Only the rear wheels receive the 380 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque produced by the epically winged R5 Turbo 3E.
Renault teased an electric R5 Turbo last week, but all we could see was its enormous wing. The enigmatic rally monster was a part of the company’s celebration of the legendary Renault 5 city car, which is also making a comeback as a future electric vehicle (EV). Today is the day that we can finally get a better look at it. The R5 Turbo 3E is this.
The number “3” alludes to the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, which were developments of the original mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive homologation special hatch created for World Rally Championship competition in the 1980s. As you already figured, the “E” stands for “Electric.”
No Turbo is available (though there are Turbofans). Instead, two electric motors sending power to each of the rear wheels provide 380 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of immediate torque. Yes, this widow maker has two wheels, exactly like its predecessor.
The R5 Turbo 3E automobile follows suit in that it was made for drifting. It has various driving modes, including one named “Donut,” that is specifically designed to make it spin quickly in circles, a big handbrake lever sticking out of the highlighter-yellow central tunnel, and a steering angle of 50 degrees.
While the R5 Turbo 3E doesn’t use any Renault 5 parts, the body panels are the same shape as the original car’s — just made of carbon fiber. In a press statement, the manufacturer said that the design of the idea was influenced by “pop and gaming mode,” with many “references” to video games, such as these:
Additionally, the front and rear of the car include pink, blue, and yellow LED strips that flash when the car drifts, giving it a retro videogame appearance from the 1980s and 1990s. The camouflage stickers covering the body were also inspired by old videogames. Last but not least, this show car’s universe is sweetened with pink Plexiglass windows and a decal that says “La vie en rose” on the rear left window.
The bright yellow and hot pink are all references to the 1980s and 1990s, a general idea that permeates contemporary culture rather than any single title. Video games, especially those from the 1990s, were actually more of a dithered, grainy brown if you actually went back and played them. like Konami’s GTI Club, which included a Renault 5 Alpine in real life. That would have been a fantastic reference.
All of the pictures of the R5 Turbo 3E that Renault posted on Thursday appear to be sketches and 3D renders. The business claims that the actual vehicle will make its debut this weekend at Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2022. Maybe it will make a donut to celebrate.
