Renault 5 Turbo 3e: Reviving the First Electric Mini Supercar Legend

Renault 5 Turbo 3e: An Electric Blast from the Past,Reimagined for the Future

The Renault 5 Turbo 3e isn’t just a revival; itS a full-throttle electric reinvention of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2,those fire-breathing demons of the ’80s. Those models, known for their vibrant personalities and rally prowess, were trailblazers, introducing turbocharged petrol engines to the French market. Now, the Turbo 3e aims to recapture that spirit, but with a modern, electric twist. It’s a statement: Renault isn’t just looking back; it’s charging ahead, creating what they call a “mini supercar.”

This isn’t your average electric vehicle; it’s a performance beast cloaked in retro styling. Boasting a formidable 540 horsepower and a sub-3.5-second 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time, it’s built on a custom platform with a carbon fiber body. Renault emphasizes the car’s adaptable nature, designed to “meet any requirements.” but what truly sets it apart, placing it in this new “mini supercar” category, is its compact size and performance capabilities.Think Porsche 911 GT3, but compressed into a hot hatch form factor.

The Turbo 3e sits alongside the Renault 5 e-Tech Electric (a city car) and the alpine A290 (an athletic city car) in Renault’s lineup. The company wants to evoke its “brave image and powerful features” from the ’80s, merging that legacy with Alpine’s rich history in competitive motorsports. This blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology is designed to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and a new generation of drivers.

Renault is leveraging its resources to power this electric vision. Ampere software and advanced electronic architecture are integrated,along with features like two-way charging (V2L and V2G).This allows the car to not only draw power but also send it back to the grid or power external devices, a feature increasingly relevant in the U.S. where grid stability is a growing concern. Services such as Mobilize smart Charge, Mobilize Charge Pass, and Plug & Charge are also included to ease the transition to electric vehicle ownership.Renault has also partnered with specialists for components like in-wheel motors and the carbon fiber body, using the transformation from its “RenauleTion” plan.

A Design That Screams performance and Heritage

The Renault 5 Turbo 3e is designed to look the part of a supercar. The aggressive bumper and widened rear wings aren’t just for show; they’re designed to contribute to athletic performance, handling, and optimal aerodynamics. In the U.S., where styling heavily influences car buying decisions, this aggressive look is critical for attracting attention.

The design takes cues from both the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, and the more recent Renault 5 e-Tech Electric. While elements like the rear lights and side mirrors are shared with the e-Tech Electric, the overall goal was to “revive Features and optimized performance.” This approach is referred to as a “retrofuturistic design concept,” already employed in the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and Renault 4 E-Tech Electric.To that end, the Turbo 3e is built on a new, rear-wheel-drive platform. The windshield is pushed back, and the wheelbase extended to create aggressive proportions. At 13.4 ft. long, 6.7 ft. wide, and 4.5 ft. tall, the Turbo 3e blends city car practicality with supercar presence.

The front end retains the iconic canted headlights, now with LED technology, and incorporates a narrow grille with three central inlets. Aerodynamic enhancements, including the front bumper wedge and bonnet air extractor, optimize downforce and balance. The side inlets direct airflow to cool the wheels and brakes. Charging ports are discreetly hidden in the left-hand side receiver.

A distinctive strip flows along the windshield and roofline, culminating in the rear spoiler, a nod to the classic Turbo models. A prominent diffuser sits below the bumper,enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.

The 20-inch wheels, each housing an electric motor, are tucked under the extended wheel arches. The battery pack is positioned under the floor, freeing up cargo space and lowering the centre of gravity. This combination is a unique offering for a performance car.

Performance Engineering: A Focus on Handling

“Like Renault 5 E-Tech Electric,Renault 5 turbo 3e is designed with a special electric car platform and architecture to achieve the highest performance without compromise,” Renault stated. The focus was on minimizing weight to ensure agility and speed comparable to supercars.

Alpine engineers, with their experience from the A110 E-Ternity, A290, and A390 projects, developed a custom aluminum platform. Power is delivered through motors on the rear wheels. This rear-wheel-drive setup offers several advantages:

A claimed torque of 4,800 Nm across both motors.
instant power delivery.
Weight and space savings on the rear axle.
enhanced handling through individual motor control.

The battery placement beneath the floor lowers the center of gravity, allowing Alpine engineers to fine-tune the suspension for maximum agility, performance, and controlled drifting. The body is constructed from durable, lightweight carbon fiber.

With a 70 kWh battery, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E tips the scales at 3,197 lbs. The 540 hp drivetrain provides a power-to-weight ratio of 5.92 lbs per horsepower, similar to that of a supercar. The projected 0-62 speed is in less than than 3.5 seconds, with a WLTP range of around 250 miles (accreditation is expected). An 11 kW onboard charger enables an 8-hour charge from 0-100% on AC power. A DC fast charger at 350 kW can bring the battery from 15 to 80% in just 15 minutes.

A steering wheel-mounted boost button delivers additional power for overtaking. Four-stage regenerative braking can be adjusted with another button. Multi-Sense driving modes (Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race) are available, with Race mode including a drift support function.

