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Renault R5 Turbo 3E: Electrifying The Legacy Of A Rally Icon From The ’80s

The Renault R5 Turbo 3E Combines Nostalgic Design With Cutting-Edge EV Tech And 500-Horsepower Performance

Michael Phoon

December 13, 2024 Updated 05:41, December 13, 2024

2 min read

In a bold move that blends automotive nostalgia with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology, Renault is set to resurrect its iconic R5 Turbo as an electrified performance machine that pays homage to its legendary rally-bred predecessor.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E represents the brand’s innovative spirit and focus on reimagining automotive heritage. Unveiled through an unprecedented documentary series called “Anatomy of a Comeback,” this electric hot hatch aims to capture the imagination of both classic car enthusiasts and modern performance lovers.

A Legacy Reborn

Renault 5 Turbo 3E (Image: Renault)

Forty-four years after the original Renault 5 Turbo first turned heads in the early 1980s, the new 3E model maintains the spirit of its predecessor while embracing an entirely new technological approach. The EV model stays true to its roots with a rear-wheel-drive layout and a design that unmistakably references the original’s rally-racing DNA.

The most striking feature is its powertrain: two wheel-hub motors integrated directly into the rear wheels, generating an astounding 500 horsepower. This translates to mind-bending performance, with the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.5 seconds—an acceleration rate that Renault boldly claims is comparable to a supercar or hypercar.

Design with Purpose

Renault 5 Turbo 3E (Image: Renault)

Visually, the R5 Turbo 3E is a masterclass in retro-futuristic design. It maintains the wide, aggressive stance of the original, with clever design elements that pay tribute to its predecessor. The charging port, for instance, is ingeniously hidden in one of the rear air intakes—a direct nod to the original model’s cooling system.

The EV model features a carbon structure that Renault emphasizes as being both lightweight and extremely rigid, crucial characteristics for a performance vehicle that aims to deliver “ultimate driving thrills.”

A Calculated Risk

Renault 5 Turbo 3E (Image: Renault)

The launch comes at an interesting time for the European EV market, which has recently faced challenges in consumer adoption. Renault’s approach—creating a high-performance, emotionally compelling EV—seems designed to reignite enthusiasm for electric mobility.

This strategy is part of Renault’s broader “Renaulution” transformation plan, which aims to reinvent the company in response to significant industry challenges. The R5 Turbo 3E represents more than just a new car; it’s a statement of intent from a manufacturer willing to take bold risks.

What Lies Ahead

Renault 5 Turbo 3E (Image: Renault)

While Renault has been intentionally mysterious about specific details, they’ve promised a series of “exclusive promotions” in 2025 to further reveal the R5 Turbo 3E. The EV model was first showcased as a concept at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, and its appearance in the “Anatomy of a Comeback” documentary—confirmed as a production model by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo—has only heightened anticipation.

For automotive enthusiasts who remember the original R5 Turbo and for a new generation drawn to electrified performance, the R5 Turbo 3E represents an exciting glimpse into the future of electric sports cars—a future that honors its past while boldly charging forward.

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