Renault has pulled the wraps off a new version of its 5 Prototype concept and given further hints as to what the final specification of the reborn all-electric supermini will be. The R5 TURBO 3E pays homage to the classic mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the early 1980s. 

Although the original Renault 5 turbo models were roadgoing versions of the brand’s factory rally cars, the R5 TURBO 3E has been created as a drift car. However, while its predecessors featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine shoehorned in behind the rear seats, the TURBO 3E features a steel skeleton frame made from high-strength steel tubing. Behind the passenger cell (which has been built to FIA competition standards) are two electric motors that deliver a total of 380bhp and 700Nm of torque to the rear wheels. The TURBO 3E’s 42kWh battery pack sits below the car (as it will in the final production version of the road car) to deliver a low centre of gravity. 

R5 TURBO 3E features a steel frame underneath the bodywork. 42kWh battery pack sits underneath the passenger cell

According to Renault, the TURBO 3E will have a top speed of 124mph and will be capable to sprinting to 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. 

In terms of design, the TURBO 3E is 2.02 metres wide (25 cm more than its predecessor), 4.0 metres long and 1.32 metres high. The large air inlets on the front bumper cool the motor and add downforce. Being a concept car, the TURBO 3E also delivers its fair share of nonsense. There are pink, blue and yellow LED strips at the front and rear, which flash when the car drifts, adding when Renault describes as a 1980s and 1990s videogame vibe. Retro videogames also provided the inspiration for the camouflage stickers adorning the body. Lastly, the Plexiglass windows are pink and a sticker reading “La vie en rose” on the rear left window. 

R5 TURBO 3E comes with a motor on each rear wheel to deliver a combined output of 380bhp

Inside, the TURBO 3E is kitted out with carbon fibre racing bucket seats, safety harness and steering wheel supplied by Sabelt. In a modern twist on one of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s instantly recognisable features, the 10 analogue dials facing the driver have been replaced by 10 digital screens on R5 TURBO 3E’s dashboard. Inspired by retro gaming consoles, they have been designed to act like smartphone widgets. To start the car, for example, the driver needs to push the “Free play” button on the centre console. Continuing the theme the various driving modes have been renamed “Turbo” (for drifting), “Track invader” (for playing), “Donut” (for 360° spins).

The R5 TURBO 3E will make its public debut on Renault’s stand at the 2022 Paris Motor Show (from 17th to 23rd October). The production version of Renault’s reborn 5 is expected to be revealed in 2024.

Interior features an FIA competition-spec roll cage and an instrument panel made up of 10 digital displays