A Driver-Focused, Connected Interior

With bucket seats and six-point harnesses creating an athletic habitat, the interior emphasizes lightweight components and high-quality materials like Alcantara on the seats and dashboard. The rally-style vertical handbrake adds to the performance feel.Dual OpenR screens (10.1 and 10.25 inches) display driving data, navigation, and multimedia, inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 dashboards. The OpenR Link system, also found in the Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, provides access to Google services and over-the-air updates, and includes Google Maps.

Customization and Limited Availability

The Renault 5 Turbo 3e will offer a range of exterior and interior colors, some inspired by historical Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 liveries like Rouge Grenade, as well as yellow, white, and black racing schemes such as the Tour de Corse 1982 rally model.customers will also have access to extensive customization options for both the exterior and interior,allowing them to create a unique car.

1980 numbered units of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be available in markets including Europe,the Middle East,Japan,and Australia – a nod to the year the first renault 5 Turbo was released. Each car will be numbered, and customers will be able to select their preferred number during the ordering process.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight:

Length: 13.4 ft.
Width: 6.7 ft.
Height: 4.5 ft.
Wheelbase: 8.4 ft.
ground Clearance: 4.6 inches
Weight: 3,197 lbs.

Platform:

Custom-designed electric platform
800V Architecture

Drivetrain and Battery:

Dual electric motors, rear-wheel drive, 2 x 200 kW (540 hp / 4800 Nm)
70 kWh lithium-ion battery
WLTP range: approximately 250 miles (expected)

Charging:

11 kW two-way AC (0-100% in 8 hours)
350 kW DC (15-80% in 15 minutes)

Performance:

0-62 mph: less than 3.5 seconds
* Top speed: 168 mph (on track)

What impact will two-way charging technology have on the adoption of electric vehicles?

Renault 5 Turbo 3e: Electrifying the Legacy of a Legend with Dr. Éloïse Moreau, Lead Engineer at Alpine Cars

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. moreau, it’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the highly anticipated Renault 5 Turbo 3e. This car seems to perfectly blend heritage with innovation.Can you give us an overview of what makes this electric reimagining so special?

dr. Moreau: thank you for having me. The Renault 5 Turbo 3e is a true passion project. We wanted to capture the raw excitement of the original Turbo models while embracing the potential of electric technology. It’s a “mini supercar” with a retrofuturistic design, combining stunning performance with everyday usability. We are leveraging all our expertise and resources to merge the 80’s image with competitive motorsports heritage.

Archyde News Editor: The styling is certainly eye-catching. How did you approach the design, balancing the nostalgia of the original with a modern aesthetic?

dr. Moreau: We drew heavily from the legendary looks of the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, but also incorporated elements from the more recent Renault 5 electric. The goal was to create a car that screams performance and heritage. The widened rear wings and aggressive bumper are not only for visual impact; they play a crucial role in handling and aerodynamics. It had to feel like our previous racing models.

Archyde News Editor: Performance is obviously a key focus. Can you tell us about the engineering that went into the powertrain and chassis?

Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. We developed a custom electric platform with a rear-wheel-drive setup.This, combined with motors delivering a targeted 540 horsepower, allows for astonishing acceleration.The battery placement under the floor lowers the center of gravity, giving the car exceptional agility. We put a lot of effort in the electric platform architecture to achieve the best performance without compromise.

Archyde News editor: The inclusion of features like a rally-style handbrake and various driving modes, including a “Race” mode with drift support, hint at the car’s playful nature. Was fun part of the development roadmap from the initial development phases?

Dr. Moreau: absolutely without a doubt. We wanted provide the driver with a sense of fun and connection with the road so, we integrated various features like a rally-style handbrake and different driving modes, is part of this pursuit. We wanted to evoke the “brave image and powerful features” from the ’80s in a modern electrical vehicle and create a truly engaging driving experience, we felt that these features, especially the drift support features in Race mode, would be a great addition to our concept.

Archyde News Editor: The Turbo 3e also features advanced technology like two-way charging. How crucial is this for the modern electric vehicle owner?

Dr. Moreau: Two-way charging, also known as V2L and V2G, is becoming crucial, especially in regions like the U.S. The ability to not only draw power but also to return it to the grid or power external devices offers notable benefits in terms of grid stability and energy independence. It aligns with our vision for a enduring future.

archyde News Editor: With only 1980 units being made, the Renault 5 Turbo 3e will undoubtedly be exclusive. What message do you hope this car sends to the automotive world?

Dr. Moreau: We want to demonstrate that electric vehicles can be exciting, stylish, and capable of delivering incredible performance while not forgetting the past, a car that will be well-remembered.It is a testament to what is possible when you embrace innovation without sacrificing the soul of a legend. It is a party of the past and hope for the future.

archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for this insightful discussion. Before we conclude, what are your thoughts on the future of electric performance cars, and what challenges need to be overcome?

Dr. Moreau: The future of electric performance is incredibly luminous. Electric cars provide instant torque, improved dynamics and are fun to drive. The challenge lies in expanding charging infrastructure to create a seamless charging experience for all EV owners. We are hopeful that the future will be better for us all.