View source for Renault 5 Turbo

{{For|the high-performance version of the Renault 5 EV|Renault 5 Turbo 3E}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Renault 5 Turbo
| image        = 1981 Renault 5 Turbo LC23.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Renault]]
| production   = 1980–1984
| assembly     = France: [[Dieppe]] ([[Alpine (car maker)|Alpine]])
| class        = [[Sport compact]]
| body_style   = 3-door [[hatchback]]
| related      = [[Renault 5]]
| layout       = [[RMR layout]]
| engine       = {{ubl
  | 1.4&nbsp;L ''[[Renault Cléon-Fonte engine#CxJ|C6J]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[Renault Cléon-Fonte engine#CxJ|C7K]]'' turbo I4 (Maxi)
  }}
| powerout     = 
| transmission = 5-speed ''type 369'' [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase    = {{convert|2430|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length       = {{convert|3660|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|1750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|1320|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{convert|970|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| successor    = [[Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport]]
| designer     = Marc Deschamps<br/ >[[Marcello Gandini]] at [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]] (interiors)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lignesauto.fr/?p=33231|title=Let’s give Marc Deschamps what Marcello Gandini doesn’t have|website=lignesauto.fr|access-date=5 April 2024}}</ref>
}}

The '''Renault 5 Turbo''' or '''R5 Turbo''' is a [[sports car]] which was produced by French manufacturer [[Renault]] from 1980 until 1984. It has a [[rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout]] and was originally designed as a [[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation special]] to compete in [[rallying]]. The R5 Turbo is based on the [[Renault 5]], a [[front-wheel-drive]] mass-market [[supermini]]. Launched at the [[European Motor Show Brussels|Brussels Motor Show]] in January 1980, the car was sold in a street-legal version, to comply with homologation minimum production numbers regulations, certifying that the R5 Turbo was to a sufficient extent indeed a [[Automotive industry|"production car"]].

Despite a hefty price-tag, market demand for the Renault 5 Turbos exceeded the required homologation production minimums, such that a total of 4,987 (1,820 Turbo&nbsp;1 and 3,167 Turbo&nbsp;2) R5 Turbos were manufactured during the six-year production run.<ref name=R5prod>{{cite web | url = http://www.renault-5.net/production.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20241208133238/http://www.renault-5.net/production.htm | archivedate = 2024-12-08 | title = Les chiffres de production | trans-title = Production numbers | language = fr | work = Renault-5.net | first = C. | last = Billequé | date = 2011 }}</ref>

==Design==
In response to [[Lancia]]'s [[rallying]] success with the [[Mid-engine design|mid-engined]] [[Lancia Stratos|Stratos]], [[Renault]]'s Jean Terramorsi, vice-president of production came up with the idea of creating a new sports version of the [[Renault 5 Alpine]] supermini.<ref name=R5Torigine>{{cite web | url = http://www.renault5turbo.it/Renault5/OrigineDella5Turbo.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121231230234/http://www.renault5turbo.it/Renault5/OrigineDella5Turbo.html | archive-date = 2012-12-31 | title = Marc Deschamps disegna, Bertone Realizza | trans-title = Marc Deschamps designs, Bertone builds |website=Renault5Turbo.it | publisher = MR Electronics | language = it }}</ref> The distinctive new rear bodywork was styled by Marc Deschamps at [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]], headed by Chief Designer [[Marcello Gandini]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url= http://www.evo.co.uk/features/features/223527/renault_5_turbo.html |title = Renault 5 Turbo: Birth of an icon: 1980 | first = Ian | last = Eveleigh | magazine = Evo | publisher = Autovia Ltd |date= 2008-06-12 |access-date=2021-03-31}}</ref> A Renault 5 Alpine was sent to Bertone in October 1977 to be used as a "mannequin."<ref name=R5Torigine/> The car's code name was ''Projet 822''.<ref>[[#DP83|Pascal (1983)]], p. 8</ref>

