Renault has announced plans to produce a limited-edition electric performance car inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 from the 1980s. The new model, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, will be an electric, high-performance vehicle designed with input from Alpine, Renault’s performance division. The car will have a production run of just 1,980 units globally, a reference to the year the original Renault 5 Turbo was launched. It's been almost 4 years since WhichEV first reported on the initial concept car – so where are we now?
Electric Powertrain and Performance
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will feature an 800-volt electric architecture, delivering 540 horsepower through in-wheel motors at the rear. The dual-motor setup will generate 4,800Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in under 3.5 seconds. With a top speed of 168mph (270km/h), Renault positions this vehicle as a new category of ‘mini-supercar’—a compact but high-performance electric vehicle with an emphasis on agility and driving dynamics.
The car will be powered by a 70kWh lithium-ion battery, offering an estimated range of up to 250 miles (WLTP). Charging times will be competitive, with a 350kW DC fast charger enabling a 15-80% charge in just 15 minutes. Using an 11kW AC charger, a full charge will take approximately eight hours.
Design and Construction
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E retains styling elements from its predecessors, including squared headlights, wide rear wheel arches, and prominent aerodynamic features. However, it has been updated with modern aerodynamic improvements, lightweight materials, and LED lighting. The exterior design includes large front air intakes to optimise airflow and cooling, a prominent rear spoiler, and an aggressive front splitter to enhance downforce.
The car measures 4.08 metres in length, 2.03 metres in width, and 1.38 metres in height, giving it a compact but wide stance similar to traditional supercars. The wheelbase is 2.57 metres, which is slightly longer than the Renault 5 E-Tech electric to accommodate the performance upgrades.
Chassis and Handling
Renault has built the 5 Turbo 3E on a bespoke platform with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The car’s weight is kept to 1,450kg, despite the battery pack, by using a carbon fibre superstructure. The engineers at Alpine have developed the suspension and handling characteristics to ensure responsive performance, with a particular focus on agility and drift capability.
A dedicated drift-assist function and a rally-style vertical handbrake will be integrated to enhance driving enjoyment. The vehicle will also include four driving modes—Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race—adjusting power delivery and handling characteristics depending on conditions.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will feature a motorsport-inspired cockpit with bucket seats, six-point harnesses, and carbon fibre trim. The dashboard and centre console will be covered in Alcantara, maintaining a premium feel while keeping weight low. A 10.1-inch and a 10.25-inch OpenR digital display will provide the driver with real-time performance data, navigation, and connectivity options, including Google Maps integration for route planning and charging station location services.
Customisation and Limited Production
Renault plans to offer extensive customisation options for buyers, allowing them to choose from various exterior liveries, including designs inspired by classic Renault 5 Turbo rally cars. Interior materials and finishes will also be configurable, ensuring a level of personalisation usually found in high-end sports cars.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be priced at an estimated £60,000 to £70,000, though final UK pricing is yet to be confirmed. Production will be strictly limited to 1,980 numbered units, and reservations are expected to open within the coming weeks. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
Renault’s Strategy and Future Prospects
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is part of a broader electrification strategy, aligning with Renault’s ‘Renaulution’ transformation plan. Alongside this limited-run performance car, Renault is expanding its electric line-up, including the Renault 5 E-Tech electric city car and the Alpine A290, a more performance-focused small EV.
With Renault’s renewed focus on electric performance cars, the 5 Turbo 3E demonstrates how heritage models can be reimagined for the modern era. Whether it attracts collectors, enthusiasts, or new buyers looking for a distinctive electric sports car, it marks an interesting step in Renault’s evolving EV strategy.
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