Peugeot has used its home motor show in Paris to unveil two new electric concept cars, giving fans of the brand a stylish and aggressive glimpse into its future design direction while also celebrating two of its most iconic past performance models.

The Peugeot E-T16 Concept and RCZ Vision have both made their debuts with radical and futuristic styling, a big boost in electric technology compared to current Peugeot products and, in a breath of fresh air in today’s market, an emphasis on driving enjoyment.

Neither model has been confirmed for production, but both concepts preview technologies and styling elements expected to appear in future cars, such as the next-generation 208 hatchback that’s due for reveal early next year.

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The more outrageous of the two is the E-T16 (pictured above), an all-electric ‘hyperhatch’ developed in collaboration with Peugeot Sport to celebrate 40 years since the legendary Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 won consecutive World Rally Championship titles in 1985 and 1986.

With three electric motors producing a combined 608kW of power – that’s 816 horses – the E-T16 is the most powerful Peugeot ever. The brand claims that it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reach 300km/h from a standstill in 16 seconds. Its dual-motor all-wheel drive system features tech such as torque vectoring and different driving modes to adjust how much grunt is going to each axle at any given time.

It also features 380mm disc brakes on each axle for extreme stopping power, a vertical mechanical handbrake and Michelin tyres. Feeding its extreme performance credentials is an 85kWh battery with an 800-volt architecture, providing a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 400 kilometres. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent reportedly takes less than 15 minutes.

Externally, the E-T16 heavily draws inspiration from its rally-winning predecessor with enormous wheel arches, aggressive aerodynamic elements, a huge rear wing and a matte-grey exterior finish with sporty red and yellow detailing. Like the original 205 T16, its entire rear body section can also be tilted upwards to reveal the mechanical components underneath. Inside, there’s a 21-inch panoramic display, carbon-fibre bucket seats, four-point harnesses and Peugeot’s futuristic new ‘Hypersquare’ steering system.

Alongside the hyperhatch, Peugeot has revived a familiar nameplate with the RCZ Vision, a futuristic electric coupe inspired by the original RCZ, which was sold between 2009 and 2015. The new concept retains the cool double-bubble roof design of its predecessor, combined with sculpted bodywork, slim LED lighting and large 21-inch front/22-inch rear wheels.

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Underneath, the RCZ Vision uses Stellantis’ new ‘STLA One’ platform, incorporating a new solid-state battery developed with US-based Factorial Energy and a 1000-volt electrical system. Peugeot claims the electric powertrain produces 373kW with a driving range of up to 600km, and the ability to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes.

The cabin features four proper seats – the original RCZ was much more of a 2+2 – as well as transparent Micro LED displays and the brand’s new Hypersquare steering control, which works with steer-by-wire tech to eliminate the mechanical connection between the tiller and front wheels. Level 2++ self-driving tech, which allows for the car to self-drive in certain conditions, also features.

Both concepts showcase Peugeot’s new ‘Feline Future’ design language, which will influence the brand’s next generation of vehicles. While production remains unconfirmed, the new concepts suggest Peugeot is keen to inject some excitement back into its electric vehicle lineup. Hopefully we’ll soon see production.