Peugeot unveils the 308 GT

This is the hardest and fastest Peugeot 308 you can buy. It's the new 308 GT, and it'll get a full world premiere at next month's Paris Motor Show.

It's a step in the direction of a full-blooded GTI or even 'R' hot hatch which we spoke to Peugeot about late last year, but we'll come to that shortly. First up, this new GT gets a swathe of upgrades to better justify that badge. Let's start on the outside.

The Peugeot ‘Lion' emblem has moved from the bonnet to... the grille. There are headlights comprised of 62 LEDs. There are new indicators and functional air scoops for the engine.

Then there's the black lacquered door mirrors, wider side sill finishers, 18in ‘Diamant' wheels (with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres), a lacquered black rear diffuser and twin exhaust pipes. A new blue body colour is available - inspired by the historic French competition vehicles - new interior roof lining, red stitching and some natty aluminium detailing.

This enthusiasm for dynamique has filtered into the 308's chassis, too. Peugeot's engineers have dropped the ride height by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear - you can guess why - and stiffened the suspension all round by up to 20 per cent.

The passive dampers have been given new ratings for effort and speed, and there are hydraulic bump stops in a bid to reduce noise. The brakes have been beefed up to 330mm diameter up front, and 268mm at the back.

Just two engines are on offer - a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a six-speed manual (50.4mpg, 130g/km CO2), and a 180bhp 2.0-litre diesel with 295lb ft of torque (70.6mpg, 103g/km CO2) mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. You know which one to tick.

The 308 GT also gets the ‘Driver Sport Pack' as standard, which amplifies the engine noise, increases the accelerator and electric power steering response, colours the instrument panel red and highlights the power, torque, turbo pressure and acceleration on the central display. Because poweeerrr.

No word on price, but you'll be able to order it in November, with deliveries starting in January 2015. You can option it as either a hatch or SW (that's the estate).

And as for a proper 308 hot hatch? Peugeot's 308 engineers confirmed to TopGear.com late last year how a potential GTI version could feature as much as 250bhp, and could slot below the much-vaunted 308 R and its 270bhp. Top Gear would very much like this to happen now.

New Peugeot 308 GTI could get 250bhp

The Peugeot 308 R is coming