New Renault Turbo 3E … R3X looking better than ever..

[Florida Panhandler]

https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-turbo-3e.html

i would consider this Renault a competitor to the Rivian R3X, but a direct competitor. The main difference is price with rumors flying that it is going to be €140,000. What do you get for that kind of money? 2 motor Rear drive for 540hp. It features in hub motors which is interesting. The body is stripped out for racing and features a roll cage.

Rivian really needs to fast track production for the EU because the R3X will be a smash hit there If priced anywhere south of €70,000. Because I have a feeling the tri’motor R3X will be able to beat out this new Renault in performance despite it’s road focus and larger size.

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[Thedude]

That’s pretty cool. Never thought I’d say that about a Renault again.

 

[iansriv]

But, it's a turbo.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It's never coming to the US, but I would find it hard to pass up over the R3X.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

That’s pretty cool. Never thought I’d say that about a Renault again.

Already on sale in EU: "Regular" R5 and its Alpine sibling.

 

[LR4toR1S]

Its like an R1S and a mini cooper S had a love child.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Goes 167 mph. Better suited for somewhere you could drive to the unlimited portions of the autobahn than the US.

 

[rbrak29]

In-wheel motors!? Increase unsprung weight, negative impact on handling. Going all Gymkhana... the motors won't last a week.

 

[NY_Rob]

In-wheel motors!? Increase unsprung weight, negative impact on handling. Going all Gymkhana... the motors won't last a week.

Good thing it will come with a warranty then!

The in-wheel motors are on the rear wheels only, so steering should be excellent with no torque steer, excessive wheel tramp due to increased unsprung weight, etc.. It also greatly simplifies mechanical layout and minimizes parts used since no transfer case or half-shafts and multiple CV-Joints required. They only plan to make 1,980 of these vehicles and they will be selling for north of $175K USD.

One thing that 100% annoys me is when they put "TURBO" in the name of a pure EV. What the heck does a ICE turbocharger have to do with a pure EV? It only helps to confuse people who don't know anything about said vehicle.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Good thing it will come with a warranty then!

The in-wheel motors are on the rear wheels only, so steering should be excellent with no torque steer, excessive wheel tramp due to increased unsprung weight, etc.. It also greatly simplifies mechanical layout and minimizes parts used since no transfer case or half-shafts and multiple CV-Joints required. They only plan to make 1,980 of these vehicles and they will be selling for north of $175K USD.

One thing that 100% annoys me is when they put "TURBO" in the name of a pure EV. What the heck does a ICE turbocharger have to do with a pure EV? It only helps to confuse people who don't know anything about said vehicle.

Like you implied, not a mass market car. So few will be confused by “turbo”. Most know it’s an homage to the original R5 Turbo. And at projected weight of only 3200 lbs, I expect it to be constructed like F1 cars: full of carbon composites. With only slightly over 1k units, price will be north of a quarter million.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

In case anyone doesn’t know what a R5 Turbo is… it’s a heavily modified bonkers homologation special based on Le Car. About 10 yrs ago I met one of the top experts on these in the US, a personal mechanic and car collection care taker to his wealthy clients. Got to see his own R5 Turbo Evo up close. Wonderful machine and a fine example of the sort of fun loving spirit most automakers just don’t possess anymore.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_5_Turbo

 

[xyphnr]

They aren't exactly a direct competitor aside from dimensions on the outside:

1. R3X isn't a limited production -- Renault's is
2. R3X is expected to be a 4-seater -- R5 Turbo is a 2-seater
3. R3X's lineage is R1/R2, R5 Turbo 3E's lineage is a homologation of a WRC rally race car.

Car person wouldn't see it as competition, unless R3X isn't Rivian but maybe Lancia.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

They aren't exactly a direct competitor aside from dimensions on the outside:

1. R3X isn't a limited production -- Renault's is
2. R3X is expected to be a 4-seater -- R5 Turbo is a 2-seater
3. R3X's lineage is R1/R2, R5 Turbo 3E's lineage is a homologation of a WRC rally race car.

Car person wouldn't see it as competition, unless R3X isn't Rivian but maybe Lancia.

Most people see four wheels/tires and immediately jump to "competition". Happens all the time.

 

[DayTripping]

I had one of the original R5 Turbos. It was a crazy car, and I often regret selling it. It was so out there compared to anything at the time, even though it came from very humble beginnings.

When I saw the new one it immediately piqued my interest. I'd take it over the R3X in a heartbeat, but would love to have them both.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I had one of the original R5 Turbos. It was a crazy car, and I often regret selling it. It was so out there compared to anything at the time, even though it came from very humble beginnings.

When I saw the new one it immediately piqued my interest. I'd take it over the R3X in a heartbeat, but would love to have them both.

Square footprint, with center of mass at or very close to center of that square, plus the power to weight ratio... basically the magic formula for ultimate performance. Another homage I would love to see? Ford RS2000.

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