Launched in June 1987 to replace the Peugeot 305, the 405 saloon was equipped a few months later with the engine of the 205 GTI 1.9 to become a particularly efficient sports car.
Although it did not have the aura of the little 205 GTI bomb created three years earlier, the 405 Mi 16 saloon soon proved to be an accomplished sports car. Under the auspices of Peugeot Talbot Sport, it distinguished itself in Supertourism, while a Turbo 16 version masterfully won the Rallye-Raid for three consecutive seasons. In 1989, an all-wheel drive version was launched and in 1992, the Phase 2 was launched.
Barely three months after the presentation of its new 405, Peugeot once again showed its claws and offered the sporty Mi16 version. The name of this high-performance, homogeneous model came from the multi-valve cylinder head fitted to its engine, which was a first for a French production car, shared with the Citroën BX GTI which was launched at the same time. Peugeot's objective at the end of the 1980s was to rejuvenate its customer base, but also to confirm the sporting experience acquired by the 205 GTI. Moreover, to disturb the German saloon cars which usually dominate this category was certainly part of the commercial projects of the Sochaux-based brand at the time...