Renault 5 Turbo 3E the fastest ever

MORE details have come to light on the potentially giant-killing Renault 5 Turbo 3E BEV hyper-hatch that will no doubt cause a ripple in the performance car space when it eventually arrives some time in 2027.

The spoiler being only 1980 numbered examples will be made for global left-and right-hand drive consumption…

Though no Rimac Nevera, the little retro-styled two-door with input from Alpine and links back to rally and race Renaults from the 1980s, has impressive performance capabilities under a boxy, muscular exterior complete with historic livery inside and out.

No price indication is forthcoming this far out from launch suffice to say the “garden variety” Renault 5 city car sells in the UK from the equivalent of $A47,000 – $A61,000. We would suggest you’d need to add a lot more to that figure to get into the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Down Under.

As for competitors, think possibly the less powerful, slightly slower MG4 Xpower AWD from $59,912, perhaps the more powerful, slightly quicker Hyundai Ioniq 5 N SUV at $110,383, the larger, slightly less powerful but allegedly quicker Tesla Model 3 Performance from $80,900 and the less powerful, slower Polestar 2 LR Performance from $80,380.

Only the Hyundai SUV has the singular sporty focus of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, however it is bigger and doesn’t offer the customisation options that mimic more exclusive models on the market in terms of both exterior livery and interior trim. Customers will be able to combine a wide range of variants to create their own unique car.

The 3E “reboots the iconic heritage of the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 80s, two-speed turbocharged demons that made their mark on their times with exuberant character and innovative spirit… and with their impressive rallying performance”.

They were the first French models to feature a turbocharged petrol engine, a technology that Renault had just successfully introduced in Formula 1.

However, in this case, the name Renault 5 Turbo 3E is misleading as it isn’t turbocharged though the chunky two-door will no doubt deliver “turbocharged” punch off the line and on the move making the (turbo) point somewhat irrelevant.

Renault says the incoming 3E is capable of stopping the clocks over a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds and has a v-max of close to 270km/h.

The made-in-France rocket-ship is way faster and quicker than any of its forebears and is claimed to tip the scale at just 1450kg thanks to extensive use of aluminium/carbon-fibre throughout the dedicated RWD chassis/superstructure and body and despite a bulky underfloor 70kWh lithium ion battery.

Motive power comes from a pair of electric traction motors, one in each back wheel, that are integrated into the wheel hub for “weight savings, compact dimensions and instantaneous response,” says Renault.

Combined output from the dual motors is 400kW complemented by what Renault says is 4800Nm of torque… the latter highly unlikely.

Renault says the 800-volt electrical system is capable of a 15-80 per cent recharge in as little as 15 minutes using the optimal 350kW recharge appliance. Full AC battery charging takes around eight hours with the on-board 11kW charger.

Further, the rear-wheel drive format will be more palatable for rusted-on sports car enthusiasts winning brownie points from people who generally prefer rear wheel drive to any other form of power distribution.

Renault says the model has “outstanding agility, breathtaking performance and spectacular drift action for real driving thrills with a dedicated drift-assist rally-style vertical handbrake, Renault 5 Turbo 3E offers an expression of pure sporting spirit just four metres long, creating a new class of vehicle – ‘mini-supercars’”.

For overtaking, a button on the steering wheel provides a power boost. Another button will allow the regenerative braking to be set to four levels while four driving modes will be available with Multi-Sense: Snow, Regular, Sport and Race, which also includes the drift-assist, function.

Other details coming to light on, the two-door, two-seater vehicle are 20-inch wheels under its wing extensions, all power electronics are located in between while the battery is housed under the floor. This architecture frees up plenty of boot space for luggage, a “unique” proposition for such a sporty vehicle, while lowering the centre of gravity.

The driver display comprises 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch screens for driving, navigation and multimedia information via an interface inspired by the dashboard of the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2.

The 3E delivers a modern, connected driving experience expected of a vehicle approved for the road. Offering a wide range of continuously updated Google services is the OpenR Link system with Google built-in.

Adding to the 3E’s appeal is input from specialist providers/providers the likes of Ampere for software and electronic architecture, Mobilise for bi-directional charging (V2L and V2G), along with a range of services to make electric driving easier: Mobilize Smart Charge, Mobilize Charge Pass and the Plug & Charge function.

Some partners also have provided their expertise and know-how for key components such as the in-wheel motors and carbon fibre superstructure as Renault leverages its entire network under the group’s transformation plan called Renaulution.

CEO Renault brand, Fabrice Cambolive said of the 3E “by creating the new category of electric ‘mini-supercars’ with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the Renault brand once again demonstrates the passion and spirit of boldness and innovation that has always driven it”.

“This exuberant, over-excited model promises the best performance and sensations in just 4 meters of length, which is unprecedented in the market,” he added.

“With this car, Renault continues to make electric vehicles ever more desirable, further extending its ability to provide solutions for every need and every desire.”