Renault is redefining performance in the electric era with the Turbo 3E, a striking reinterpretation of its legendary R5 Turbo. Designed in collaboration with Alpine, this hyper-hatchback is more than an homage—it’s a technological leap. The Turbo 3E combines cutting-edge engineering with bold styling to stand out in a world shifting toward electric vehicles.
The Turbo 3E isn’t simply an electrified version of today’s retro-inspired Renault 5 supermini. It goes far beyond. While the design pulls inspiration from the original R5 Turbo, it features bespoke bodywork, an entirely new platform, and an advanced dual in-wheel motor setup, delivering over 500 horsepower straight to the wheels. This layout not only maximizes power but also enhances efficiency and control.
Renault CEO, Fabrice Cambolive, called the Turbo 3E a “logical evolution” of the R5 line. He explained that the hyper-hatch expands the Renault 5 range by tapping into a demand for cars that deliver extreme sensations. According to Cambolive, this model is an attempt to push boundaries, delivering unparalleled excitement along with the future-focused benefits of electric technology.
Drifting on Demand with Efficiency in Mind
One of the standout traits of the Turbo 3E is its ability to perform controlled drifts effortlessly. Cambolive emphasized that the car isn’t just about raw power but also about efficiency. For example, the in-wheel motor system optimizes packaging and offers seamless power delivery, ensuring the car remains usable for everyday driving despite its high-performance edge.
Renault showcased a prototype of the Turbo 3E at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the vehicle demonstrated its performance potential in front of an adoring audience. Although the company is yet to confirm the next major venue for public testing, the excitement from enthusiasts has been palpable.
Limited Production with Collector Appeal
Renault plans to build “much more than 150 units” of the Turbo 3E, a significant move for a car blending hyper-performance with exclusivity. Early potential customers, according to Cambolive, are keen to invest in this electrified halo car. Many believe it will become as sought after as the original R5 Turbo, whose value has soared among collectors.
While Cambolive refrained from revealing the exact price of the Turbo 3E, he hinted that it would offer competitive pricing for an extreme performance car. It will sit far below the pricing threshold of Alpine’s A110 R Ultime (over £200,000) but still reflect the 3E’s advanced technologies and thrilling performance.
In-wheel motors mark a significant leap for Renault as they explore applications beyond the Turbo 3E. This hyper-hatchback acts as a testbed for technologies that could influence other models in the company’s portfolio. Cambolive explained the importance of integrating drivetrain innovation alongside bold designs, ensuring Renault stays ahead in a highly competitive EV market.
The Turbo 3E underscores the brand’s ambition to bring excitement to everyday driving experiences while meeting modern energy needs. For fans of the Turbo legacy, it’s not just a car; it’s a reinvention of what compact performance can mean in the electric age.
Renault Turbo 3E Specifications
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Powertrain | Dual in-wheel electric motors |
Power Output | >500 bhp |
EV Platform | All-new custom-built |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Debut Event (Prototype) | 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed |
Estimated Units Produced | “Much more” than 150 |
This bold model shows that Renault envisions a future that blends thrilling driving dynamics with sustainable electric propulsion. The Turbo 3E isn’t just an electric car; it’s an electrified statement.