Renault Electrified The Legendary Renault 5 Turbo!
Image Credit: Renault Group.
The French have gone and done something utterly bonkers. They've taken the legendary Renault 5 Turbo, that little rally-bred hot hatch that once terrorized gravel roads and made grown men weep with joy, and they've given it the electric treatment. And no, I'm not talking about some mild-mannered hybrid. This thing is a full-blown, battery-powered, tire-shredding monster.
Electric hot hatches are a real thing - gone are the days when they were like a vegan steakhouse. Renault tried that before with the mad retro R5 drift monster. But this new R5 Turbo 3E? This ain't no tofu-powered Prius. This is a production version of the wild R5 Turbo 3E concept from 2022. It’s a real pocket rocket, and it packs no less than 500 electric ponies. Can you imagine what 500 hp crammed into a car the size of a shoebox does? It's a Tesla Model S Plaid that shrunk it in the wash.
Image Credit: Renault Group.
And where does all that power go, you ask? The original mid-engined Turbo sent its power to the rear wheels like a civilized sports car. This one has a pair of electric motors mounted in the rear wheels. Yes, in-wheel motors. No driveshafts to twist off, no CV joints to snap - 250 horsepower directly put to each wheel. It's a bit like giving a hyperactive toddler a pair of rocket-powered roller skates. What could possibly go wrong?
Renault says this setup allows for "simplification of power transfer and control." I suspect it also allows for some rather spectacular donuts. And speaking of spectacular, this little electric firecracker can hit 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. So, not really a pocket-sized Tesla slayer, but that's still faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo S. It's faster than a Ferrari 488 GTB. It's faster than my aging reflexes can handle, that's for sure.
Image Credit: Renault Group.
Before you rush out to remortgage your house and put down a deposit, there are a few things you should know. First, this thing is going to be expensive. Really expensive. Way up north of $125,000. Second, it's not exactly practical. Just like the original, it only has two seats, and the trunk space is probably smaller than a handbag. And third, it's not going to be available until 2026. So you've got plenty of time to save up and practice your French swear words.
Frankly, practicality isn't really the point of a car like this, is it? The point is to have fun. To scare yourself silly. To leave a trail of smoking rubber and bewildered onlookers in your wake. And on that front, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E seems to deliver in spades. In fact, I strongly believe it can cure depression in an instant. Absolutely yes, it should be available on prescription!
Image Credit: Renault Group.
Of course, there are still some unanswered questions. How big is the battery? How far can it go on a single charge? How much will it weigh? Renault is keeping tight-lipped about those details for now. But they have revealed that the car will have a "carbon superstructure" for "lightness and maximum rigidity." So, at least it won't fall apart when you inevitably launch it over a speed bump.
Design-wise, the Turbo 3E is a delightful blend of retro charm and futuristic flair. It takes cues from both the original Renault 5 Turbo and the new electric Renault 5, with a dash of cyberpunk thrown in for good measure. The obligatory flared wheel arches, massive wheels, a vented hood, and a rear spoiler that looks like it could double as a picnic table - it's all in. Renault hasn't missed a single bit when creating this yellow miracle on wheels.
Image Credit: Renault Group.
But if you're not a fan of the standard wild look, don't worry. Renault says there will be "endless scope for customization," with a dedicated team ready to cater to your every whim. Want it painted in the colors of your favorite football team? No problem. Want it covered in stickers of cartoon characters? Go right ahead. Want it to look like a giant banana? Well, maybe not that, but you get the idea.Boy, oh boy… The Renault 5 Turbo 3E. An electric hot hatch that's as bonkers as it is brilliant. It's a car that's sure to put a big smile on your face and an even bigger dent in your wallet. But who needs money when you can have this much fun? Just try not to get arrested, okay?
