Renault’s 536 HP 5 Turbo 3E: An Electric Rally Beast!

Summary

Renault unveils the production version of the 5 Turbo 3E, an electrifying and high-performance electric vehicle. Inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo, this two-door, two-seat hot hatch features a rear-wheel-drive system, dual in-wheel motors delivering a combined 536 horsepower, and impressive torque. With a 70 kWh battery, it offers a range of up to 249 miles. Its ultra-fast 350 kW charging can recharge the battery from 15 to 80% in just 15 minutes. A motorsport-inspired design, with features like a vertical handbrake, a roll cage, and bucket seats, positions the 5 Turbo 3E as a true performance machine. Limited to just 1,980 units, it’s expected to have a six-figure price tag, with deliveries beginning in 2027.

Takeaways

• 😀 Renault is launching the production version of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, staying close to the concept revealed in late 2024.
• 😀 The 5 Turbo 3E adopts a two-door, two-seat layout, unlike the standard Renault 5 with rear doors and five seats.
• 😀 The car’s drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, powered by two in-wheel motors producing 536 horsepower combined.
• 😀 The torque is listed at 3540 lb-ft, though the real output is expected to be closer to 10% of this figure.
• 😀 It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 3 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph.
• 😀 The 5 Turbo 3E is equipped with a 70 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 249 miles on a single charge.
• 😀 Despite a larger battery and increased power, the 5 Turbo 3E weighs only 3,197 lbs, thanks to carbon fiber construction and removing rear seats and doors.
• 😀 The vehicle features an 800-volt electrical system, enabling ultra-fast charging at up to 350 kW, charging from 15% to 80% in just 15 minutes.
• 😀 The interior is inspired by motorsports, with Alcantara upholstery, a full roll cage, bucket seats, and six-point harnesses.
• 😀 Renault plans to produce only 1,980 units, paying homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo from 1980, and deliveries are expected in 2027.
• 😀 The 5 Turbo 3E will be available in Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia, and will likely carry a six-figure price tag due to its exclusivity and performance.

Q & A

What is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E and what makes it unique?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a high-performance electric car based on the Renault 5, with significant changes, including a two-door, two-seat layout, rear-wheel-drive, and a widebody design inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2.

What are the key changes in the production version of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E compared to the concept version?

The main difference between the production version and the concept is the addition of the RS logo behind the B-pillars. The production version also retains the two-door, two-seat layout and rear-wheel-drive, with the design largely unchanged from the concept.

How powerful is the drivetrain of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E has two in-wheel motors, each producing 268 horsepower, for a combined output of 536 horsepower.

What is the torque output of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E has a torque figure of 3,540 lb-ft, though this is likely wheel torque, not motor torque, which is typically reported by companies like GMC and Tesla.

What performance capabilities does the Renault 5 Turbo 3E offer?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in approximately 3 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph.

How long is the driving range of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E can travel up to 249 miles on a single charge under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

How does the weight of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E compare to the standard Renault 5?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E weighs 3,197 lbs, which is similar to the base model of the Renault 5 that has a smaller 52 kWh battery.

What materials were used to keep the weight low in the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E uses carbon fiber throughout the body and interior to keep weight low, and the removal of rear doors and seats also contributes to weight savings.

What is the battery charging capability of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E features an 800-volt electrical system, supporting ultra-fast charging at up to 350 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 15% to 80% in just 15 minutes under ideal conditions.

What unique features does the interior of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E offer?

The interior of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E features Alcantara upholstery, a full roll cage, bucket seats with six-point harnesses, and a rally-style vertical handbrake lever, emphasizing its motorsport-inspired nature.

How exclusive is the production of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

Only 1,980 units of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be produced, as a tribute to the original Renault 5 Turbo. The car will be sold in Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia, with deliveries starting in 2027.

What is the expected price range of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?

While Renault has not disclosed the exact pricing, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is expected to carry a six-figure price tag, given its exclusivity and high-performance capabilities.