This year marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the stunning Renault 5 Turbo, a R5 on steroids that captured several overall wins in the World Rally Championship.
Interestingly, the racing version of the R5 Turbo was produced before a more civilized, road going car was launched. The R5 Turbo was produced from 1980 to 1984 in France.
The original street version was basically a standard R5 whose engine was moved mid-ship. The engine was a small 1397cc motor now fitted with a single turbocharger and an intercooler that boasted 160 bhp. The front-wheel drive was turned into a rear-wheel drive! With his huge rear bodywork, the R5 Turbo could not be mistaken.
In the rally R5, the power of the engine progressed spectacularly. The Turbo 1 produced 178 horses while the last mode, the mighty Maxi 5 Turbo, delivered no less than 345 bhp!
At just 1000kg, the rear-wheel drive R5 was able to beat - in certain condition - the astonishing all-wheel drive Group B machinery.
Jean Ragnotti gave the R5 Turbo a victory in its first outing in the World Rally Championship, clinching victory at the Rally Monte-Carlo in 1981.
Interestingly, the racing version of the R5 Turbo was produced before a more civilized, road going car was launched. The R5 Turbo was produced from 1980 to 1984 in France.
The original street version was basically a standard R5 whose engine was moved mid-ship. The engine was a small 1397cc motor now fitted with a single turbocharger and an intercooler that boasted 160 bhp. The front-wheel drive was turned into a rear-wheel drive! With his huge rear bodywork, the R5 Turbo could not be mistaken.
In the rally R5, the power of the engine progressed spectacularly. The Turbo 1 produced 178 horses while the last mode, the mighty Maxi 5 Turbo, delivered no less than 345 bhp!
At just 1000kg, the rear-wheel drive R5 was able to beat - in certain condition - the astonishing all-wheel drive Group B machinery.
Jean Ragnotti gave the R5 Turbo a victory in its first outing in the World Rally Championship, clinching victory at the Rally Monte-Carlo in 1981.