The Iconic Renault 5 Turbo: A Rally Legend Brought to the Road
The Renault 5 Turbo is an iconic hot hatch that developed a cult-like following as both a street and rally car in the 1980s for its unique mid-engine, turbocharged powertrain and rally-bred performance. Though only produced for four years, over 9,000 Renault 5 Turbos were built, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Renault’s motorsports legacy.
Introduction
When the Renault 5 Turbo debuted in 1980, it brought true race-inspired performance to an affordable hatchback package. Renault had dominated rally racing in the late 1970s with vehicles like the Renault Alpine and Renault 5, so the company sought to bring that world-beating experience to a street-legal model.
The Turbo transformed the humble front-wheel drive Renault 5 econobox into an all-wheel drive, mid-engined rocket ship, setting the blueprint for future rally fighters turned hot hatches like the Lancia Delta Integrale and Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
Powertrain and Performance
At the Turbo’s heart lies a turbocharged, fuel-injected 1.4L four-cylinder snatched from the Renault-Alpine race car. Mounted longitudinally behind the driver, the engine produces 160 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, rocketing the 2,100 pound Renault from 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
| Spec | Measurement |
| Engine | 1.4L Inline-4 Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | Over 125 mph |
This midship powertrain layout provides ideal front/rear weight balance for spirited driving. Power is routed through a five-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels for maximum traction. Large four-piston brakes bring the Turbo’s speed back in check.
Rally Inspired Design
Visually, the Renault 5 Turbo announces its race-bred pedigree with flared fenders housing its wider track. A large hood scoop feeds air to the mid-mounted engine, capped by an integrated roof spoiler for stability at speed.
The cockpit prioritizes performance and function over comfort with four-point harnesses, heavily bolstered bucket seats, and an instrument cluster with gauges for oil pressure and boost. Thin A-pillars and a bubble window in the Polyester firewall ensure good visibility.
Racing Heritage
Soon after its launch, the Renault 5 Turbo proved nearly unbeatable in its field in rally racing. From 1981 to 1986, the mid-engined turbocharged beast secured multiple constructors’ championships in international rallies like Monte Carlo, Sweden, and Corsica.
Star drivers like Jean Ragnotti piloted the Group B rally car to victory again and again, cementing the Renault 5 Turbo’s reputation as a giant killer of Audis, Lancias and other more powerful opponents.
Finally
In its brief four-year production run, the innovative Renault 5 Turbo for sale USA brought true race-car performance to the masses in an accessible hot hatch package. Its iconic rally successes matched with a unique design captivated enthusiasts and influenced a generation of sports cars. The “Supercinq” remains an homologation special legend to this day.
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