Renault Revives Rally Racing Icon with All-Electric Hot Hatch Twist

In a surprising twist unveiled at the conclusion of the Amazon Prime Video series ‘Anatomy of a Comeback,’ Renault is shaking up the auto industry by bringing back a beloved rally icon from the 1980s, but this time it’s electric.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E, though still resembling a concept in its design, has been confirmed by Renault to hit the production lines, not just as a prototype but as a real deal high-performance vehicle.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E draws inspiration from its namesake that dominated the rally scenes in the ’80s.

Sporting a retro yellow-and-black livery that echoes the era, the design features bold rear fenders, a distinct squared front, and an impressive diffuser under its spoilers, all signaling a car built for speed and spectacle.

At its core, the Turbo 3E is equipped with two electric motors positioned at the rear, propelling it with over 500 horsepower.

This powerhouse can surge from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, setting it apart in the burgeoning field of electric hot hatches.

While other electric models like the Mini Cooper SE and Abarth 600e offer respectable speeds, the Turbo 3E’s performance could rival even the faster Hyundai Ioniq 5 N version, which clocks in at 3.4 seconds.

Yet, there’s a catch for American auto enthusiasts. Renault currently does not market its vehicles in the United States, which means the Turbo 3E won’t be available stateside.

However, there’s a sliver of hope for fans of the brand. Renault’s Alpine brand, known for its electric vehicles, is slated to enter the U.S. market by 2027, potentially introducing models like the A290, a hot hatch based on the Renault 5.

Initially, Alpine plans to focus on larger vehicles like crossovers and SUVs, but the possibility of an electric hot hatch making its way across the Atlantic could be on the horizon.

As Renault gears up for this electric evolution, the Turbo 3E stands out as a thrilling blend of nostalgia and modern technology.

While it might be a while before we see a version of the Renault 5 in the U.S. market, the thought of electric hot hatches zipping down American roads is something to get excited about.

As the industry shifts towards electric models, Alpine’s strategy might just pave the way for a new era of performance vehicles. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and our eyes peeled for 2027.