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Renault 5 Turbo
#41 • France • 1980 - 1986 • Motorsport & Rally

Renault 5 Turbo

The Mid-Engine Wide-Body French Pocket Rocket

The Renault 5 Turbo is globally revered as a definitive milestone in automotive history. Featuring a 1.4L Turbocharged Cleon-Fonte I4 delivering 160 HP, it achieved an illustrious legacy of the mid-engine wide-body french pocket rocket.

Technical Specifications

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Key Highlights

  • Turned an economy front-wheel hatch into a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive missile
  • Flared Bertone-styled rear fenders with air intake scoops
  • Won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981 on its WRC debut

Development History & Cultural Legacy

The development of the Renault 5 Turbo (1980 - 1986) represents a watershed moment for Renault and the automotive industry. Engineered in France during the 1970s-1980s, this machine pushed the boundaries of speed, styling, and engineering. Its 1.4L Turbocharged Cleon-Fonte I4 paired with a 5-speed manual RWD allowed it to reach 204 km/h with breathtaking acceleration (6.9s 0-100 km/h). Over the decades, it won countless accolades, inspired generations of drivers, and permanently cemented its reputation as a world-renowned icon.

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