Renault revives the R5 Turbo with bold technical innovation

Renault revives the legendary R5 Turbo by adapting it to the electric age, with a limited edition that promises to make a splash.

Named the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, this modern version reinterprets the 1980s icon while incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including electric motors integrated directly into the rear wheels.

This revolutionary architecture is at the heart of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Unlike conventional electric powertrains, this technology offers significant advantages in performance and agility. By removing traditional mechanical linkages between the wheels and the motor, Renault has been able to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity by placing a battery beneath the floor, thereby optimizing stability and handling. Each motor, housed in a rear wheel, delivers 200 kW of power, powered by a 70 kWh lithium-ion battery operating at 800 volts. This technical choice not only improves driving dynamics but also allows for perfect torque distribution and increased precision in corners.

“Reinterpreting the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 was a bold challenge,” emphasizes Gilles Vidal, Vice President of Design at Renault. “We preserved their exuberance while integrating modern technologies like wheel motors. The result is a car full of sensations and emotions.”

The vehicle’s design clearly references its predecessors, while adding contemporary elements such as optimized aerodynamics. Air intakes, diffusers, and the hood have been redesigned to maximize efficiency while ensuring adequate cooling of critical components. The chassis in aluminum and the bodywork made from composites ensure a controlled weight of 1,450 kg, offering an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 kg/hp.

“The 5 Turbo 3E showcases our expertise in electric motorsport technology,” celebrates Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine and Technical Director of Groupe Renault. “The integration of motors into the wheels exemplifies our pursuit of excellence and innovation.”

With a WLTP range of up to 400 km and a maximum speed of 270 km/h, this car is not just a tribute to the past but a bold vision of the future of sporty electric vehicles.

ALSO READ: Is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E heading to Rally?