Renault R5 Turbo 3E: Even More Exuberant Than the Original?

Renault unveils its showcar of the R5 Turbo electric. Named Turbo 3E (with the E for electric), it essentially follows up on the Turbo 2, although it will of course not be marketed.

The Turbo 3E is a successor to the Renault 5 Diamant, an electrified and artistically reimagined R5 by Pierre Gonalons. Like it, it was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Renault 5.

In broad terms, the carbon fiber body remains very close to that of the “real” R5 Turbo. A massive rear wing adds even more ferocity to the car, while also improving its stability.

For elements like the pink plexiglass glazing or the neon yellow dashboard, Renault drew inspiration from pop culture. But the manufacturer also aimed to evoke the universe of video games, notably through the graphics on the ten small screens facing the driver. The fact that there are ten of them is no coincidence: it’s a nod once again to the original Turbo, which had 10 digital dials.

A 380 HP Electric R5

The Turbo3E is powered by two electric motors. Each is connected to a rear wheel. The combined output delivers 380 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The electricity is stored in a 42 kWh battery located at the rear of the car, between the two motors.

Renault wanted its showcar to be the perfect tool for executing drifts. Accordingly, the Turbo 3E features a dedicated drift mode, as well as a large vertical handbrake that facilitates this kind of maneuver. Additionally, Renault included a small bear named “Drifty” in the cabin, whose primary role is to reassure passengers who might feel a little too shaken up… Finally, each drift is accompanied by a lighting effect on the pink, blue, and yellow LEDs installed at the front and rear of the vehicle.

Sufficient Range to “Dive into a Furious Gymkhana”

Performance-wise, Renault announces a 0-100 km/h start in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h. The range is not specified, as this information is relatively unimportant for a vehicle like this. The manufacturer prefers to say that the battery is sufficiently durable for the driver to “launch into a session of multiple drifting laps or a furious gymkhana without constraints.”

The R5 Turbo 3E will make a public debut this weekend at the Chantilly Concours d’Élégance. Renault will then exhibit it at the Paris Motor Show from October 17 to 23.

Also read: Cupra Born vs Renault Megane E-Tech: Which Compact Car to Choose?