technical characteristics and general lines: the GT-HDI.

A pretty little sports coupé powered by an HDI diesel engine.

Best of Peugeot

Taking elements from the Peugeot range (206 CC, 307 and 607), this sporty two-seater coupé is powered by a 146 hp 2.2-liter HDI diesel unit and a 5-speed manual gearbox taken from a Peugeot 607. The engine is positioned centrally at the rear for better weight distribution. The rear suspension is that of the 607, while the front features short springs and Koni shock absorbers. The tubular chassis, meanwhile, is specific to the GT-HDI and guarantees the rigidity required for this type of vehicle. The bodywork, entirely original, is made of polyester. The front and rear lights come from a 307, while the windscreen comes from a 206 CC.

With its 18-inch wheels and reduced rear overhang, the GT-HDI is a well-designed small car.

Diesel and sporty

The GT-HDI is a beautiful car, taking up a formula unthinkable just a few years earlier: the diesel sports coupé. This concept would come as no surprise later on, especially since the Audi R8 TDI won the Le Mans 24-hour race.

For the little GT-HDI coupe, things could have stopped there, but Franco Sbarro's students took the concept a step further with the GTR, a competition version presented a few months later.

In brief
1- Diesel-powered sports coupé concept
2- Many elements from various Peugeots
3- The 2003 GTR is the competition version
  • Peugeot HDI four-cylinder diesel engine
  • Displacement 2179 cm3
  • 146 horsepower
  • Rear mid-engine position
  • 5-speed manual gearbox (original Peugeot 607)
  • AEZ Zeus 8.5 "x18" (front), 10 "x18" (rear) wheels
  • Weight 950 kg