Renault 5 Turbo 3E: A Hot Hatch Reborn
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 holds a special place in automotive history, a symbol of a time when hot hatchbacks reigned supreme. Now, 40 years later, Renault is paying homage to this icon with a modern, all-electric sequel: the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
This new model promises a blend of exhilarating performance and limited exclusivity. Scheduled for production in 2027, Renault intends to produce only 1,980 units of the 5 Turbo 3E, which it boldly calls the first “mini-supercar.”
Electric Powerhouse
The 5 Turbo 3E boasts impressive credentials. Equipped with in-wheel motors, it generates a potent 540 horsepower, enabling a blistering zero-to-62 mph acceleration time of under 3.5 seconds. Its compact dimensions – approximately 13.4 feet long and 6.7 feet wide – contribute to its agile handling, making it worthy of the ‘mini-supercar’ title.
“With these dimensions,” explains Renault in a press release, “the Renault 5 Turbo 3E has the length of a city car for the width of a supercar.”
Renault engineers have prioritized aerodynamic efficiency, carefully balancing downforce for optimal cornering with weight distribution. Airflow is also directed to the rear brakes to enhance cooling capabilities. The two-door configuration comfortably seats two passengers, with the battery pack discreetly positioned beneath the floor.
The car’s lightweight design helps it achieve quick acceleration and easy handling. Weighing less than 3,200 pounds, it utilizes carbon fiber components to keep weight down. The 800-volt architecture allows for rapid charging, replenishing the battery from 15 percent to 80 percent in just 15 minutes, which should allow for quick track sessions at speeds up to 167 mph, of which the Turbo 5 3E can sustain “several,” according to Renault.
Limited Availability and Legacy
While Renault has yet to announce pricing, industry experts anticipate a price tag exceeding €100,000 (around $110,000). The 5 Turbo 3E will be available in select markets across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Japan, but is not slated for sale in the United States.
Given the legacy of the Renault 5 Turbo 2 – a highly sought-after classic – the 5 Turbo 3E has a significant legacy and the expectations that come with it.
Hot hatchbacks like the Peugeot 205 GTi and Volkswagen Golf GTI provided the sports car feel accessible to the average driver. In the same way, the 5 Turbo 3E will offer drivers a sense of excitement and practicality and likely some bragging rights.
