Renault's 5 Turbo 3E 'Mini Supercar' Revved Up with Innovative In-Wheel Motors (International Edition)
Perched on an exclusive 800V architecture, the twin-engine hatchback will have a production cap of 1,980 vehicles.
- The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is set for production in 2027.
- It features two electric motors located within the rear wheels and a body made of carbon fiber.
- It features a custom-designed electrical system equipped with an 800V battery pack that can handle up to 350 kW.
Well, Renault was undertaking this initiative. In late December, when the French car company unveiled The 5 Turbo 3E electric super-hatch As was previously stated, the yellow monster will ultimately enter production. Now, this has been confirmed officially.
Set to roll off the production line in 2027, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a modern, electric throwback to the iconic 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2 of the 1980s. Just like its gas-powered predecessors, the new electric “mini supercar” resembles the standard version of the iconic hot hatches, but turns the craziness dial to 11 under the skin.
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The single front-mounted motor and 400-volt battery pack are now history. Renault 5 Instead, Renault opted for a custom-built platform featuring an 800-volt battery pack that powers two electric motors located within the rear wheels. This setup delivers a combined power of 540 horsepower, and Renault asserts that this vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (or 0 to 100 km/h) in less than 3.5 seconds.
As a compact two-door hatchback measuring only 157 inches (about 4 meters) in length, each start should offer quite an adventure. However, the focus isn’t solely on rapid acceleration; the French carmaker claims this special edition electric vehicle has a range of up to 250 miles (approximately 400 kilometers) per full charge. Additionally, with its exceptional peak charging capability of 350 kilowatts, it can boost its battery level from 15 to 80 percent in merely 15 minutes.
The vehicle tips the scales at 3,197 pounds (1,450 kilograms), which includes a 70-kilowatt-hour battery. This weight is comparable to the standard Renault 5 equipped with a 52-kWh battery, featuring four doors and rear seating. In contrast, the 5 Turbo 3E uses carbon fiber for reduced mass and comes configured with only two seats and two doors.
Inside, you'll find a vertically positioned handbrake lever reminiscent of its ancestor's rallying past, along with a roll cage, bucket seats equipped with six-point harnesses, and Alcantara accents spread across the interior.
In terms of design, the production version is almost indistinguishable from last year's prototype. This has become characteristic for Renault; frequently, exciting concept cars are unveiled but never make it to production. Therefore, it's quite invigorating to witness this vehicle moving into production largely unchanged from its original conception.
Renault announced that pre-orders for the striking 5 Turbo 3E will commence in the upcoming weeks. While prices have not been disclosed yet, only 1,980 vehicles will be produced—an homage to the limited-edition 5 Turbo from 1980. Production of the initial units is scheduled to start in 2027. This model will be available in Europe, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East.