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FutuRGen Insight – Renault 5 Turbo 3E: electrifying the legend  

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How can the heritage of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 be revived in the electric era?

For Sandeep Bhambra, chief designer of concept cars and advanced design at Ampere, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is far more than a technical solution: it’s a statement of innovation, boldness, and emotion. 

BY RENAULT GROUP

When we set out to bring back the legendary Renault 5 Turbo, we knew it had to be more than a simple homage. It had to be a revolution. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s a bold leap into the future, where electric performance meets raw, unfiltered driving passion. This car isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a pure, unapologetic driving machine, built for those who crave adrenaline and innovation in equal measure.  

Pushing the limits of electric performance  

At the heart of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E lies a groundbreaking technical architecture that redefines what’s possible for electric sports cars. With an 800V electric system and two in-wheels motors generating 540 hp, this machine delivers instant, electrifying power. But power alone isn’t enough. Weight was a major challenge—how do you keep a high-performance EV light enough to drift effortlessly?  

Our answer: a custom carbon-fiber superstructure, keeping the car at less than 1,450 kg while ensuring maximum rigidity for precise handling. The integration of ultra-lightweight components, including a racing-inspired suspension system, ensures that every ounce of weight contributes to performance. The result? A 0-100 km/h time under 3.5 seconds and a driving experience that’s as sharp as it is exhilarating. Whether carving through tight corners or launching off the line, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E delivers an unmatched level of responsiveness.  

Its sculpted fenders enhance the car’s stance, reinforcing both aesthetics and stability. The specially designed wheels, inspired by motorsport engineering, are lightweight yet highly durable, contributing to precise handling and aerodynamics.  

Innovation born from motorsport  

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E takes direct inspiration from rally and drift culture, but with a futuristic twist. Designed for sideways action, it features a dedicated drift assist function that recalibrates the power delivery to maximize control during extreme angles. The vertical handbrake, inspired by rally racing, triggers instant, rally-style slides, giving drivers the precision they need to execute perfect drifts.  

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in both performance and stability. The refined front splitter increases downforce at high speeds, while side air scoops optimize cooling for the battery and motors. The rear diffuser enhance stability, ensuring that while the car embraces its playful, tail-happy character, it remains planted even under extreme driving conditions. This combination of motorsport engineering and cutting-edge EV technology results in a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is forward-thinking.  

One of the most striking design elements is the car’s signature lighting. The front and rear LED elements feature a retro-futuristic look, paying homage to the classic Renault 5 Turbo while embracing a modern digital aesthetic. The lighting not only enhances visibility but also strengthens the car’s instantly recognizable identity.  

The iconic side air intakes, reminiscent of the original Renault 5 Turbo, have been reinterpreted with a more aggressive and functional design, optimizing airflow for cooling and aerodynamics. The rear light clusters, with their bold squared-off signature, evoke the Turbo 2’s heritage while integrating cutting-edge LED technology.  

Reimagining customization  

True to the spirit of exclusivity, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E offers unprecedented levels of customization. Owners can craft their own identity through bespoke livery options, heritage-inspired color schemes, and interior trims tailored to their taste. From bold neon hues that pay tribute to retro racing aesthetics to sleek, futuristic designs, every Renault 5 Turbo 3E can be a unique expression of its owner’s personality.  

Inside, the cockpit blends heritage with cutting-edge technology. The digital dashboard, powered by OpenR screens, provides real-time performance metrics and customizable displays, while the six-point harness bucket seats ensure an immersive, race-inspired experience. Materials such as Alcantara, carbon fiber, and aluminum trim contribute to the high-performance feel, echoing the materials used in professional racing cars. Even the design of the air vents draws inspiration from vintage Renault 5 Turbo models, subtly linking past and future.  
The sculpted dashboard, with its driver-focused layout, pays homage to the original Turbo’s purposeful simplicity while incorporating digital interfaces.  

Each detail is crafted with precision, from the lightweight carbon fiber panels to the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, reinforcing the fusion of performance and luxury.  

Engineering for the future  

Beyond its raw performance, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E embodies the shift toward a new era of electric driving. Fast-charging capabilities (15-80% in just 15 minutes) make it practical for high-performance EV enthusiasts, ensuring more time on the road or on the track and less time at the charger. The lightweight, performance-driven design proves that electric cars can be just as thrilling—if not more—than their combustion predecessors.  

This isn’t just an exercise in engineering; it’s the birth of a new category of vehicle, the electric ‘mini-supercar’. Limited to only 1,980 units, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not just a car—it’s a collector’s piece, a technological masterpiece, and a symbol of Renault’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric performance.  This makes it quite special.  

The future starts here  

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just an electric supercar—it’s a revolution in motion. A symbol of Renault’s commitment to fearless design, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of driving pleasure. With its radical proportions, compact stance, and race-inspired aerodynamics, it redefines the boundaries of what a high-performance EV can be.  

Its massive rear wing, inspired by motorsport aerodynamics, not only reinforces the car’s dynamic presence but also ensures optimal stability at high speeds. The sculpted hood features distinctive air vents, a nod to the Turbo lineage, further improving airflow and performance.  

The future of high-performance electric driving starts here, and it’s more electrifying than ever.