The Renault R5 Turbo '80 stands as one of the most influential and revered hot hatches in automotive history, created specifically with rallying in mind during the explosive Group 4 and Group B eras. Based on the humble Renault 5 hatchback, the R5 Turbo was transformed into a rear-wheel drive, mid-engined powerhouse that would help establish Renault as a force in international rally competition.
Introduced at the 1980 Brussels Motor Show, the Renault R5 Turbo was unmistakable: muscular wide fenders, aggressive air intakes, and a stance that screamed performance. Underneath, however, lay an even greater transformation. Renault engineered a radical change by mounting a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine behind the front seats, delivering an impressive 160 horsepower in its road-going form—far more in the competition variants. This unique layout provided exceptional weight distribution and nimbleness, vital for the twisting, challenging rally stages of the time.
The Renault R5 Turbo made an immediate impact on the world rally scene, achieving its most famous victory at the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally, where Jean Ragnotti piloted it to a mesmerizing win against overwhelming odds. Its performance and wild styling made it an instant icon, both on the rally stage and in showrooms, as homologation requirements meant Renault produced just over 1,800 road cars. Collectors and enthusiasts today revere the R5 Turbo for its bold engineering, charismatic driving experience, and rich motorsport pedigree.
In popular culture, video games like the Gran Turismo series have carried the Renault R5 Turbo's legacy to new generations, allowing players to experience its thrilling dynamics virtually. Whether on the gravel of a rally stage, a tight city circuit, or in a collector's garage, the Renault R5 Turbo '80 endures as a symbol of Renault's innovation and competitive spirit in motorsports history.
