Renault’s 50th anniversary celebrations of their iconic 5 model continue with the release of this spectacular, all-electric show car, designed for drifting, that pays tribute to the Renault 5’s legendary sports versions: the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. It has been named R5 Turbo 3E, naturally following on from the Turbo 2 with the “E” standing for electric.

Like its iconic predecessor, it is strictly a two-seater. However, the rear now houses the powertrain – two electric motors, each moving one of the wheels, with the batteries in the middle under the floor. It’s built on a tubular chassis, protected by a flat base and shielded by roll bars approved by the FIA. The motor has 280 kW – equal to 380 hp of total power and 700 Nm of instantly available torque.

The bonnet, doors and cockpit are the same shape as their predecessors – but this time the body is made of carbon fibre. It also has a fresh take on the Turbo 2’s iconic air inlets on the rear wings. Its most striking feature is its huge rear spoiler that pulls the car to the ground, even on the wildest drifts.

The large air inlets in the front bumper cool the engine and add downforce. The three vertical sections are instantly reminiscent of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s bumper. The square fog lights look a lot like the ones from back in the day – but now there are four and each containing LEDs.

There are also pink, blue and yellow LED strips at the front and rear, which flash when the car drifts, adding a 1980s and 1990s videogame vibe. Retro videogames also provided the inspiration for the camouflage livery adorning the body.

Inside the car, the mood is a present-day and cheerful combination of hallmarks from motorsports, videogames and, of course, the Renault 5 and Renault 5 Turbo 2. In a modern twist on one of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s instantly recognisable features, the 10 analogue dials facing the driver have been replaced by 10 digital screens on dashboard. They work like widgets and look a lot like Pixel Art2 and Glitch Art3, which seem to have leapt out of the retro gaming universe. For example, to start the car, you have to push the “Free play” button on the centre console. Likewise, the various driving modes have been renamed “Turbo” (for drifting), “Track invader” (for playing), “Donut” (for 360° spins) and so forth.

Retro Renault 5 Turbo is born to drift