The motors draw their power from a 70kWh battery pack that is fitted in a way that optimises agility and offers “spectacular” drift capabilities, claims Renault. It even has a dedicated drift mode and a rally-style vertical handbrake.
The battery pack is good for a range of 250 miles, although Renault has admitted that it will last between 15 and 20 minutes when driven flat-out on a track.
Given its track credentials, the thermal management of the battery is such that it can be driven at speeds of up to 168mph before being fast-charged at 350kW, enabling it to charge from 15% to 80% in 15 minutes.
Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive said: “For me, it was very important to be able to have as extensive as possible coverage in terms of customer needs for the 5 – beginning with a very interesting price bracket but opening the adoption of this car to people who want extreme sensations.
“When you have such a car which is such fun to drive, why not push the boundaries?”
The all-aluminium platform was developed by Renault’s sporting sister brand Alpine and has been designed to achieve no compromise in performance, lightness, agility or efficiency. It aims to be “in line with supercar standards”.
The platform sits under a bespoke body made of lightweight materials, with only the mirror, door handle and taillights carried over from the standard Renault 5. Its carbon composite structure means it has a kerb weight of around 1450kg, which is just 1kg more than the Renault 5 despite its larger battery pack, extra performance and additional motor.
It has been designed to look like a supercar while referencing the original 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2, with aero-optimised front and rear bumpers as well as a front splitter and a large air outlet on the bonnet to maximise downforce. It also has side scoops to funnel air under the rear lights and make it as slippery as possible, along with rear wing extensions, large intakes to cool the motors, 20in alloys and a squat overall appearance.
The menacing appearance has been achieved thanks to a change in dimensions. It’s 158mm longer, 256mm wider and 118mm taller than the standard 5, with the windscreen moved back and the wheelbase extended to help it achieve “the length of a city car for the width of a supercar”.
