Automakers regularly make crazy concept cars, cars that are too wild to turn into production realities. These flights of fancy are often created for car shows to illustrate what could be possible. But every so often an OEM will surprise us by turning a concept car in a full-blown production version. That is exactly what we have with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a fantastic opportunity for Alpine to demonstrate its expertise in engineering, architecture and the development of electric sports cars, all designed to enhance the driving experience. To meet the very ambitious specifications of this ‘restomod’ inaugurating the mini-supercar category, and to equip it with the most modern and innovative technologies, we have spared no expense, developing a specific platform and the world premiere of these 540-horsepower in-wheels motors enabling a 0-100 km/h time of around 3 seconds. The chassis has been calibrated to reproduce the same agile sensations as before, and to put driving pleasure above all else –
Philippe Krief, CEO Alpine brand and CTO Renault Group

Hardly Changed

When the Renault 5 Turbo 3E concept was shown at the Paris Motor Show, few would have guessed that it would be turned into a production reality. It had a crazy appearance, boasted massive power outputs and had a funky cabin treatment. It is a far cry from the likes of the Duster, Triber and co. that Renault churns out these days. But, the French manufacturer confirmed last year that the model would be turned into a road, and the pics you see above, and video below, are of the finished product. Renault will build just 1 980 examples of this crazy EV.

Retro Inspired

Die-hard performance fans will recognise that the 5 Turbo 3E takes inspiration from the 1980s hot hatch the 5 Turbo. In fact, the latter was released in 1980, hence the number of the production run. The 1980’s version was the original hot hatch with an engine placed behind the front seats. Hence the fatter wheel arches for wider wheels and vents to feed the ICE engine. The newer car takes the same design cues as it has its powertrain moved to the rear of the cabin as well. A rally-style vertical handbrake lever shows that this car means business, and was designed with enthusiasts in mind. Alcantara surfaces, a roll cage, and bucket seats with six-point harnesses contribute to the interior’s so-called ‘supercharged ambience’ (their words, not ours- Ed).

Click here to check out some of the coolest mid-engined hatchbacks ever made.

Super Mini

For the powertrain, Renault’s engineers opted for rear-mounted in-wheel motors with rear-wheel drive. The two motors deliver 200 kW each for a total of 400. As a result the 5 Turbo 3E will blast from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3,5 seconds. Its top speed is quoted as 270 km/h. The French automaker estimates a maximum of 400 km thanks to a 70-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the 3E is said to weigh 1 450 kg, which is respectable for a performance EV. Oh, did we mention that is has a dedicated drift mode?