Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Electric Mini Supercar Debuts in Corsica
Renault marked a new stage in the development of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a modern, electric and exuberant reboot of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, when two advanced prototypes made public runs on Sunday, 5 October and Monday, 6 October in Calvi, Corsica. Staged ahead of the Historic Tour de Corse rally, the showcase capped months of fine-tuning by Alpine engineers who developed this unique vehicle to deliver electric performance and rally-bred precision.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E leads a new class of electric minisupercars. It delivers maximum agility, breathtaking performance, spectacular drifting and pure driving thrills, celebrating sporting spirit in a compact package. Measuring 4.08 metres long and 2.03 metres wide with a length-to-width ratio of 2.01, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E channels the innovative DNA and competition focus of its predecessors while embracing zero-emission power.
“Engineers rarely get the opportunity in their careers to develop an innovative, high-performance car such as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. And it certainly deserves the label of “mini supercar”. Borrowing technologies from the world of supercars, it is built for outstanding performance, driving pleasure and thrills at the wheel. The first runs confirmed the technical decisions made for this car: mighty in-wheel motors, outstanding agility, breathtaking acceleration, a power-to-weight ratio of 2.5, and an ideal weight distribution of 43/57. A machine built for thrills! Working on this project was a huge pleasure, with all the exciting technical challenges, such as the new aluminium/carbon platform, new battery, and carbon superstructure. And at the same time, we were working to extremely tight deadlines.” Philippe Varet, Director of Innovations, Concepts & Projects, Alpine Cars.
Alpine developed the Renault 5 Turbo 3E on a bespoke aluminium platform enhanced with carbon components, including the upper bulkhead section and part of the floor, creating a structure that stays lightweight and stiff. Rear in-wheel motors deliver 2 x 204 kW, the equivalent of 555 hp, with 4,800 Nm of torque available even faster than with a conventional electric motor. Independent control of the two rear wheels optimises torque distribution to boost agility and performance, while double wishbone suspension on both axles provides precise traction and control.
The prototypes returned to a place of rallying success. They performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd on a closed esplanade at the port of Calvi and along the legendary Notre Dame de la Serra and Montegrosso stage. One car wore a black, yellow and white livery that paid tribute to the Tour de Corse, while the other carried a red, blue and white livery honouring the colours of the Maxi 5 Turbo driven by Jean Ragnotti, winner of the Tour de Corse in 1985.
Renault ambassador driver and rally specialist Julien Saunier drove the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. His recent successes include the 2021 Alpine Elf Rally, the 2022 Historic Monte-Carlo Rally and the 2024 Historic Tour de Corse. “Driving this Renault 5 Turbo 3E is such an incredible experience! It really does have everything you'd expect from a super sports car – it's a true rallying beast. I was blown away by the acceleration, which doesn't fade as you gather speed, the ultra-powerful yet easy-to-modulate braking, and its ability to perform spectacular yet controlled drifts. It was such a fun drive, with all sorts of new driving sensations. And at the same time, it was in the colours of the 1985 “Philips” Maxi 5 Turbo, also present on the Maxi 5 Turbo I’m currently driving in the Historic Tour de Corse. This is our tribute to the 40th anniversary of Jean Ragnotti's win.” Julien Saunier, Renault ambassador driver.
After completing his demonstration runs, Julien immediately jumped back into his Maxi 5 Turbo and set off for the special stages on Corsica’s winding roads. As last year’s winner, he ranks among the favourites for the 2025 Historic Tour de Corse, which is currently underway and ends on 11 October.
This milestone arrives seven months after the Renault 5 Turbo 3E reveal, with most characteristics now frozen and homologation in progress. An all-carbon superstructure weighing under 100 kilograms helps keep total mass just under 1,450 kilograms, enabling 0–100 kph in under 3.5 seconds. The 800V architecture, 70 kWh battery, and onboard DC charger rated at up to 330 kW allow a 15-80% charge in just 15 minutes, and the standard WLTP range will exceed 400 km.
Reservations opened on 22 April, with prices from £140,000 including tax, excluding options, accessories and personalised features*. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is available in Europe, including the UK, as well as the Middle East, Japan and Australia. As part of the process, customers book a showroom appointment, sign a reservation form and pay £42,500. They then receive priority to order one of the 1,980 examples, a nod to the 1980 launch year of the original Renault 5 Turbo. At the time of order, customers may select their car’s number as a paid option.
“This incredible project has sparked a huge sense of excitement, not only internally but also among the public, with 500 reservations in the first three days! These first runs in public are a key stage in the project and are also highly symbolic, with the Tour de Corse and the 40th anniversary of the Maxi 5 Turbo's victory. It's also the anniversary, almost to the day, of the press reveal of the original Renault 5 Turbo, which took place on 4 October 1978 ahead of the Paris Motor Show. We're now keen to move on to the next stage: showing customers the personalisation programme we’ve put together for them. It promises to be a detailed and desirable lineup!” Michael Grosjean, Renault 5 Turbo 3E Project Manager.
The next stage, the personalisation phase, will begin in early 2026. Customers will be able to specify historic colours and liveries from the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, such as Rouge Grenade or the yellow, white and black of the Tour de Corse-winning Renault 5 Turbo from 1982. They can also choose a unique gentleman driver look. More specifically, customers will meet Renault designers to create their own exterior and interior livery, selecting colours and materials for seats, door panels, dashboard and more, turning their Renault 5 Turbo 3E into a truly unique electric sports car.
In the first half of 2027, customers will finalise their configuration and place the order with the dealer. The reservation payment will be deducted from the final amount, depending on the chosen specification, and the first configured cars will be delivered in 2027.
