Renault Resurrects The R5 Turbo

Renault’s R5 Turbo is back, sans the turbo. That’s because this new Renault 5 Turbo is electric. Instead of a mid-mounted four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Renault will power this high-powered hot hatch with two electric motors placed on the EV’s rear axle. The OG Turbo made around 160 horsepower, but this will be good for more than three times that, with over 500 horsepower. For whatever reason, Renault has neglected to provide torque specs, but it’s safe to assume the figure is equally stratospheric.

More than pure power separates the R5 Turbo from the regular Renault 5 electric hatch sold overseas in Europe. Massive fenders hide gigantic 20-inch wheels with 245 and 275-section front and rear tires, respectively. There’s also a “carbon superstructure” that’ll likely cut weight over the base R5 hatch, with the added benefit of stiffening the chassis further. It’s a safe bet some of this carbon superstructure expands to the body, as the Turbo model loses the base R5’s rear doors, likely in the name of weight reduction and stiffness. Plus, it looks cool.

Renault does say this R5 Turbo will see production, but it remains tight-lipped about the interior (expect yet more performance modifications), price, and availability. Given the high power output, unique body, and rear-drive layout, expect it’ll cost a pretty penny for one of a limited number of units. While the R5 Turbo won’t likely make it to North American shores, it’s cool to see the quirky French performance hatchback live on.

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