Summary
- Renault to launch limited-edition performance version of the electric Renault 5, paying homage to the original 5 Turbo
- New Renault 5 Turbo 3E to have rear-wheel drive with in-wheel motors producing 533 hp
- 70-kwh battery pack in the Turbo 3E to offer 250 miles of range with 350-kw DC fast charging
- Carbon fiber bodywork contributes to a curb weight of 3,395 pounds, allowing for 0-62 mph in under 3.5 seconds
- Retro aesthetic of the Turbo 3E includes unique bodywork and interior features, with Alpine launching a separate performance version of the Renault 5 as well
Article
Renault is continuing to look to the past for inspiration with the introduction of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a limited-edition performance version of its affordable electric hatchback. The 5 Turbo 3E pays homage to the extreme performance version of the original Renault 5 hatch that was launched in 1972. The production of the Turbo 3E will be limited to 1,980 units, in reference to the original 5 Turbo’s launch year, with deliveries set to begin in 2027.
The original Renault 5 Turbo featured a turbo-4 engine mounted in the middle of the car, powering the rear wheels instead of the standard front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration. The electric revival of the 5 Turbo makes a similar switch to rear-wheel drive with a pair of in-wheel motors delivering a combined 533 hp, mounted in 20-inch wheels. The Turbo 3E is equipped with a 70-kwh battery pack that offers an estimated 250 miles of range on the WLTP testing cycle, along with a fast charging capability of 350-kw DC fast charging.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E features a carbon-fiber bodywork that contributes to its relatively low curb weight of 3,395 pounds, allowing for impressive acceleration from 0-62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, according to Renault estimates. The design of the 5 Turbo 3E pays homage to the original with a modified bodywork that includes extended wheelbase, moved windshield, and swollen fenders reminiscent of the classic 5 Turbo. The car also features retro-inspired liveries and a sporty interior with bucket seats, harnesses, digital instrument cluster, and central touchscreen.
Renault has also introduced the Alpine A290, a 220-hp version of the electric hatch, alongside the 5 Turbo 3E. While prices for the Turbo 3E have not yet been announced, it is expected to be much more expensive than the base 5 E-Tech model due to its limited production and extensive reworking. Both the Turbo 3E and A290 are unlikely to be available in the U.S. market, as Renault continues to focus on retro styling and electrification in its strategy moving forward.
The Turbo 3E is part of Renault’s broader strategy of emphasizing retro styling and performance as it transitions to electric vehicles. In addition to the Turbo 3E, Renault recently unveiled the Filante Record 2025, a one-off test car inspired by record-setting prototypes from the past century. The Filante Record 2025 will be used in range and efficiency record attempts later this year, showcasing Renault’s commitment to blending history with innovation in its vehicle lineup. Overall, the introduction of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E represents a significant step towards a more performance-oriented and retro-inspired electric future for Renault.
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