While Tesla and BYD are the leading EV makers right now, Renault is slowly catching up with its own electric vehicles. For instance, the latest Renault 5 Turbo 3E, is an electric hyper-hatch that is already creating huge demand.
Three years since the concept reveal at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, this electrified revival of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 is making noise. While the interior remains a secret, that hasn't deterred fanatics from standing in line to claim one of the 1,980 exclusive units before it goes on sale in 2027.
Bold Exterior Based on Racing Heritage
Renault displayed the Turbo 3E's bold design in its Paris-headquartered headquarters to unveil a car that holds nothing back from its rally heritage roots. According to WIRED, the yellow and black color scheme is a nod to the legendary 1982 Renault 5 Turbo rally car, but the wide track, chunky bumpers, and rear wing extensions give it unmistakably supercar looks.
Unlike the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, which has some similarities in design, the Turbo 3E is solely rear-wheel drive and features a new platform that lengthens the wheelbase for optimal balance between agility and stability.
Read more: Tesla Cybertruck Gets Brutal Reception at Mardi Gras as Crowd Booed, Pelted It With Beads
Supercar Performance in a Small Package
Renault isn't leaving anything on the table when it comes to performance figures. The Turbo 3E is equipped with rear in-wheel motors that deliver instant torque levels on par with the Ferrari Roma and McLaren Artura. Here's what to look forward to:
- 540 HP for scorching acceleration
- 0–60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds
- 168 mph top speed
- Carbon fiber chassis for weight-saving
- 20-inch wheels for maximum traction
According to Piston Heads, the vehicle also accommodates DC fast charging with a capacity of 350 kW and an 800-volt architecture, which enables it to charge between 15% and 80% in 15 minutes.
The Ultimate Drifting Machine
Renault has marketed the Turbo 3E as a drifters' dream car. Rear-wheel drive, instant power delivery, and minimal weight make this electric monster likely to provide a thrilling track experience.
What's more, the longer wheelbase and aerodynamic improvements improve stability, allowing high-speed cornering with ease.
A Customizable Interior, But You Can't See It Yet
Surprisingly, Renault has not yet shown the Turbo 3E's interior design. But the company has teased an opulent cockpit with:
- Bucket seats with six-point harnesses
- Rally-style vertical handbrake
- Hyper-customization options for customers
Renault assures that owners will be able to work directly with designers to design a one-of-a-kind interior so that every car is customized to its owner's taste.
A Mini-Supercar with a Supercar Price Tag
With only 1,980 units to be made, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is already likely to sell out even before it's officially launched. The price tag sits at a whopping £130,000 ($168,000) base price, with the possibility of personalization taking it as high as £200,000 ($260,000)- placing it alongside Aston Martin and even higher than a McLaren Artura.
If Renault sells every unit, this "mini-supercar" could generate over $500 million in revenue, proving that high-performance electric hot hatches have a solid place in the market.
Would you fork out supercar cash on this high-performance EV hot hatch?
