Renault is celebrating this year the 50th anniversary of one of its most popular classics, the long-awaited R5. This utility vehicle, considered along with the FIAT 127 as one of the first modern multi-purpose vehicles on the European market, marked an era thanks to its casual design with integral plastic bumpers and the enormous practicality conferred by its tailgate.
If one milestone in the long history of the R5 had to be highlighted, it would be the creation of the legendary Turbo saga, a family of beasts with wide bodywork and a central engine developed for the world of rallying. The Renault 5 Turbo, Turbo 2, Turbo “Tour de Corse” and Maxi Turbo became true legends of the 1980s thanks, among other things, to their characteristic and radical aesthetics.
As part of the celebrations for the model’s birthday, Renault will show a 100% electric show car based on the R5 Turbo at the next Paris Motor Show. This reinterpretation, which will be inspired by the world of video games, will be revealed at an online event on September 22.
Before arriving at the Paris Motor Show, where it will be on display from October 17, the prototype will be on view at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille on September 24-25. Although at the moment it is unknown what name the concept car will be baptized with, the word “Turbo” is likely part of it.
The Renault 5 will return to the market in 2024
Although the prototype will maintain the marked wheel arches of its illustrious predecessor, its aesthetics will be even wilder. Thus, the smiling square headlights typical of the R5 will give way to a “pixel LED” bar that will cross the front from side to side, while the additional double spotlights will encompass the main lighting functions.
The huge aerodynamic design wheels, the monstrous rear spoiler, and the diffuser will remind us that we are facing a competition car, something that will also be reflected in the sliding windows. Like the headlights, the taillights will sport a futuristic “pixel LED” pattern.
Although Renault plans to relaunch the R5 in 2024 as an electric utility vehicle with a retro design, it is not initially planned that it will have a Turbo version. In its place, a 218 hp (160 kW) Alpine sports variant will be launched, the spiritual heir to the R5 Alpine and Alpine Turbo (known as R5 Cup and Cup Turbo in our country) with a front engine.