Although the standard Renault 5 has a front-mounted engine, the 5 Turbo featured a [[RMR layout|mid-mounted]] {{convert|1397|cc|L CID|1|abbr=on}} [[Renault Cléon-Fonte engine|Cléon-Fonte]] with fuel fed by [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] [[Jetronic#K-Jetronic (1973–1994)|K-Jetronic]] [[fuel injection]] and a [[Garrett AiResearch]] T3 [[turbocharger]] [[Overhead valve|OHV]] 2 valves per cylinder [[Inline-four engine]] placed behind the driver in mid-body in a modified [[Renault 5]] [[chassis]]. In standard form, the engine developed {{convert|160|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm and maximum [[torque]] of {{convert|221|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3250 rpm.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=37807 |website=carfolio.com |title=1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2 specifications|language=en-us|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref>

Though it used a modified body from a standard Renault 5 and was badged a Renault 5, the mechanicals were radically different. The most obvious difference was the [[rear-wheel drive]] and rear-mid engine instead of the normal version's [[front-wheel drive]] and front-mounted engine. The engineers creating the Turbo used parts from various other Renault models: the rear suspension was derived from that of the rear-engined [[Alpine A310|Renault Alpine A310 V6]] while the five-speed manual transmission was the unit from the [[Renault 30|Renault 30 TX]], rotated through 180 degrees. At the time of its launch, it was the most powerful French production car.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[Glasgow Times|The Evening Times]] | location = Glasgow, Scotland | date = 1979-12-07 | first = James | last = Caven | page = 42 |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UE5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iqcMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4844%2C1361937 | title = French Flier }}</ref> In side profile, the R5 Turbo looked largely the same as any other 2-door Renault 5 of the contemporaneous first generation, sharing the same [[Greenhouse (car)|greenhouse]], rear hatch and doors shape, as well as a very similar looking nose, featuring only design tweaks typical of a sporty model, like a low front spoiler, wider front wheels and tires, widened fender flares to accommodate these, and side skirts that continued from the front airdam. But any similarities with a regular Renault 5 ended there. 

Instead of the rear bench-seat is the engine compartment, housing a turbo-charged engine, far more powerful than in any other R5, longitudinally mounted ahead of the gearbox, driving a pair of very wide rear wheels, housed in rear quarter panels, widened by {{cvt|11.25|cm|in|1}}, featuring near full-height air-intake grilles on their leading edges, as well as hot air exit vents to the left and right of the respective (standard) tail-light units. Behind the engine compartment, a surprisingly usable luggage compartment was, as usual, accessible through the rear hatch. The nose of the car, however lost much of its function. The now wider spare wheel stayed under the hood, and air entering through the front grille was let out via vents in the bonnet, perhaps adding some [[downforce]].

In the interior remained only two sporty front bucket seats, and occupants faced an avant-garde restyled dashboard, including an asymmetrical steering wheel. Series one units were typically red with blue interior upholstery. The alternative was the reverse.

The first 400 production 5 Turbos were made to comply with [[Group 4 (racing)|Group 4]] homologation to allow the car to compete in international rallies, and were manufactured at the [[Alpine (car maker)|Alpine]] factory in [[Dieppe, Seine-Maritime|Dieppe]]. Many parts later transferred to the Alpine A310, such as the suspension or alloy wheel set.

===Renault 5 Turbo 2===
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Once the homologation models were produced, a second version named Turbo&nbsp;2 was introduced using more standard Renault 5 parts replacing many of the light-alloy components in the original 5 Turbo version, and dropping the specific [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]] seats and dashboard for the interior of the R5 Alpine. Many parts also became dark grey rather than the iconic red or blue.<ref name="classicandperformancecar1">{{cite web |url= http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/carspecs.php/?see=3177 |title=1983-1986 Renault 5 Turbo/Turbo 2 | work = Octane classic car specs | publisher = Dennis Publishing Inc. |access-date=2011-10-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111005112623/http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/carspecs.php/?see=3177 |archive-date=2011-10-05 }}</ref>

The Turbo 2 was cheaper but had nearly the same levels of performance, with a top speed of {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on}} and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds.<ref>''[[Car Catalogue International]] 1983'', page 79</ref> To differentiate it from the Turbo 2, the original 5 Turbo is often referred as "Turbo 1".

