Renault Turbo 3E: A Bold Electric Take on the Classic Hot Hatch

Electric vehicle performance is experiencing a renaissance, and the Renault Turbo 3E stands out as an audacious new entry. This striking EV hot hatch, built on the legendary Renault 5 platform, boasts a remarkable 547bhp and is designed with track enthusiasts in mind. Priced at £140,000, it positions itself in the ultra-high-performance segment, promising both adrenaline and excitement.

The Turbo 3E isn’t just a conceptual dream; this road-legal model is set for a limited production run of just 1980 units, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2027. Renault's ambitious plan includes putting the Turbo 3E up against heavyweights like the Lotus Emira and Nissan GT-R, but its niche market status leaves it without direct competitors. Its unique positioning sparks curiosity in a space where few electric hatchbacks dare to venture.

Unlike its storied predecessor, the Turbo 3E shares minimal components with the original Renault 5. The few elements carried over include the mirrors, door handles, tail lights, and a modified infotainment system. The design team has significantly widened the body and crafted it from carbon fiber, giving it a low-slung supercar appearance at just 4.08 meters long but an impressive 2.03 meters wide.

Powertrain and Design Innovations

Shifting gears from the original’s mid-mounted turbocharged engine, the Turbo 3E is propelled by a 70kWh battery that powers two rear-mounted e-motors, enabling rear-wheel drive. This design approach, particularly the inclusion of in-wheel motors, is a first for production EVs, instilling a level of responsiveness that promises thrilling driving dynamics. Each motor is synergized with a sophisticated suspension system featuring double wishbones to ensure heightened control and agility.

In collaboration with Alpine, Renault has prioritized weight reduction in the Turbo 3E's engineering, achieving a total weight of 1450kg—similar to a contemporary Honda Civic Type R. This weight distribution, which sits at a 47:53 front-rear split, contributes to a blistering 0-62 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed nearing 167 mph. When it comes to real-world usability, the Turbo 3E claims an impressive 248-mile range on a full charge.

Charging and Track Readiness

Designed for track days, the Turbo 3E supports quick recovery between hot laps, featuring an 800-volt architecture that allows for peak charging rates of 350kW. This translates to a substantial battery recharge from 15% to 80% in a mere 15 minutes. It also boasts vehicle-to-grid capabilities, enhancing its practicality for users who wish to maximize charging efficiency.

Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of track-focused functionality like drift mode and a hydraulic handbrake, both of which enhance the car’s playful side. Preliminary rides around the Goodwood Circuit have showcased how thrilling the Turbo 3E can be, offering a visceral driving experience that feels raw and connected—traits often missing in conventional EVs.

Inside the Turbo 3E

While the exterior design emphasizes sportiness, the interior mirrors a sophisticated yet practical layout. Borrowing features from existing Renault models, it includes a digital dash inspired by the original 5 Turbo, complete with a button to initiate boosting power moments marked ‘OV’ for overtake. Added elements like adjustable regenerative braking and diverse driving modes—from Sport to Drift—add layers to the driving experience. The cabin’s configuration incorporates carbon bucket seats secured by six-point harnesses, reflecting the Turbo 3E’s racing pedigree.

The driving dynamics evoke a playful spirit, with haptic feedback and a communicative road feel that challenges traditional expectations of electric performance vehicles. The design fosters agility, with the chassis remaining stable during aggressive maneuvers, although some adjustments to calibration are still pending finalization.

A Custom Experience

With a starting price of £140,000, Renault has labeled this as an initial introductory price. The Turbo 3E buyers will have the opportunity to customize their vehicles extensively, including the selection of historical Renault colors and personal design choices for interiors. This bespoke approach culminates in a dedicated reservation system, connecting customers with local dealers to formalize orders and deposits.

As anticipation builds for the Turbo 3E’s full rollout, it undeniably reflects the spirit of high-performance driving while embracing sustainable electric technology. The blending of nostalgia and modernity presents an exciting proposition for automotive enthusiasts intrigued by what the future of performance EVs holds. With its unique characteristics, the Turbo 3E may well carve out a significant place in the hearts of fans, echoing the excitement generated by its predecessor, the original 5 Turbo.

At this point, the Turbo 3E stands as a tantalizing recipe of excitement, performance, and bespoke features, leaving enthusiasts eager for the chance to take the driver's seat in 2027.