Renault 5 Turbo 3E Electrifies Tour de Corse Debut: A 555-hp “Mini-Supercar” Honors Rally Legend
Renault’s all-electric 5 Turbo 3E, a modern reincarnation of its iconic 1980s hot hatch, made its electrifying public debut this week at the Historic Tour de Corse rally in Corsica. The high-performance EV, dubbed a “mini-supercar,” performed demonstration runs and drifts, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Jean Ragnotti’s 1985 Tour de Corse victory in a Maxi 5 Turbo. Despite its thrilling performance, Renault has confirmed that the 5 Turbo 3E will unfortunately not be coming to the United States.
A Thrilling Homage: Performance and Agility on Display
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E captivated onlookers with its retro-inspired design and cutting-edge electric performance.
- Public Debut: Two prototypes showcased their capabilities with demonstration runs and drifts in Calvi and along the classic Notre Dame de la Serra and Montegrosso stages of the Tour de Corse.
- Rally-Inspired Performance: Rally driver Julien Saunier, who drove the 3E, praised its capabilities, stating, “Driving this Renault 5 Turbo 3E is such an incredible experience! It really does have everything you’d expect from a super sports car—it’s a true rallying beast.”
- 40th Anniversary Celebration: The debut was a fitting tribute to the 40th anniversary of Jean Ragnotti’s legendary 1985 victory in the Maxi 5 Turbo, highlighting Renault’s rich rallying heritage.
Cutting-Edge Electric Power in a Retro Package
Developed by Alpine engineers, the 5 Turbo 3E seamlessly blends nostalgic styling with advanced EV technology.
- Powertrain: The “mini-supercar” utilizes an 800-volt architecture and features dual rear in-wheel motors.
- Power Output: It produces an impressive 555 horsepower (410 kW) and a staggering 3,540 lb-ft of torque, justifying its “supercar” moniker.
- Battery & Range: Equipped with a 70-kWh battery, the 5 Turbo 3E offers a WLTP range of more than 250 miles.
- Charging: It supports rapid charging, going from 15% to 80% in about 15 minutes with a 330-kW DC charger.
- Acceleration: The car can sprint from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in under 3.5 seconds.
- Lightweight Construction: Built on a lightweight aluminum platform with a carbon-fiber superstructure, the car weighs just under 3,200 pounds, contributing to its exceptional agility.
Limited Edition, Unavailable for the US Market
Despite the excitement generated by its public debut, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be an exclusive, limited-edition model, with no plans for a US release.
- Limited Production: Only 1,980 units will be produced, a nod to the original Turbo’s launch year.
- US Exclusion: For enthusiasts in the United States, the car will unfortunately not be available, a decision confirmed by Renault. The earliest possible opportunity for US buyers to acquire one might be decades later through imports.
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