The 1980s was an era defined by flamboyant designs, daring engineering, and the rise of automotive icons. Among these, the Renault 5 Turbo stood out as a hot hatch that not only conquered the roads but also carved its name in the annals of rally history. Fast forward to 2024, Renault has announced the revival of this iconic model as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an all-electric powerhouse that combines nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. This limited-edition EV is not just a car—it’s a statement.
With a 500hp electric drivetrain, a striking design reminiscent of its rallying predecessors, and a price tag to match its exclusivity, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is poised to reignite the passion of enthusiasts.
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A Blast from the Past: Paying Homage to the Renault Turbo Legacy
The Renault 5 Turbo and its successor, the Turbo 2, were legends of the 1980s. Born during the golden era of rallying, these cars epitomized the daring spirit of Group B rally competitions. The Renault 5 Turbo wasn’t just a car; it was an adrenaline-fueled machine that pushed the limits of performance and design.
Renault’s decision to resurrect this icon as the Turbo 3E is steeped in nostalgia. The new model embraces the same livery as the original—a striking combination of yellow, black, and white. This isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a bold statement of intent. The Turbo 3E captures the essence of its predecessors while injecting it with a dose of modernity.
- Carbon Composite Bodywork: To stay true to its rally-inspired roots, the car features a lightweight upper body made from carbon composite materials.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: Dual electric motors power the rear wheels, providing precise control and maintaining the essence of the original rear-wheel-drive setup.
- Performance Heritage: From its aggressive stance to its clever integration of the charging socket in the rear air scoop, every design element evokes the spirit of the original Turbo models.
This homage is more than skin deep. The Turbo 3E is engineered to deliver the thrill that defined its legendary ancestors.
Electrifying Performance: A Powerhouse in EV Form
If the original Renault 5 Turbo was a performance icon of its time, the Turbo 3E elevates this legacy to a whole new level. With 500 horsepower on tap, courtesy of two electric motors, this limited-edition EV delivers performance that far surpasses its petrol-powered predecessor.
Key Performance Highlights:
- 0-62mph in Under 3.5 Seconds: The Turbo 3E’s blistering acceleration puts it in supercar territory, making it a true performance EV.
- Precise Power Distribution: The dual-motor setup enables unparalleled control over power delivery, allowing for razor-sharp handling and breathtaking agility.
- Driving Modes for Every Mood: Engineers have hinted at multiple driving modes, including dedicated profiles for drifting and smoky doughnuts, ensuring that the Turbo 3E is as fun as it is fast.
Renault has leveraged the same Ampere platform that underpins the latest Renault 5 EV and the Alpine A290. This platform is designed for performance, and the involvement of Alpine’s engineers adds a layer of expertise that ensures the Turbo 3E is not just about raw power but also about driving dynamics.
Check also: Renault Emblème: Pioneering the Future of Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Hybrid Mobility
Limited Production, Limitless Desire
Exclusivity is a cornerstone of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E’s appeal. With production capped at just 2,000 units, this EV is destined to be a collector’s item. However, this exclusivity comes at a cost.
Price Tag and Market Positioning:
- The estimated price for the Turbo 3E is around €150,000 (approximately £125,000 / $157,000 / AU$246,500).
- This lofty price places it in the realm of high-performance luxury cars, a far cry from the affordable hot hatches Renault is traditionally known for.
The Turbo 3E isn’t just about reviving a nameplate; it’s about redefining what it means to be a Renault performance car in the electric age. For enthusiasts, this means not only owning a piece of history but also experiencing cutting-edge technology and design.
What This Means for Renault’s EV Strategy
Renault’s decision to bring back the Turbo badge isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a strategic move that highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and performance in the EV era. The Turbo 3E serves as a halo car, designed to draw attention to Renault’s broader EV lineup.
A Boost for the Renault 5 EV:
- The standard Renault 5 EV, launched in 2024, has already been a massive success, proving that electric cars can be both affordable and exciting.
- The Turbo 3E’s introduction is expected to further bolster demand for the standard model, as enthusiasts are drawn to the brand’s rich history and bold future.
Renault’s Legacy of Affordable Performance:
Renault has a storied history of delivering performance on a budget, from the Clio RS to the Megane RS. While the Turbo 3E’s price tag may deviate from this tradition, it showcases the brand’s willingness to experiment and innovate. The hope is that Renault will eventually channel the lessons learned from this limited-edition EV into more accessible models.
Pushing Boundaries:
With the Turbo 3E, Renault is not just revisiting its past—it’s charting a course for the future. This car represents a bold vision of what electric performance can look like, blending retro aesthetics with modern engineering.
