Drifting is a unique way to drive. Now, Renault has made a show car that looks like it was made for drifting. In that way, it's a tribute to the Renault R5 Turbo 2, a famous model in the sports world. And, yes, it's electric.
The Renault R5 Turbo E3 shown today is about as different from the R5 Turbo 2 as you can get. And what's with the confusing name—E3? Yes, because it's an excellent follow-up to the Turbo 2 model - and E - because it's all-electric. And maybe much more in line with what many race fans think Renault stands for.
"The Renault R5 TURBO 3E is a high-tech electric car with many racing and video game references in its design. This show car looks very modern and high-tech because of the combination. It's somewhere between the real world and the virtual world. This 100% electric drive shows how fun electric cars can be and how wild they can be," says Renault's Vice-President of Design, Gilles Vidal.
Including the massive rear spoiler, the electric car is four meters long, two meters wide, and only 1.32 meters tall. Without batteries, it weighs 980 kg, and with batteries, it weighs 1500 kg. The Renault R5 TURBO 3E has 380 hp (280 kW), 700 Nm of torque, a top speed of 200 km, and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds.
The Renault R5 TURBO 3E is all about performance. The electric car looks a lot like its predecessor, the Turbo 2, but it is made of carbon fiber and has a new take on the classic large air intakes on the back fenders. The oversized air intakes on the front bumper are there for two reasons. One, they keep the battery cool. Two, they make sure there is enough downforce.
Also, inside, the real and virtual worlds are mixed with the past and present. The bowl-shaped seats are made of carbon fiber, and the steering wheel and seat belt were created in partnership with the well-known Sabelt company.
One of the Renault 5 Turbo's most recognizable features, the ten analog clocks, have been replaced by digital screens that look like they came straight out of an old video game. For example, press the "Free play" button to start the car. In the same way, the different programs for learning to drive have been looked at again. Drifting is now called "Turbo," and you have to turn on the "Donut" program to do a 360-degree spin. The car will be displayed at the Renault booth at the Paris Motor Show, which lasts from October 17–23. @via Paris Motor Show.
