Renault is gearing up to revive the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, this time as an all-electric model, in a move that signals the French automaker’s commitment to embracing a sustainable future. The Renault Group CEO, Luca De Meo, confirmed the exciting news at the Paris Motor Show. The reimagined Renault 5 Turbo is expected to be a limited production run based on the electrifying Renault Turbo 3E concept.
De Meo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Yeah, that’s the future. I’m trying to find a way,” as he showcased the new Renault 5 EV to French president Emmanuel Macron at the motor show. The Renault Group is shifting its focus towards its sporting brand, Alpine, phasing out Renaultsport models within the Renault lineup and rebranding the Formula One team as Alpine. Despite this strategic move, Renault remains committed to creating sporty Renault models alongside Alpine’s offerings.
The inspiration for the new all-electric Renault 5 Turbo stems from the Renault R5 Turbo 3E E-Tech concept unveiled at the previous year’s Paris Motor Show. The concept, designed to celebrate 40 years since the rally special Renault 5 Turbo 2, boasted 380bhp and rear-wheel drive, paying homage to the Group B rally cars of the 1980s. With a unique feature of an upright hydraulic handbrake equipped with a button to squirt water on the rear tyres for drifting, the Turbo 3E concept stood out as more than just a show car.
Enthusiasts can anticipate the production model of the all-electric Renault 5 Turbo to undergo some refinements, akin to its predecessor, the Renault 5 Turbo 2. The new iteration is likely to incorporate cutting-edge technology from the Renault 5, such as the AmpR electric platform and a potential 52kWh battery. Emphasising on reducing weight, the new Renault 5 Turbo is expected to see a departure from luxury features, aligning with its performance-oriented ethos.
Similar to its predecessor, the new Renault 5 Turbo is anticipated to be produced in limited numbers at a higher price point, mirroring the exclusivity of the Renault Turbo 2. With production schedules yet to be confirmed, automotive enthusiasts can anticipate the unveiling of the new Renault 5 Turbo sometime in 2025. This revival of a classic model showcases Renault’s commitment to blending heritage with innovation in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.