Marking the 50th-anniversary celebrations for the iconic Renault 5 hatchback, the French carmaker has now developed a new all-electric concept. The R5 Turbo 3E pays homage to the rally-bred 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2 and joins the line-up of two previously unveiled concepts: Renault 5 EV and the 5 Diamant. Designed to drift, the R5 Turbo 3E will make its world premiere at the Chantilly Arts and Elegance 2022. It gets a video game-inspired exterior design, a powerful electric powertrain, and an FIA-approved tube-shell chassis. Renault says that this vehicle is part of their strategy to "electrify their history" to be better prepared for an all-electric future of their European line-up.

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Renault R5 Turbo 3E Brings Back The Retro Flair

Renault R5 Turbo 3E Concept Front Profile
Via Renault

The R5 Turbo 3E uses the body shell of the 5 Turbo 2. As a result, this concept resembles Renault's rally car of yesteryears. However, several bits add a touch of modern innovation. For instance, the exterior shell of this concept is made entirely of carbon fiber. In addition, the iconic air-inlets unique to the Turbo 2 appear in the Turbo 3E but are now more prominent. Finally, a huge rear spoiler sits on the back of this concept and is not there just for show but to give this car the required downforce when engaged in spirited drifting.

The large air intakes on the front bumper of the R5 Turbo 3E are fully functional and allow for the efficient cooling of its electric powertrain. In addition, the square fog lamps, a replica of the Turbo 2, are now two on either side and are LED units. Finally, to add more flair to this concept, Renault has equipped it with LED strips illuminating in different colors while drifting, giving it a retro video game vibe. The hood-mounted air-inlet is used for housing the charging socket for the batteries. Thin LED strips replace the headlights and taillights of the original Turbo 2.

Renault R5 Turbo 3E Concept Rear Profile
Via Renault

To record the drifting action, the Turbo 3E has up to 10 unique mounting places for cameras. For instance, the headlights and the wing mirrors of the Turbo 2's body shell give way to camera mounting points on this electric drifter. Staying true to the current times, Renault says that this concept will appear in a virtual form in video games and issue a collection of NFTs around it, allowing people who own these digital assets unique benefits.

The R5 Turbo 3E Is A Potent All-Electric Drift Machine

Renault R5 Turbo 3E Concept Rear Profile
Via Renault

Renault has built the R5 Turbo 3E to be an all-electric drifting machine. It is a rear-wheel drive hatchback that comes with two electric motors, one for each wheel. The entire powertrain is mounted at the rear while the batteries find their place under the car's floor. The two electric motors have a combined output of 380 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 72 kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for a charging time of two hours when connected to a 380V charger. In its standard setting, the R5 Turbo 3E can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while it will take 3.9 seconds in drift mode. This electric concept can achieve a top speed of 124 mph.

The Turbo 3E uses a tubular chassis which is is compliant with FIA safety regulations—keeping accurate to the compact and nimble dimensions of the Turbo 2, this new drift-focused concept of the Renault 5 measures 157 inches in length, 79.5 inches in width, and 51.9 inches in height. Despite being an electric vehicle, this concept remains light on its feet and weighs 2,160 lbs.

The R5 Turbo 3E Is Inspired From The Virtual Gaming World

Renault R5 Turbo 3E Concept Interior
Via Renault

Just like the exterior design of this Turbo 3E, its interior also takes heavy inspiration from the world of video games. It combines it with the cabin layout of the 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2. The steering wheel, the safety harness, and the racing bucket seats of this electric drift car result from a partnership between Renault and Sabelt. The staple of every car built for drifting is a giant, centrally mounted handbrake, and the Turbo 3E checks this box. There are bright yellow and pink inserts across the cabin of this concept, along with Renault logos to compliment; the one on the steering wheel even glows.

Taking inspiration from the ten analog dials on the dashboard of the iconic Turbo 2, the Turbo 3E adds a modern touch with these dials making way for digital screens of equal numbers. In addition, Renault has made sure that there are several references to the retro video gaming world inside the cabin of this concept. For instance, to start the car, one must press the button marked as "Free Play."

Renault R5 Turbo 3E Concept Roll Cage
Via Renault

In addition, the various driving modes of this car get clever names, such as Turbo for drifting, Track Invader for playing, and Donut for a dedicated 360-degree mode. Finally, to ensure that this car's occupants do not take themselves seriously, Renault has given the Turbo 3E its soft toy, a teddy bear named Drifty.

Source: Renault