The Incredible Ferocity of the Renault R5 Turbo: Unrivaled Champion Among Performance Compact Cars
=====================================================
The Renault R5 Turbo, produced from 1980 to 1984, was a game-changing hot hatch that transformed the humble Renault 5 hatchback into a rally and performance icon. Unlike the standard front-engine Renault 5, the R5 Turbo featured a mid-engine layout and a powerful turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine, making it a true high-performance car tailored for racing and road use.
First shown as a concept in 1978, the R5 Turbo marked a radical transformation under the auspices of Marcello Gandini and Marc Deschamps of Bertone. The engine was moved to a mid-rear position to improve weight distribution and handling, a departure from the standard R5's front-engine, front-wheel-drive setup.
Production ran from 1980 to 1984, targeting homologation for the Group 4 rally category, which required road versions of rally cars. The car's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was mounted behind the driver, driving the rear wheels, unlike the standard R5. Although exact power figures vary, the original road-going R5 Turbo had around 160-170 hp, substantial for its light weight and era.
The R5 Turbo's distinctive wide-body design included large rear wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels and cooling vents for the mid-engine configuration. This model quickly gained a legendary status in rallying for its raw performance and unique engineering approach to a hatchback.
While more modern Renault R5 Turbo-inspired cars exist today, such as the electric Turbo 3 E with 375 hp, the classic 1980-1984 Renault R5 Turbo remains a landmark hot hatch, notable for its innovative mid-engine, turbocharged layout and rally provenance.
Prices for a Renault R5 Turbo in good condition hover at, or under, $100,000, while $160,000 or more is not unreasonable for one in concours-quality condition. The Turbo 1 commands a higher price than the more common Turbo 2.
An example of a Renault R5 Turbo from its original production can be easily imported to the U.S. now, given that the model is more than 25 years old. Parts for the R5 Turbo are generally available, and online groups provide needed support. However, the structural integrity of the chassis and bodywork is worth noting on any R5 Turbo being considered for purchase, due to the original Renault 5's reputation for rusting.
The original generation's dramatic interior and purpose-built bits make it the ultimate R5. The R5 Turbo was midship-engined, with the five-speed gearbox hanging aft. Its zero-to-62 mph time was about 6.9 seconds, and it had a top speed of 120 mph.
For those interested in viewing a 1980 Renault R5 Turbo 1, a link to more photos is provided. Most R5 Turbos offered for sale are found in Europe, but they occasionally surface at stateside auctions and online.
This legendary hot hatch, the Renault R5 Turbo, not only revolutionized its class with its mid-engine layout and turbocharged performance, but also paved the way for advanced technology in car design. Today, the automotive lifestyle continues to evolve, with modern versions showcasing cutting-edge technology, just like the original R5 Turbo did four decades ago. On the sports front, the R5 Turbo's rapid acceleration and high top speed made it a formidable contender in rally races, setting a new standard for performance hatchbacks.
