Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Reviving a Legend Electrically
Renault is electrifying its past with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an all-electric reboot of the iconic mini supercar from the 1980s. This modern interpretation blends the heritage of the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 models with the forward-thinking design of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
Drawing inspiration from its predecessors, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E features a distinctive design. The team behind the vehicle have extended its wheelbase and repositioned the windscreen further back to give it a unique profile. The vehicle aims to capture the agility of a city car with the robust stance of an electric supercar.
Design and Features
The front of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E retains the signature square headlights and a slim central strip reminiscent of its ancestors. Square LED lights replace the long-range lights, while an aerodynamic splitter and a large bonnet air outlet enhance downforce. Side intakes route air towards the wheels, and rear wing scoops manage airflow under the lights. The lower scoops cool the brakes, with the left scoop cleverly concealing the charging hatch.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E has a ‘specific surround’ that extends from the windscreen pillars along the cabin roofline.
The car is engineered with a rear-wheel-drive architecture. Its exterior features 20-inch wheels, and it is a two-door, two-seater model. The motor electronics are situated between the wheels, and the battery is placed underneath the floor for enhanced space and a lower center of gravity.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E sports bucket seats constructed from lightweight carbon components. Alcantara graces the seats and dashboards, and a rally-style vertical handbrake adds a touch of sportiness. Driving and multimedia information is displayed on 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens, with a layout inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo dashboards.
Personalization and Availability
To honor the legacy of the original, the exterior and interior color options reflect designs pulled from the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, including racing liveries inspired by the Tour de Corse 1982 rally car. Those interested can personalize the vehicle’s exterior and interior, and are able to customize elements like the seats, dashboard, and center console.
Designed to capture the retro-futuristic design of the Renault 5 and Renault 4 electric models, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be available in key markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia. With a limited production run of 1,980 units––a nod to the year the original debuted––numbered vehicles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are set to open in the coming weeks, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2027.
