Renault has introduced the R5 Turbo 3E, an all-electric sports car that pays tribute to the classic Renault 5 Turbo. With a powerful 540-horsepower drivetrain, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and features advanced aerodynamics, an 800-volt charging system, and a lightweight design. Limited to 1,980 units, it combines modern technology with nostalgic design elements, all while offering extensive customization options. Reservations will begin soon, with deliveries expected in 2027.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E: A New Era in Electric Sports Cars
Renault has made a striking entry into the sports car arena with the unveiling of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an all-electric masterpiece that pays homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 from the 1980s. This innovative model is set to redefine the landscape of automotive performance by introducing a groundbreaking category: “mini-supercars.” This is a significant leap from the conventional Renault 5 E-Tech electric model.
With its remarkable performance, eye-catching aesthetics, and state-of-the-art technology, the R5 Turbo 3E is poised to become a legendary figure in the automotive world, reminiscent of the impact its predecessors had decades ago.
Impressive Design and Performance Engineering
The R5 Turbo 3E boasts a powerful yet compact design, measuring 4.08 meters in length and 2.03 meters in width. Its aggressive styling features a front end that echoes classic Turbos with rectangular headlights, complemented by a large rear spoiler, side air intakes, and square LED lights, all paying tribute to the original Turbo’s legacy.
This model is built on a custom platform developed by Alpine, specifically optimized for electric propulsion. Its aerodynamic design includes a sculpted front blade that maximizes downforce, paired with a rear diffuser for stability at high speeds. The oversized wing from the concept has been replaced with a more subtle spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.
Underneath this striking exterior lies an extraordinary powertrain. The R5 Turbo 3E is equipped with dual rear wheel motors, a first for production vehicles, delivering an astounding 540 horsepower and a torque of 4,800 Nm. This impressive performance is achieved by integrating the motors directly into the wheels, eliminating the need for a traditional transmission and allowing for lightning-fast response times under 4 milliseconds. This technical advancement facilitates precise torque vectoring, significantly improving handling during cornering.
The R5 Turbo 3E accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 270 km/h on the track. Its 70 kWh lithium-ion battery offers an estimated range of over 400 km based on the mixed WLTP cycle. While its consumption may not be its strongest feature, it outperforms the standard electric R5, which has a smaller 52 kWh battery.
Renault has embraced an innovative 800-volt architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging capabilities. In just 15 minutes, the battery can charge from 15% to 80% with a rapid 350 kW direct current charger. For home charging, a full battery recharge takes approximately 8 hours using an 11 kW charger.
Designed for exhilarating driving experiences, the R5 Turbo 3E features an aluminum chassis and a carbon fiber superstructure, keeping its weight below 1,450 kg. This results in an impressive weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/hp, comparable to the most extreme supercars. The vehicle’s rear-wheel drive and independently controlled motors promise “maximum agility,” further enhanced by a “drift assist” function and a hydro-electric handbrake reminiscent of rally cars.
For optimal performance on the track, the “Race” driving mode is available, while alternate modes such as “Snow” and “Regular” allow the vehicle to adapt to various road conditions.
Inside, the R5 Turbo 3E showcases carbon bucket seats fitted with 6-point harnesses and a dual digital display setup featuring 10.1 and 10.25-inch screens. The multimedia system, based on Android Automotive, integrates Google services and offers a navigation system complete with itinerary planning.
Customization options are abundant, allowing buyers to choose from a variety of finishes, including classic colors like Grenade Red and exclusive designs inspired by motorsport. The vehicle is designed with only two seats, maximizing trunk space as the motors are housed in the wheels, making it an exceptionally practical supercar.
Pricing and Availability
Production of the R5 Turbo 3E will be limited to 1,980 units, a nod to the inaugural year of the original Renault 5 Turbo. Reservations are expected to open in the coming weeks, with deliveries projected for 2027.
While the exact pricing remains undisclosed, it is anticipated to start at around 100,000 euros, certainly below the 265,000 euros of the Alpine A110R Ultime.