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101 Cars: Renault R-5
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
06/28/2008
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The Renault factory team was the first to use turbocharging in modern Formula 1, starting in mid-1977 and scoring its first win in 1979. (Photo: PBase.com) ยป More Photos

Thank goodness for win on Sunday, sell on Monday, because race sanctioning organizations have required carmakers to sell on Friday what they can race on Sunday. So when FIA's rallying Group 4 - modified grand touring - required 400 examples, Renault obliged in 1980 by moving the whole drivetrain of its R5 econobox from front to midengine and turbocharging the bloomers off it. Wider tires, even bigger in back, were covered by wider fenders. The Turbo models had expensive lightweight panels and such, so Renault followed in 1982 with the R5 Turbo 2, with standard steel doors and such for a little less performance and a much lower price. Renault's turbo boffins, weaned on Formula 1, squeezed a docile 160 horsepower from the 1.4-liter four and offered a factory kit for 185 horsepower, which Sun International offered on gray market cars they sold in the United States and provided for media testing. Invariably, drivers returned with silly grins on their faces. Why not? It performed on par with a Ferrari 308GTBi and for less than half the price. See? Racing does improve the breed, even if some of the kids look a bit odd"


Specifications
Engine: 1.4-liter OHV turbocharged inline four
Horsepower: 160 standard; 185 factory kit
0–60 mph: 6.6 seconds (w/185-horsepower kit)
Top Speed: 126 miles per hour
Price New: $22,500
Value Now: $15,000-$20,000
Renault R5 Turbo 2 Photos



Claim to Fame

Renault's wacky but fun econoracer


Soundtrack

"Abracadabra" by the Steve Miller Band; in this film, Inspector Clouseau drives one dubbed the The Silver Hornet.


Perfect Passenger

Someone with a sense of humor and named Dominique


Behind the Wheel
Sun International was the original gray market U.S. importer and is still in the R5 Turbo 2 business.


Did You Know?
The Renault factory team was the first to use turbocharging in modern Formula 1, starting in mid-1977 and scoring its first win in 1979.


The Perfect Drive
Blasting through a pass in the Maritime Alps



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