- Renault 5 Turbo 3E hits the road
- First public outing for the electric hot hatch
- Power of 555hp, 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds
- Expected range of 248 miles
- Priced from £140,000
- Renault taking reservations - order books yet to open
Behold the new Renault 5 Turbo 3E - seen here tearing up the roads for the very first time.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a reboot of the iconic Renault 5 GT Turbo 2 from the early 1980s.
Unlike its predecessor, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is fully-electric, with a 70 kWh battery giving it power of 555hp and a colossal 4,800 Nm of torque.
Up until now, we’ve only seen prototype versions of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E in pics - or in a big glass presentation case at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
But here it is in near-production form (with a test involving two ‘advanced prototypes’) enjoying a blast on public roads, taking to Corsica’s Mediterranean-flanked stretches of Tarmac ahead of the Historic Tour de Corse rally.
A Renault spokesperson tells us: “Maximum agility, breathtaking performance, spectacular drifting capabilities and driving thrills: a celebration of pure sporting spirit in a uniquely sized package. Just 4.08 metres long and 2.03 metres wide, with a minimum length-to-width ratio of 2.01, Renault 5 Turbo 3E was inspired by both the innovative DNA and sporting spirit of its predecessors.”
What’s special about the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?
Developed by Alpine, Renault 5 Turbo 3E is based on a custom-built aluminium platform, optimised by carbon features including the top section of the bulkhead and part of the floor.
In-wheel motors at the rear means the torque is available even faster than with a conventional electric motor.
At the same time, the two wheels can be controlled separately to optimise torque distribution, and boost agility and performance. Traction is provided by the front and rear suspension with their double wishbone set-up.
Why is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E being called a ‘mini supercar’?
During this week’s Corsica blast, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E was driven by Julien Saunier, Renault's ambassador driver and rally specialist.
He said: “Driving this Renault 5 Turbo 3E is such an incredible experience! It really does have everything you'd expect from a super sports car - it's a true rallying beast. I was blown away by the acceleration, which doesn't fade when you gather speed, the braking that’s ultra-powerful yet easy to modulate, and its ability to perform spectacular but controlled drifts. It was such a fun drive, with all sorts of new driving sensations.”
What’s the electric driving range of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?
The final homologation process is now under way but Renault expects the range to be ‘higher than 400 km’ (around 248 miles) according to the WLTP test.
The first vehicles configured and ordered will be delivered in 2027.
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