The return of the R5
The new electric Renault R5 Turbo 3E marks the return of an automotive icon, reinvented for the age of electromobility. This bold resurrection combines the heritage of the legendary R5 Turbo of the 1980s with cutting-edge 100% electric technology. Renault, true to its tradition of innovation, has transformed this popular car into a true racing beast.
The electric R5 Turbo 3E stands out for :
- An impressive 500 horsepower, all electric
- Lightning acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds
- A captivating neo-retro design, inspired by its ancestor yet resolutely modern
- A rear-wheel drive, faithful to the spirit of the original R5 Turbo.
This new iteration of the R5 Turbo demonstrates Renault's commitment to the electrification of its iconic models, while preserving the sporting spirit that has made the brand so successful. With this model, Renault is not just resurrecting a legend, but propelling the R5 Turbo into a new era, combining performance and zero emissions.
A 500-horsepower electric city car
The new Renault R5 Turbo 3E Electric pushes back the boundaries of what can be expected from a city car in terms of performance. Although the mass-market version of the R5 E-Tech Electric offers engines ranging from 95 to 150 bhp, Renault has developed a super-powered variant that recalls the spirit of the legendary R5 Turbo of the 1980s.
This electric R5 Turbo, designed as a prototype called the R5 Turbo 3E, delivers an impressive 381 bhp (280 kW) and 700 Nm of torque. These figures, which are already remarkable, point to the possibility of a production version approaching 500 bhp. This exceptional power is made possible by :
- Two electric motors mounted in a central rear position
- A rear-wheel drive transmission, faithful to the spirit of the original R5 Turbo
- A battery the latest generation offering high performance
With these characteristics, the electric R5 Turbo promises performance worthy of a sports car, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h. These figures put this electric city car on a par with much larger supercars, while retaining the agility and handling characteristic of its compact format.
A design inspired by the past for this electric R5 turbo
The design of the new Renault R5 Turbo Electric was led by Gilles Vidal, Renault's Director of Design. Under his direction, the design team has sought to create a vehicle that combines heritage and modernity, while avoiding falling into the vintage trap. Here are some key elements of the R5 Turbo Electric's design:
- Retro-futurism: Gilles Vidal insisted on a 'retro-futuristic' approach, incorporating emblematic elements of the original R5 while modernising them to meet contemporary expectations.
- Iconic details: The engine bonnet vent, for example, has been transformed into a load indicator, and elements such as the rear lights have been revisited to reflect the car's heritage while improving aerodynamics.
- Creative team: The project was developed by a small team of designers who worked closely together to reinterpret the classic lines of the R5 while incorporating modern technologies.
The new Renault R5 Turbo Electric is a dynamic tribute to its predecessor, while at the same time embodying an innovative vision for the future of electric vehicles.
Launch planned for 2025
The new electric Renault R5 Turbo, the supercharged version of the iconic city car, is officially scheduled for release in 2025. This announcement marks a turning point in the history of the Renault brand, which is capitalising on the heritage of the legendary R5 'pistarde' while adapting it to the era of electromobility. Here are the key points of this eagerly awaited launch:
- Production confirmed: Renault has decided to make the R5 Turbo 3E project a reality, initially presented as a concept in 2022.
- Impressive power: The new electric R5 Turbo will develop more than 500 bhp, a remarkable performance for a city car.
- Distinctive design: The model will retain the spirit of the original R5 Turbo, with modern elements such as the integration of the charging point in one of the rear air scoops.
- Peak performance: With acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, the electric R5 Turbo promises a thrilling ride.
- French manufacturing: Production will be carried out in France, underlining Renault's commitment to the domestic automotive industry.
This launch is part of Renault's electric strategy, offering a high-performance version alongside the more accessible models in the R5 E-Tech range.
Summary table
| Caractéristiques | Détails |
|---|---|
|
Power
|
500 horsepower
|
|
Acceleration
|
0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds
|
|
Maximum speed
|
200 km/h, combining speed and manoeuvrability in a compact format
|
|
Transmission
|
Rear-wheel drive, faithful to the spirit of the original R5 Turbo from the 1980s
|
|
Design
|
Retro-futuristic with modernised emblematic elements:
- Ventilation grille transformed into a load indicator.
- Revised rear lights to improve aerodynamics.
- Styling inspired by the original R5 Turbo.
|
|
Launch date
|
Scheduled for 2025
|
Conclusion
The new Renault R5 Turbo electric embodies a bold fusion of heritage and innovation. Scheduled for launch in 2025, this 500-horsepower sports car promises exceptional performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds. Its neo-retro design, supervised by Gilles Vidal, subtly blends the iconic elements of the original R5 with a modern and innovative aesthetic. aerodynamics.
Powered by two rear-mounted electric motors, it remains faithful to the propulsion spirit of its ancestor. This R5 Turbo 3E represents not only a technological tour de force for Renault, but also a strong commitment to the electrification of its emblematic models, while preserving their sporting character and French manufacturing.
