Before unveiling the production version of the new R5 EV, Renault honored the iconic supermini for one last time with a one-off electromod version of the R5 Turbo homologation special. The R5 Turbo 3E concept is a fully electric hot hatch with 375 hp and a redesigned exterior inspired by gaming.
The R5 Turbo 3E is a follow-up to the R5 Turbo and R5 Turbo 2 production models from the ’80s, built on a tubular chassis with FIA-approved roll bars. As hinted by the E letter on the name, though, this one is fully electric. While Renault engineers could make it insanely powerful, they chose a more sensible output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) from a set of rear-mounted electric motors, which is still more than double the output of the original ICE-powered models. With a monstrous torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) transmitted to the rear wheels, the concept is a “pure drifter”.
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The powertrain sources its energy from a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. Renault didn’t announce range figures but a full charge only takes 2 hours via a 380V charger. The battery weighs 520 kg (1,146 pounds) but the rest of the vehicle tips the scales at 980 kg (2,160 pounds), making it pretty lightweight for an EV. As for performance, the hot hatch accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.5 seconds (or 3.9 seconds when Drift mode is selected), with the top speed being electronically limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).
Design-wise, the R5 Turbo 3E is a modern reinterpretation of its predecessors, staying true to the original recipe with slightly exaggerated proportions and modern styling cues.
The R5 Turbo 3E will make its public premiere at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2022 contest on September 25, before being exhibited in Renault’s stand at the 2022 Paris Motor Show in October. Mind you, this is the second electromod concept by the French automaker this year, after the Renault 5 Diamant.
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