Is it April 1st already? No, its problably not a joke. Renault has officially announced that it is planning an electric version of the legendary R5 Turbo, produced in series.
The model was first presented as a concept at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, which at the time featured a large rear wing. However, new images show that this element is gone. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be a modern interpretation of the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, wiht colors reminiscent of classic models.
Renault
The design includes large rear air intakes, one of which houses the charging port - quite a bold
renault also promises a carbon fiber structure that combines lightness with real rigidity.
Unlike the usual Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and like the classic model, the R5 Turbo 3E has rear-wheel drive. The model has two electric motors on the rear axle, possibly wheel hub motors, integrated directly into the rear wheels. Together, they deliver more than 500 hp of combined power (about 370 kW). With this package, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Renault referred to the new model as an “easter egg” in an episode of the documentary series Anatomy of a Comeback, available on Prime Video from 13 December. In the fourth and final episode of the series, the Renault Group CEO, Luca de Meo, visits the design department with the head of the brand, Fabrice Cambolive, and the chief designer, Gilles Vidal. During the visit,the new Renault 5 Turbo 3E appears briefly,and De Meo confirms that it will be the next series production model. More details about the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be revealed in future campaigns over the next year.
The documentary series, which consists of four 40-minute episodes, tells the story of “Renaulution” – how De Meo called for his transformation plan to revive the brand.It was during an event with the same name that the Renault 5 was presented for the first time. The documentary gives a behind-the-scenes look at the company, covering everything from model development and production to the Alpine team’s Formula 1 paddock.
Is it really an possibility? The Renault 5 Turbo 3E really looks more like a teenage car fan’s dream than reality. But Renault writes: “All-electric sports car confirmed as series model.” Though,the manufacturer does not say how big the proposed series will be. Either way, the model is highly likely to boost the brand’s image.