1 month ago
27
No, this isn't a concept – it's the electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E, said to be the French brand's next hyperhatch, with rear-wheel drive, aggressive styling, and performance on par with a V10-powered Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder.
Electric Cars
The 2026 Renault 5 Turbo 3E has been revealed in France, with the small electric hyperhatch offering daring looks and high performance – but will be based on the upcoming family-friendly R5 electric hatch.
Renault says the R5 Turbo 3E is not a concept, but will be heading into production with dual in-wheel electric motors – sending in excess of 373kW to the rear tyres.
Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the French car maker claims this will be good enough for the three-door hatchback to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds – making it quicker than a twin-turbo V12-powered Aston Martin DB11, a Ferrari Enzo, and a Nissan R35 GT-R, among others.
Curiously, the R5 Turbo 3E appears as if it will outperform the Alpine A290 – the hot hatch based on the R5 from Renault's performance arm.
The dual in-wheel electric motors in the R5 Turbo 3E will allow for more precise control of torque, effectively being able to replicate a locked or limited-slip differential.
Inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo – a homologation special built between 1980 and 1984 as a basis for its Group B rally campaign – and the R5 Turbo 2, the latest version echoes the earlier models with air intakes ahead of the front wheels, a wide body-kit, squat stance, and a strikingly similar silhouette.
While few details have been released at this stage, the R5 Turbo 3E is underpinned by a "carbon superstructure" which is both stiff and lightweight.
First previewed in 2022, the original concept was fitted with a roll-cage, a traditional handbrake, and offered drift modes – attributes which could carry over to the production car.
Pricing and production numbers are expected to be announced closer to its release in 2026, but unconfirmed reports suggest the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be a limited-edition model priced from approximately $AU200,000.
Drive has contacted Renault Australia for comment and this story will be updated with any responses.
Electric Cars Guide
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
