More on Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E ‘mini-supercar’ coming in 2027

Renault has unveiled most of the technical data of its “mini-supercar,” the 5 Turbo 3E, which evokes the spirit of the classic R5 Turbo models. This new model is all-electric, with over 500 hp, an 800 V battery, and supercar performance in a city car package.

Renault surprised friend and foe at the end of 2024 by announcing that the bonkers concept car Renault 5 Turbo 3E would enter production. The design study was initially presented in 2022 to announce the arrival of the ‘regular’ electric city car, but clearly, there was a demand for an exclusive electric hot hatch.

Unique chassis

It will be exclusive: only 1,980 units will be produced, referencing the launch year of the original R5 Turbo. Each model will be numbered, and customers can choose their own number when reservations open in the coming weeks. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.

But what makes the Renault 5 Turbo 3E special? To start, it has a tailor-made electric platform designed by Alpine. While the Turbo 3E looks like the regular Renault 5 E-Tech, it is 16 cm longer (4.08 m), 26 cm wider (2.03 m), and 3 cm longer on the wheelbase (2.57 m).

Thanks to the use of carbon for the body, the stripped-down interior (with only two seats and a visible roll cage, although you do get a complete infotainment system), and the presence of only two seats (which means you can stow your track tires in the trunk), the Renault 5 Turbo 3E weighs only 1,450 kg.

Two 200 kW in-wheel motors

This specific chassis was designed to suit multiple types of drivetrain configurations. In the end, Renault chose two in-wheel motors on the rear axle for the 5 Turbo 3E, another first for the brand.

Each motor develops 200 kW or 272 horsepower, for a total of 544 hp, enabling the pocket rocket to hit 100 km/hour in under 3.5 seconds and to achieve a top speed of 270 km/hour.

A new 70 kWh battery on 800 volts was sourced to power these motors. This enables high power levels and ultra-fast charging: up to 350 kW, suitable for a 15-80% charge time in 15 minutes. Renault suggests completing a few hot laps on the track before driving into the pits for a quick charging stop.

Tailor-made, but at what cost?

Customers can choose a specific livery to make their R5 Turbo 3E unique, with a selection of classic and modern designs. The interior trim can also be personalized through direct interaction with Renault’s designers. Only one question remains: the price. But with this level of ‘bespoke ness’ and customization, it won’t be cheap.