Renault’s new-generation electric hot hatch, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, is already off to a great start, with the first 500 units snapped up within 48 hours of orders opening last week.
The company has confirmed just 1980 examples will be produced worldwide, a nod to the original 1980 Renault 5 Turbo rally car. Australian customers were part of the initial buying frenzy, as allocations were open on a first-come, first-served basis globally.
For those who missed out, Renault says a second round of 500 vehicles will become available from 5pm AEST tonight, April 28.
Set to become the most powerful and expensive production model ever produced by Renault, the 5 Turbo 3E features a pair of electric motors – one on each rear wheel – delivering a combined 400kW (540hp) and an eye-watering 4800Nm of torque. Renault claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of under 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 270km/h.
A lightweight 70kWh battery pack underpins the rear-wheel drive pocket rocket, offering a driving range of over 400km, depending on the conditions. Thanks to its carbon fibre bodywork and aluminium chassis, the overall weight is around 1450kg.
Buyers will have the opportunity to customise their cars early next year, with options set to include a livery inspired by the iconic Renault 5 Turbo that conquered the 1982 Tour de Corse rally.
Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, pending regional homologation processes. Renault says the 5 Turbo 3E will offer features like launch control, four driving modes including Track and Rally, and a large rally-style handbrake for spirited driving. Glen Sealey, general manager of Renault Australia, said:
“Once all 1980 vehicles are allocated globally there will be no more. This is an exclusive car, and an exclusive customer vetting process that Renault has never done before. The cars are being allocated on a first come, first served basis globally. So buyers in Australia have the same opportunity to secure a car as a buyer in Europe or anywhere else in the world.”
Renault has also confirmed the 5 Turbo 3E will make appearances at select European stores before heading to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July.
