Earlier this year, Renault unveiled the 5 E-Tech electric hatchback, utilizing elements from a 2021 concept model with some retro styling. Seemingly the perfect city driver, the vehicle now builds upon the handsome EV with a new Turbo 3E version that pays homage to an ‘80s rally racer.
A Fan-Favorite from France
Produced from 1980 to 1984, the Renault 5 Turbo was designed to become a sportier version of the 5 Alpine. The fastest French car at the time, it went on to become a fan-favorite hot hatch that found success in WRC rally racing throughout the first half of the decade. In terms of production cars for homologation, fewer than 5,000 examples came from the factory, but few can forget its iconic boxy design and Bertone styling, as well as more specific details like the large air intakes on the bulging rear fenders, and asymmetrical steering wheel. It was followed up with a cheaper version, the Turbo 2.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E Basics
Seen as a revival of the Renault 5 Turbo, which debuted in 1980, the Turbo 3E is based on a 2022 concept vehicle, but with some cosmetic changes. The concept had a large wing at the rear and more colorful bodywork, while the production version ditches the drifting spoiler and sports a yellow-over-black split-color livery that was popular for Renault race cars in the ‘80s.
The French marque also eliminates the doors in the back and adds the bulging fenders like the original instead — one of which features a charging socket. Built around a carbon superstructure, the new vehicle is both lightweight and stiff, according to the brand. Onlookers will also notice that this is more squared in front with a more period-correct LED fog light shape on the bumper, along with the three vents below.
Power in Comparison
There’s not much revealed about the car’s specs as of right now, but we do know the Turbo 3E will swap the combustion engine of the original for an electric one like the 5 E-Tech. However, it will feature a rear-wheel drive layout like the ‘80s original. This time around, there will be a pair of electric motors inside the rear, delivering over 500hp of power with a 0-to-60 time of just 3.5 seconds — dwarfing the original which had 160hp and a 0-to-60 of 6.9 seconds. Drivers can expect to “experience ultimate driving thrills with lightning acceleration.”
Spec Sheet
Model: 5 Turbo 3E
Engine: Dual-motor electric
Power: Over 500hp
0-to-60: 3.5 seconds
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Considering the inspiration for the vehicle, we can venture to guess that the 5 Turbo 3E will be limited in edition size, although Renault has not specified as much. There’s also no word yet on release date or price. However, the standard 5 E-Tech has an MSRP of $27,700, so this should be even more. Head over to Renault’s website to sign up to be notified of its release.
Recap
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
Renault effectively reissues its iconic rally racer from the ’80s, but with lots more power and an all-electric powertrain.
