Renault has announced the return of the legendary R5 Turbo in electric form with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. The vehicle, set to arrive in showrooms in 2027, reimagines the iconic 1980s Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 models as a high-performance EV with 540 horsepower.
The Turbo 3E will be built on a custom platform featuring rear-wheel drive architecture with in-wheel motors delivering 4,800 Nm of torque. The vehicle aims to achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h, while maintaining a range of over 400 km on road.
At 4.08 meters long and 2.03 meters wide, the two-door, two-seater vehicle maintains compact dimensions while featuring exaggerated styling cues reminiscent of the original Turbo models, including prominent bumpers and rear wing extensions. The design balances heritage elements with modern aerodynamic requirements.
The vehicle includes an 800-volt architecture enabling DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 15 to 80 percent in approximately 15 minutes. The 70 kWh battery pack is positioned under the floor to lower the center of gravity, while the carbon fiber superstructure helps keep the total weight around 1,450 kg.
Alpine, Renault’s performance division, led the technical development, implementing specialized features including a drift-assist function and rally-style vertical handbrake. The vehicle will offer four driving modes: Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race.
Inside, the Turbo 3E features bucket seats with six-point harnesses and carbon components to reduce weight. The dashboard includes 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens displaying an interface inspired by the original Turbo models but with modern connectivity features including Google built-in services.
“By creating the new category of electric ‘mini-supercars’ with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the Renault brand once again demonstrates the passion and spirit of boldness and innovation that has always driven it,” said Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand.
Production will be limited to 1,980 numbered units, commemorating the launch year of the original Renault 5 Turbo. Customers will be able to extensively customize both exterior livery and interior trim, with reservations opening in the coming weeks for deliveries beginning in 2027.