Renault R5 Turbo 3E: Electric Driftmobile Revealed

The Paris Motor Show is an international automotive exhibition held in Paris, France, where automobile manufacturers showcase their latest models and technological advancements. Renault, a prominent French automaker, is set to unveil their new electric show car, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, at the Paris Motor Show. This model pays tribute to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and its successor, the Turbo 2.

Renault 5 Turbo 3E:

Combining High-Tech Design and Exuberance The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a show car that seamlessly integrates high-tech design elements and a vibrant character, drawing inspiration from both the world of car racing and video games. Renault’s Vice President of Design, Gilles Vidal, highlights that this electric vehicle pushes boundaries and blurs the line between the real and virtual world while emphasizing that electric cars can be both enjoyable and high-performing.

Impressive Technical Specifications

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E boasts impressive technical specifications that enhance its performance capabilities. Equipped with two electric motors located on the rear axle, the vehicle delivers a combined power output of 280 kW and torque of 700 Nm. The rear wheels, fitted with 325/25 tires on 20-inch rims, receive this power. Additionally, the front wheels feature 225/35 tires on 19-inch wheels. These specifications contribute to the car’s exceptional agility and handling.

Acceleration and Speed

Despite its weight of 980 kilograms (plus 520 kilograms for the battery), the Renault 5 Turbo 3E achieves remarkable acceleration. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, making it an exceptionally quick vehicle. Even when engaging in drift mode with controlled slip and accompanying tire smoke, the car completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds. While top speed is less significant for a drifter, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is still capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Battery Capacity and Drifting Capabilities

The show car is equipped with a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the flat underbody. This provides ample capacity for multiple laps on a racetrack or energetic Gymkhana drift courses. Furthermore, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E features a steering angle of over 50 degrees, allowing for impressive drift angles. Various cameras installed within and on the vehicle capture these thrilling drift moments.

Exterior Design and Construction

Even at a standstill, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E exudes charm through its visually appealing exterior design. The car’s hood, doors, and cockpit resemble those of previous Renault 5 models, while its body is constructed entirely of lightweight carbon fiber material. Transparent body parts, including sections above the rear lights, offer a clear view of the show car’s drive technology. The vehicle is built on a tubular space frame with an FIA-approved roll bar, forming the foundation of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

Dimensions and Styling Accents

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E shares similarities with its predecessor, the Turbo 2, with a height of 1.32 meters. However, it is significantly longer, measuring over four meters in length. Notably, the car features pronounced fenders that are 25 centimeters wider, measuring 2.02 meters. A large rear wing enhances downforce and keeps the Renault 5 Turbo 3E firmly planted on the road. The show car even incorporates side air intakes inspired by the Turbo 2 model.

Distinctive Lighting Features

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E showcases distinctive lighting elements that contribute to its visual appeal. The flow-through front hood enhances aerodynamics and provides additional cooling. Square-shaped headlights with 16 integrated LEDs ensure maximum light output. Flashing pink, blue, and yellow LED strips on the front and rear of the vehicle add a touch of spectacle during drifts. Additionally, the presence of pink Plexiglas windows and the humorous inscription “La vie en rose” on the left rear window further enhance the car’s unique character.

Games and fun in the cockpit

The R5 Turbo 3E show car, presented by Renault, features a cockpit design reminiscent of a video game. Designed to provide an immersive driving experience, the cockpit accommodates up to two passengers who sit in carbon fiber seat shells positioned at the center of the vehicle. The central console showcases an impressive upright handbrake lever, a prominent element typically found in drift cars.

Digital Mini Touch Screens and Game-Inspired Designations

In a departure from traditional analog displays, the R5 Turbo 3E replaces them with ten digital mini touch screens. These screens serve as the primary interface for the driver, conveying all the necessary information and enabling seamless operation. The designations used for various features within the vehicle further reinforce the connection to video games.

To start the vehicle, the driver simply presses the “Free Play” button located on the center console. The different driving modes offered in the R5 Turbo 3E are named according to this gaming logic, including “Turbo” for drifting, “Track Invaders” for playing, and “Donut” for 360° spins, among others.

Limited Real-World Prospects and NFT Ownership

Despite its captivating design and gaming-inspired features, the R5 Turbo 3E show car does not have a future in its current form for real-life production. However, it will continue to exist within the realm of video games. Renault offers enthusiasts an opportunity to own the R5 Turbo 3E as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), a digital asset that represents ownership of the virtual concept car.

A Glimpse of the Electric R5 and Contrasting Characteristics

The R5 Turbo 3E show car serves as a preview of the upcoming R5 with an electric drivetrain. While the show car prioritizes drifting fun with its powerful rear e-power and robust fenders on its carbon body, the production version of the R5 is expected to possess a more conventional and civilized approach to driving.