536bhp Renault 5 Turbo 3E launched as the world’s first ‘mini-supercar’
Renault has revealed full details of its outrageous Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which offers supercar-rivalling performance, a drift mode and a rally-inspired handbrake.
Inspired by the lairy Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, the Turbo 3E is built on an entirely bespoke rear-wheel-drive platform and uses cutting edge technology including in-wheel motors and carbon fibre construction to deliver rallying, drift and track performance, adapted for the road.
Renault says that alongside the regular Renault 5 city car and the Alpine A290 hot hatch, the Turbo 5E creates a whole new segment of car – the mini-supercar. Despite its show car looks, the Alpine-developed 5E is destined for production and will go on sale in 2027.
At the heart of the Turbo 5E’s supercar performance is a lightweight aluminium platform and carbon body shell that means a kerbweight of just 1,450kg, and twin in-wheel motors that deliver 536bhp to the rear of the car.
Those motors also deliver a Tarmac-twisting 3,540lb ft of torque and allow the Turbo 3E to get from 0-62mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Renault says the car will be able to complete several hot laps on track at its maximum speed of 168mph before requiring recharging. This can be done at up to 350kW thanks to the car’s 800V architecture and means a 15-80% charge takes just 15 minutes.
To deliver on its outrageous looks and allow owners to take full advantage of its power, the Turbo 3E features multiple drive modes covering driving on everything from snow to race tracks. The car even features a rally-style vertical handbrake and a ‘drift assist’ system to help get things properly sideways.
Amazingly, despite its huge power, Renault claims owners will get up to 248 miles of range from the bespoke 70kWh battery – the same as a regular 148bhp Renault 5.
While it is clearly related to the current Renault 5 and Alpine A290, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E shares nothing more than its wing mirrors and tail lights with either. The entire body has been designed to invoke memories of past Turbos and deliver cutting-edge aerodynamic and cooling performance.
On top of an elongated wheelbase, the two-door shell shifts the windscreen back compared with the regular 5, and features massively flared box arches wrapped around 20-inch alloys. Cartoonishly large side skirts blend into a massive front splitter and rear diffuser, both designed to aid downforce, as is the small splitter between the tail lights. Side scoops also help direct air flow, cool the brakes and conceal the charging port.
At the front, square headlights are a direct nod to the car’s petrol-powered predecessors, and low-set LED daytime running lights ape the long-range lights of old rally cars.
Buyers of the limited edition model will be able to choose from a range of liveries inspired by hot Renaults of the past. These include the pictured yellow, white and black racing livery of the Tour de Corse 1982 rally car, and the Rouge Grenade offered on production models of the Turbo and Turbo 2.
Inside, the Turbo 5E is strictly a two-seater and features carbon fibre bucket seats with six-point racing harnesses. It also makes plentiful use of Alcantara on the seats and dashboard, and owners will also be able to customise the interior trim.
Shared with the Renault 5, the Turbo 3E has a 10.1-inch instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment screen, featuring all the latest connectivity technology but with an interface inspired by the dashboard of the original Turbos.
“Reinterpreting the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 is a bold challenge. We have preserved their exuberance and racing spirit while integrating modern technologies and optimized aerodynamics for the electric era,” commented Gilles Vidal, vice president of design at Renault and Ampere.
“Every line, every volume expresses a balance between performance and character. More than a tribute, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a machine of sensations and emotions that everyone can personalise infinitely.”
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be limited to just 1,980 units and will go on sale in 2027 in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Australia. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed but we do know it will start at more than £100,000.
