Renault has reimagined one of its most iconic models—the Renault 5 Turbo—for the electric age. The all-new Renault 5 Turbo 3E pays tribute to the legendary rally heroes of the 1980s. At the same time, it introduces an aggressive design and advanced EV technology. It’s not just a concept—it’s a full-on electric drift machine.
Radical Design Meets Retro Inspiration
Built on a bespoke tubular chassis with a full carbon fiber body, the Turbo 3E looks radical from every angle. It sits low and wide, with exaggerated air intakes and aerodynamic extensions that reflect the original car’s rally heritage. However, new elements such as pixelated LED lights and digital details add a cyberpunk twist.
Electric Power With a Drifting Focus
Underneath, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E packs serious power. Two electric motors—one at each rear wheel—deliver a combined 540 horsepower and 700 Nm of instant torque. As a result, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 200 km/h. Because the car is rear-wheel drive and balanced for slides, it was built for drifting.
Interior Style: Retro Meets Digital
Even more impressive, the car features 10 digital camera mounts inside and out. This makes it perfect for social media-ready content. The interior blends retro design with digital flair. Analog-style switches sit beside a Yoke-style steering wheel, while the dashboard displays ‘vibes’ instead of typical performance data.
Engineered for Performance, Not Just Show
Despite being a show car, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is more than a styling exercise. It was built as a functional prototype, capable of high-performance driving. The battery pack, located under the floor, provides a low center of gravity and better weight distribution. Moreover, the motors are housed at the rear, maintaining the spirit of the original mid-engine layout.
A Glimpse Into Renault’s Electric Future
Presented at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance event and later at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Turbo 3E signals Renault’s commitment to performance EVs. It’s loud in design—even if it’s silent on the road. More importantly, it shows that electric cars can still be bold, fun, and full of character.
Disclaimer: Specifications, features, and range figures are based on preliminary data and may vary depending on market and final homologation. Images and information are subject to change without prior notice.
Source: Renault
