Renault goes extreme with a scalding version of its electric R5 

Renault enhances the chances of R5 with a limited edition Turbo 3E performance version of its electric hatchback.

Te Renault 5 E-Tech takes inspiration from the 1972 R5. Now the limited-edition Renault 5 Turbo 3E pays homage to an extreme performance version of the hatch that launched in 1980. 

Due out in 2027, production will be limited to 1980 units, for obvious reason.

That first Renault 5 Turbo used an IL4T mounted in the middle of the car powering the rear wheels. This all-electric revival also switches from FWD to RWD. It has a pair of in-wheel motors delivering almost 400kW. They’re mounted in 20-inch wheels.

A 70kWh battery pack affords 400km of WLTP range. An 800v electrical architecture allows for 350kW DC fast charging. Therefore, a 15-80 per cent charge takes just 15 minutes, says Renault.

Carbon fibre bodywork contributes to a kerb weight of 1540kg. That facilitates a sprint time of under 3.5sec and an estimated top speed of 269km/h.

Renault moved the windshield back, extended the wheelbase, and added swollen fenders, just like with the original. There’s even black, white and yellow livery available, reminding of the 1982 Tour de Corse rally version.

Bucket seats and six-point harnesses are present inside. There are also dual 10-inch screens for instruments and IFT, along with lashings of CF.

While no price is available as yet, expect the Turbo 3E to be more expensive than Alpine A290, also based on the R5.

Homages like the Turbo 3E are in keeping with Renault’s strategy of retro styling for its electric offerings.