The automotive landscape of the 1980s is poised to welcome back a cherished icon, now reborn with a modern twist: electrification. The much-anticipated Renault 5 Turbo 3E made its official debut at the conclusion of *Anatomy of a Comeback*, a documentary series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While the design may initially appear to be a concept, Renault has confirmed that this striking vehicle is indeed set for production.
Impressive Performance Awaits with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E
Details about the Turbo 3E have been kept under wraps by Renault, but the documentary provides tantalizing hints about what enthusiasts can expect. Central to its performance, this remarkable model will be equipped with dual electric motors powering the rear wheels, generating an exhilarating output of over 500 horsepower. With this formidable powertrain, the Turbo 3E is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
The design of the Turbo 3E pays homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo—a rally racing legend of the 1980s. Press images showcase a bold yellow-and-black livery reminiscent of Renault’s historic racing colors. Key design elements such as pronounced rear fenders, a robust front profile, and a prominent rear diffuser signal its performance-oriented nature.
This isn’t the first time the automotive community has caught a glimpse of the Turbo 3E. Renault initially introduced a concept bearing the same name at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, featuring a striking rear wing and an electrifying yellow-and-purple color scheme.
While high-performance electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace, the hot hatch segment has been slow to embrace electrification. For comparison, the Mini Cooper SE manages 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with the Abarth 600e hitting that mark in just 5.9 seconds. The 500e lags slightly, achieving 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Notably, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, though classified as a crossover, sports hatchback aesthetics and can sprint to 60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds; its more powerful Ioniq 5 N variant slashes that time to an impressive 3.4 seconds.
Renault’s American Ambitions, Yet Absence of the Turbo 3E
Hot hatch aficionados might find themselves disappointed, however, as Renault does not currently offer vehicles in the United States. This absence means that the eagerly awaited Renault 5 Turbo 3E is unlikely to grace American roads anytime soon.
On a brighter note, there’s potential for Renault’s Alpine brand to make its debut in the U.S. market by 2027. The brand appears to be planning its entrance with a focus on vehicles popular among American consumers: crossovers and SUVs. As of 2023, Alpine has slated a midsize electric crossover and a larger electric SUV for the U.S. market. The Alpine A290, an electric hot hatch based on the Renault 5, remains ambitious but is likely to remain exclusive to European roads.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The revival of the Renault 5, especially in a high-performance electric format inspired by its rally heritage, is an exciting prospect. The slight chance of seeing a variant of the Renault 5—potentially known as the Alpine A290—making its way to U.S. shores has me eagerly anticipating 2027. The U.S. market could certainly benefit from a Shot of hot hatch excitement!
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that Alpine is projected to pursue higher revenue thresholds, with ambitions to break even by 2026. Consequently, if the A290 does make its debut in the U.S., it may come with a hefty price tag, a reality of the current automotive landscape that many enthusiasts will find frustrating.
Related: Cybertruck hype fades: Once hot, now not, Tesla’s pickup sits on lots.
Source:www.autoblog.com
