Renault's New Electric RWD Hot Hatch Boasts 533 HP and a Rally Handbrake
A few months ago, Renault shared a concept for a performance version of its popular Renault 5 electric hatchback. Despite being shaped like an economy car, that concept sent a claimed output of more than 500 electric horsepower to the rear wheels alone. It almost seemed too good to be true — but it turns out the production version of the R5 Turbo 3E will be even better. Because the one heading for the streets has has 570 horsepower.
All that power is still going to the car's rear wheels. Renault calls the resulting product a "mini supercar," which seems like an accurate description for an electric hot hatch delivering that kind of force to just one set of drive wheels. Interestingly enough, the power comes from two in-wheel motors, which Renault says will allow for even more immediate torque delivery than a typical EV setup.
The exterior is set apart dramatically from the average Renault by a bulky widebody kit. Since the car only seats two, the hatch uses a conventional two-door setup. The car will be available in a few specs paying tribute to classic Renault rally liveries, but buyers can also opt for their own custom look, too.
Just as the exterior has been radically modified from a typical R5, the Turbo 3E's interior is unique too. Bucket seats, six-point harnesses, a roll cage, and a vertical handbrake complete the look of a modern Group B homologation special. A digital dashboard displays an analog-looking interface, a reminder that this car is meant to be a cutting edge take on the wild rally cars of the early 1980s.
Renault plans to start building the R5 Turbo 3E in 2027, giving the brand a long runway to make this particular dream a reality. When it does arrive, the French company says that the hatch will get over 250 miles of range from its 70-kWh battery. Despite the relatively large battery for a small car like this, the R5 Turbo 3E is still expected to weigh under 3200 pounds.
Unfortunately, an American production run doesn't seem any more likely now than it did when Renault first revealed the R5 Turbo 3E concept. Renault says that it plans to build 1980 units of the car, all aimed at "key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia." American buyers may be getting a crossover from Renault's sister brand Alpine soon, but the French company's crown jewel seems like it will be reserved for the rest of the world.
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