An Unconventional Design Evolution
The Renault 5 Turbo was far from an ordinary hatchback. Standing nine inches wider and three inches lower than the base model, it was built with a singular focus on performance rather than subtlety. To transform the standard city car into a rally legend, Renault turned to Marcello Gandini, the visionary designer behind the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos. Gandini dramatically widened the fenders to house larger tires and an intercooler, creating an aggressive silhouette that housed a mid-mounted engine where the rear seats would normally reside. Despite a chassis weight of 2,138 pounds, the car offered blistering performance compared to its economy-car roots.
Engineering the Turbocharged Heart
At the core of this beast sat a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with a Garrett T3 turbocharger and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. By lowering the compression ratio to 7.0:1, engineers were able to manage the high boost pressure, resulting in approximately 157 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. At the time of its release, this made it the most powerful and fastest production car originating from France. The setup was specifically designed to reward drivers who were bold enough to push the vehicle to its limits.
Exceptional Endurance and Competition Specs
The R5 Turbo was not just fast; it was an endurance marvel. Equipped with a unique, centrally-mounted 93-liter fuel tank, the vehicle was capable of covering vast distances. With a combined fuel economy of 25.6 mpg, the car could comfortably travel over 600 miles per tank, with potential for over 800 miles under ideal highway conditions. Its performance credentials were solidified by a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.7 seconds, supported by four-wheel vented disc brakes and double-wishbone rear suspension.
Production History and Group B Legacy
The initial production run of the R5 Turbo lasted from 1980 to 1982, with only 1,820 units manufactured. Following this, the Turbo 2 was introduced, which utilized the same mechanical layout but replaced the aluminum body panels with steel, resulting in a heavier, more conventional interior. The final evolution arrived in 1985 with the MAXI 5 Turbo, a limited series of 200 cars built for Group B homologation. Featuring a 1.5-liter engine pushing 345 horsepower, the MAXI 5 became a force to be reckoned with in the rally world.
The triumphs of the MAXI 5 would mark the last of the R5 Turbo's competitive statement before the Group B series was cancelled in 1986.
During its final competitive years, the R5 Turbo saw significant success, including a Tour de Corse victory driven by Jean Ragnotti and a strong performance in the Spanish Rally Championship by Carlos Sainz Sr., proving that even as all-wheel-drive vehicles began to dominate, the mid-engined Renault remained a formidable contender.