The electrification of genuine classic cars is a controversial subject in the classic car world. But the creation of electric platforms allows cars to be developed in any body style including remaking classic body shapes. The choice of body style on a modern electric platform at least ensures that the roads of the future will continue to include specials for those who want something more distinctive (though it will probably come at a price).
To celebrate its 50th anniversary celebrations of the Renault 5, Renault took part in the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, Rétromobile motor show and the Le Mans Classic. Now Renault have launched the R5 TURBO 3E a contemporary take on its most celebrated sports versions – the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. It has been named R5 TURBO 3E because it follows the Turbo 2 with the “E” standing for electric.
The R5 TURBO 3E is engineered for performance and tracks. It’s an all-electric, rear-wheel drive, pure drifter. Like its predecessor, it is strictly a two-seater. However, the rear now houses the powertrain – two electric motors, each moving one of the wheels, with the batteries in the middle under the floor.
R5 TURBO 3E is built on a tubular chassis, protected by a flat base and shielded by roll bars approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The motor has 280 kW (eq. 380 hp) of total power and 700 Nm of instantly available torque.
This new-generation R5 Turbo 2 can reach a top speed of 124mph. Its 42 kWh battery has plenty of capacity for several laps or a raging gymkhana. In these situations, it has a 50-plus steering angle so it’s easier to dodge obstacles.
The bonnet, doors and cockpit are the same shape as their predecessors – but this time the body is made of carbon fibre. It is 2.02 metres wide (25 cm more than its forbear), 4 metres long and 1.32 metres high. Its most striking feature is its huge rear spoiler that pulls the car to the ground, even on the wildest drifts.
The large air inlets on R5 TURBO 3E’s front bumper cool the engine and add downforce. The three vertical sections are reminiscent of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s bumper. The square fog lights look like the originals – but now there are four and each contains 16 LEDs.
The carbon fibre racing bucket seats, safety harness and steering wheel are the result of teamwork with Sabelt1 . The imposing upright handbrake lever – a drifter car mainstay – in the middle of the centre console that is eminently “pop” yellow. 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.
R5 TURBO 3E TECH SPECS
Length: 4.006 m including the rear spoiler
Width: 2.02 m
Height: 1.32 m
Wheelbase: 2.54 m
Front overhang: 625 mm
Rear overhang: 740 mm
Chassis: tubular (+ flat base + FIAapproved roll bar)
Weight: 980 kg (+ 520 kg of batteries)
Front tyres: 225 x 35 R19
Rear tyres: 325 x 25 R20
Powertrain: All-electric
Power: 280 kW (eq. 380 hp)
Torque: 700 Nm
Battery: 42 kWh lithium-ion
Full charge: 2 hours with a 380V/32A charger
Top speed: 200 km/h
0 to 100 km/h: 3.5 sec (3.9 sec in Drift mode)