Since the reinvented Renault 5 appeared for the first time as a purely electric vehicle, comparisons with one of the most remembered models of the rhombus company were immediate.
In most cases, the new aesthetics of the model (very faithful to the original and with interesting nods to the past) have convinced many. As we said in our first impressionsis the car with which I have felt the most observed of those that have passed through my hands.
But deep down, a thorn remained between the great motor fans and those most interested in the figure of the little Frenchman: a sports version to match of his legend. A version that seemed like it was not going to arrive, with Alpine positioning itself as “the Renault 5 GTI”.
A version that, luckily, Renault has confirmed that we will see on the streets.
A very radical electric sports car
It will be called Renault 5 Turbo 3E and it will drink, like the already known versions of the very famous Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2.
These two versions of the small French sports car they delighted the fans for its extreme radicality. The 80s were golden years for Renault, competing with turbo engines in all types of competitions, from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the World Rally Championship, where They took part in the legendary Group B with the Renault 5 Turbo.
In those years, the evolution of the Renault 5 Turbo were taking more and more sporty positions. Although they started out barely exceeding a hundred HP of power, registration in Group B of the World Rally Championship gave us the opportunity to see the Renault 5 Maxi Turbowhich evolved to 350 HP of power for a 905 kg car.
Among the most remembered versions, there is undoubtedly the Renault 5 Turbo 2, the famous “fat ass”. With it, Renault put a 160 HP sports car on the market that in 1980 was enough to make it “the most powerful production car from France,” they explain in Top Gear.
It must be understood that in those years the turbocharger revolutionized the models to which the public was accustomed. Those systems had a lot lag and in inexperienced hands (a large part of the market was in models with just over 60 HP) caused it to become popular the myth that the Renault 5 Turbo had a turbocharger that “jumped” when reducingwith its consequent increase in accidents among young people.
Taking advantage of all its history, Renault has confirmed that it will bring the Renault 5 Turbo 3E into production, which it has presented with the legendary yellow, white and black colors and a body that is powerfully reminiscent of the “fat ass”, including its three doors. Due to its aesthetics, it seems like a reinterpretation of the Renault 5 Turbo II PPG Pace Car.
The French company has not confirmed too many details about the project. For example, it does not specify in its press release whether we are dealing with a limited run of units or its approximate price.
What can be expected is extreme radicalism. It will mount a “carbon superstructure”, in the company’s words. But, it has also confirmed that it will be rear-wheel drive, powered by two electric motors that will add a total power of 500 hp. They expect an acceleration of “just over 3 seconds” from 0 to 100 km/h.
Renault is willing, with the Renault 5, to make its myth a central stone of its electric strategy for the future.
Photos | renault