Although the Turbo 2 is not known as a Homologation special, 200 cars were made to homologate the car for the new Group B class. Known by the '8221' number in the chassis VIN, these featured an alloy-roof, a larger 1437cc engine, as well as a range of additional aerodynamic and geometry changes which allowed them to homologate the car that would compete against the Lancia Stratos and the Audi Quattro in Group B rally class.

The concept of a mid-engined small Renault returned with the 1998 announcement of the [[Clio V6 Renault Sport|Renault Clio V6]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring-manufacturers-ready-to-put-the-vroom-into-brum-1178705.html |title=Independent 17 October 1998 |website=Independent.co.uk |date=1998-10-17 |access-date=2011-10-16}}</ref>

==North America==
[[File:R5 Turbo 2's.jpg|thumb|Grey Market R5 Turbo 2's in United States]]  The original plan called for 1,000 Renault 5 Turbo cars to be built to meet the requirements for [[Group 3 (racing)|Group 3]] [[homologation]], with an eye to building an additional 3,000 factory U.S. Models for sale in the United States.<ref>[[#DP83|Pascal (1983)]], p. 13</ref> This did not actually happen. 

Instead the vehicle was available to Americans via the burgeoning [[Grey_import_vehicle#United_States|grey market]] (1976–1988), in which European street legal cars were converted to [[World_Forum_for_Harmonization_of_Vehicle_Regulations#North_America|U.S. specifications]].<ref name="R&T 1978">{{cite journal | ref = R&T December 1978 | journal = [[Road & Track]] | title = Lamborghini Countach S | pages = 38–41 | last = Rusz | first = Joe | publisher = CBS Inc. - CBS Publications | location = Newport Beach, CA, USA | date = December 1978 }}</ref> 

==Awards==
In 2004, ''[[Sports Car International]]'' named the R5 Turbo number nine on the list of [[Sports Car International Top Sports Cars|Top Sports Cars of the 1980s]].

==Motorsport==
[[File:Renault 5 Turbo - 2008 Rallye Deutschland.jpg|thumb|R5 Turbo rally version]]
The R5 Turbo was conceived with dual intent, promoting the sales of the common R5 and being [[Homologation (motorsport)|homologated]] in the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] [[Group 3 (racing)|group 3]] and [[Group 4 (racing)|4]] categories of the rally championship (today WRC). All the motorsport derivatives were based on the Turbo&nbsp;1.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

The factory pushed the engine output up to {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} for the Critérium des Cévennes, {{convert|210|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} for the [[Tour de Corse]], and by 1984 as much as {{convert|350|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} in the R5 Maxi Turbo. The final Renault 5 Maxi Turbo Superproduction reached {{convert|385|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and won the 1987 [[French Supertouring Championship]] that year.<ref name=R5Tcorsa>{{cite web | url = http://www.renault5turbo.it/Renault5/La5DaCorsa.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130129073941/http://www.renault5turbo.it/Renault5/La5DaCorsa.html | archive-date = 2013-01-29 | title = La 5 Turbo da corsa | trans-title = The 5 Turbo competition models |website=Renault5Turbo.it | publisher = MR Electronics | language = it }}</ref>

The Renault 5 Turbo competed in the sub-2000&nbsp;cc category, thanks to the multiplication factor of 1.4 which was applied to turbocharged engines. [[Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile|FISA]] restricted tire and wheel sizes based on engine size, so for the Maxi Turbo, Renault enlarged to engine to 1527&nbsp;cc which brought it up to 2138&nbsp;cc in the eyes of the regulatory agencies - placing it in the [[Group B#classes|2000&ndash;2500&nbsp;cc category]] and allowing for the fitment of wider wheels at the expense of a higher minimum weight.<ref name=R5Tcorsa/>

