Renault has confirmed that it will bring the Renault 5 Turbo 3E to production, offering a modern, all-electric take on the iconic 1980 Renault 5 Turbo. With aggressive styling and serious performance, here’s what the limited-run model is set to offer.
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Visually, the Turbo 3E retains the dramatic, rally-inspired look of its predecessor but with a modern aerodynamic focus. Wide wheel arches house 20-inch wheels, while functional air scoops channel airflow through the body to optimise downforce. The front features an airflow path through the nose and out the bonnet, while the rear side scoops guide air through the wheelchairs and out past the LED taillights. A massive diffuser dominates the rear end. Only the door mirrors, handles and upright LED light clusters are carried over from the standard Renault 5.
Inside, the Turbo 3E is all about function. The cabin is designed for two occupants and features a roll cage, helmet netting and deep racing seats with integrated six-point harnesses. Carbon fibre and Alcantara can be found throughout the interior, reinforcing its motorsport focus. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, which runs on the firm’s Google-based ‘OpenR’ software, and a digital instrument cluster are also present.
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Underneath, the Turbo 3E is underpinned by a bespoke aluminium chassis and makes extensive use of carbon fibre to keep weight in check. Renault has set a target of no more than 1 450kg, though Alpine engineers working on the project aim to bring it closer to 1 400kg. Power comes from a dual-motor setup, with each unit integrated into a rear wheel, making the Turbo 3E rear-wheel drive. This allows for independent control of the motors, aiding handling and enabling a dedicated drifting mode within the ‘Race’ driver’s setting. The system produces 397kW and an astonishing 4 800N.m of torque for a 0-100km/h sprint in less than 3.5 seconds.
A 70kWh lithium-ion battery, mounted under the floor, provides a claimed 402km operating range. Thanks to its 800V electrical system, the Turbo 3E supports rapid DC charging at up to 350kW, allowing a 15-80% charge in as little as 15 minutes. The charging port is neatly hidden in an air scoop ahead of the rear wheels. Set to be launched in 2027, Renault will build just 1 980 units – paying homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo’s 1980 debut.
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