Renault is bringing back one of its most outrageous cars; this time, it’s electric. The 5 Turbo 3E is not only a modern take on the 1980s rally legend but a 533bhp road-only electric missile. Renault calls it a “mini-supercar.” The company says it’ll keep up with a Porsche 911 in a straight line, which is wild for something that looks like a boxy hot hatch from the past. The brand is only making 1,980 units, a nod to the original Turbo’s launch year. Reservations open soon, but there’s no price yet. Read More New Track-Ready GMA T.33 Model Expected at Goodwood 2025 A 168 mph Hot Hatch Engineered for Rally Thrills Renault 5 Turbo 3E launches from 0 to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and doesn’t stop pulling until it hits 168 mph. It’s packing 536bhp from twin in-wheel motors, each pushing 268bhp straight to the rear wheels. The hot hatch produces 3,540 lb-ft torque at the wheels. That’s the number you’d expect from a truck. The actual torque hitting the road is likely closer to 350 lb-ft. The 70kWh battery sits low in the chassis, improving balance and keeping the weight manageable. Renault claims it can run flat-out for 15-20 minutes before needing a recharge. On regular roads, it’ll cover 249 miles on a charge. When you run out, plug it into a 350kW charger, and it’ll jump from 15% to 80% in 15 minutes. That’s three times faster than Renault’s standard EVs. The Turbo 3E is a rear-wheel drive built on an Alpine-developed aluminum platform designed to go sideways. There’s a dedicated drift mode and a rally-style vertical handbrake for quick flicks into a slide. Renault even says it’ll hold up for multiple hot laps at full speed. Renault ditched the rear seats and doors to keep weight down and wrapped the widebody frame in carbon fiber panels. It’s still a chunky 3,197 pounds (1,450 kg), but engineers are working to shave off every extra pound before production. Renault Design Chief Laurens van den Acker admits the biggest challenge is still weight: “The big enemy is the battery. This car is 1,450kg, and we’re trying to get it lower. Weight is a never-ending battle.” The Turbo 3E is longer, wider, and taller than a regular Renault 5. The front splitter, rear wing extensions, and large air scoops keep it glued to the tarmac. The 20-inch wheels complete the look. Renault 5 Turbo 3E Goes All In with a Rally-Bred Interior The production model sticks closely to the 2024 concept, with only a few tweaks—like an RS badge tucked behind the B-pillars. It’s still a two-door, two-seater. The classic yellow, white, and black Tour de Corse livery is back, along with other historic paint schemes. The carmaker will offer fully customizable liveries for those who want something unique. Bucket seats, six-point harnesses, and a roll cage set the tone inside. The Alcantara-wrapped surfaces and carbon fiber panels keep things lightweight. Read More 2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia Will Debut This Year as Hybrids A rally-style vertical handbrake sits between the seats, made for quick flicks into a drift. A 10.1-inch digital cluster and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen give a modern touch to the stripped-back cabin. Underneath, it rides on an Alpine-developed aluminum platform built specifically for rear-wheel drive. Carbon fiber body panels keep weight down. And if that’s not enough, Renault has packed in multiple driving modes, including Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race. The last one unlocks a drift-assist function. Apart from paint customization, buyers can tweak interior trims to match their style or recreate the 1980s Turbo era with classic finishes. Source: Renault