Driven by [[Jean Ragnotti]] in 1981, the 5 Turbo won the [[Monte Carlo Rally]] on its first outing in the [[World Rally Championship]]. {{citation needed span|text=The 2WD R5 Turbo soon faced the competition of new [[Group B]] [[four-wheel drive]] cars that proved faster on dirt.|date=June 2019}}<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.autoclassics.com/reviews/411106/ragnotti-drives-renault-5-turbo-1-sideways/ | title = Ragnotti drives Renault 5 Turbo 1 (sideways) | work = Autoclassics.com | publisher = Motorsport Network | date = 2017-11-20 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20210112090142/https://www.autoclassics.com/reviews/411106/ragnotti-drives-renault-5-turbo-1-sideways/ | archivedate = 2021-01-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.evo.co.uk/renault/5/turbo | title = Renault 5 Turbo – review, history, prices and specs | first = Antony | last = Ingram | date = 2019-07-29 | magazine = Evo | publisher = Autovia Ltd | access-date=2021-03-31}}</ref>

==WRC victories==
{{Listen
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 |title        =Renault 5 Maxi Turbo being demonstrated by Jean Ragnotti
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There are several victories throughout the early 1980s in the national championships in France, [[Portugal]], [[Switzerland]], [[Hungary]], and [[Spain]], as well as victories in international rallies throughout [[Europe]], with wins in iconic rallies such as [[Monte Carlo Rally|Monte Carlo]]. 

After the factory ceased support, it underwent development by many teams and enthusiasts to compete in regional championships and local races in which it was ubiquitous and successful for almost 20 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.renaultsport.com/-renault-5-maxi-turbo-1985-.html?d=1|title = Renault 5 Maxi Turbo}}</ref> 

Later, the newly created historical categories allowed these celebrated cars to return to international events and competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/renault/r5-turbo/1980/202840|title = 1980 Renault R5 Turbo - Groupe IV Usine Calberson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/interview-renault-5-turbo-restoration-with-olly-melliard/|title = Interview: Renault 5 Turbo Restoration with Olly Melliard / Help & Advice}}</ref> 

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; "
! No.
! Event
! Season
! Driver
! Co-driver
! Car
|-
| 1
| {{Flagicon|Monaco}} [[Monte Carlo Rally|49ème Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo]]
| [[1981 World Rally Championship season|1981]]
| {{Flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean Ragnotti]]
| {{Flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Marc Andrié]]
| Renault 5 Turbo
|-
| 2
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Tour de Corse|26éme Tour de Corse]]
| [[1982 World Rally Championship season|1982]]
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Jean Ragnotti]]
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Jean-Marc Andrié]]
| Renault 5 Turbo
|-
| 3
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Tour de Corse|29ème Tour De Corse]]
| [[1985 World Rally Championship season|1985]]
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Jean Ragnotti]]
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Pierre Thimonier]]
| Renault R5 Maxi Turbo
|-
| 4
| {{Flagicon|Portugal}} [[Rallye de Portugal|20º Rallye de Portugal Vinho do Porto]]
| [[1986 World Rally Championship season|1986]]
| {{Flagicon|POR}} [[Joaquim Moutinho]]
| {{Flagicon|POR}} [[Edgar Fortes]]
| Renault 5 Turbo
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book| ref = DP83 | last = Pascal | first = Dominique | title = Renault 5 Turbo | language = fr | date = December 1983 | publisher = E.R.A. | isbn = 2-85120-189-1 }}
* {{cite book| ref = DP03 | last = Pascal | first = Dominique | title = Renault 5 Turbo: L'école du Groupe B | trans-title = Renault 5 Turbo: School of Group B | language = fr | date = 2003-03-05 | publisher = ETAI | isbn = 978-2-7268-8462-1 }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Renault 5 Turbo}}
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=Renault|model=5 Turbo|Renault 5 Turbo}}
* [http://www.renault-5.net/version_renault_5_turbo2.htm Renault 5 Turbo 2] {{in lang|fr|en|es}}, retrieved on 1 August 2008

{{renault}}
{{Renault vehicles timeline 1980 to date, Western European and North American market}}

[[Category:Group B cars]]
[[Category:Group 4 (racing) cars]]
[[Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Renault vehicles|5 Turbo]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1980]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1986]]