Javi Martin
Purist friends, fans of the old and the vintage, defenders of classic cars at all costs, do not continue reading. From now on, we are going to show you what, perhaps, is for many one of the greatest sacrileges of recent years. It is true that for many others, looking at the panorama that awaits us in a little more than a decade, they see in this creation a bit of sanity or, at least, a glimpse of the passion that is lacking in many cars. It never rains to everyone's liking, but as they say, the one who warns is not a traitor.
We cannot deny, because it would be illogical, that we are facing a dream for many users and a truly spectacular creation. But the fact is that they have opted to make a rest of the Renault 5 Turbo, from the famous "Fat Ass", a car that seems untouchable due to its mysticism, although many hobbyists with one in their garage have turned it into an atomic bomb with different prep kits.
However, a restomod is somewhat more delicate, because it is about modernizing, to a certain extent, a car that, perhaps, does not need it. Also, how far does a restomod go and where does manufacturing start from scratch? Where is the limit? Why in the present case, whose name responds to Renault 5 Turbo3, things go very, very far. At first glance it looks like a normal Renault 5 Turbo, with some more modern and current details, but a “Fat Ass” after all, but if we analyze the machine in detail, we will see that there is a change important enough to consider it something more than a rest.
Carbon fiber, wider track ...
It must be recognized that we like restomods, especially those that are made with taste and quality, cars like those that come out of the Emory, Singer, Eagle, Alfaholics workshops ... they are classics brought to the nth degree, improved where it is necessary to improve but, above all, without losing the essence of the original model. Many times, the creations of these companies could be considered totally new cars, but that is in the hands of each client, because you can go to the extreme or simply change “four things”.
With the Renault 5 Turbo that concerns us, the work of the French company Legend automobiles, you go to the extreme, changing many things. But before continuing, remember some characteristics of the original model, to be able to compare with a certain basis. Thus, for example, the rear-central engine was a 1,4-liter turbo four-cylinder (1.397 cubic centimeters to be more exact) that produced 160 hp at 6.000 rpm and 221 Nm of torque at 3.250 rpm. Figures that any car surpasses with growing today, but that in the 80s were outrageous for such a car. The body extensions were made of polyester, with air intakes to supply air to the engine, and things like the doors, roof or tailgate were made of aluminum.
Weight was the main enemy, as is always the case with any sports version. And so, Legende Automobiles have chosen to make a body with carbon fiber. In addition, their dimensions are different, since the width has been expanded to accommodate larger wheels. The proportions have been taken care of to maintain coherence in the design and the classic image of the original model.
These wheels have new 16-inch front and 17-inch rear rims (the latter with a lot of throat), headlights with LED technology and a striking interior design have been incorporated, the taillights are split by the air outlet and do not look alike. nothing to the originals, the front bumper is new and the rear has been integrated a small diffuser with two large exhaust terminals. It is not ugly, not much less, and it is still recognized as a Renault 5 Turbo from any angle, but it is true that there is something different in the whole set, especially if we look at it from the front.
A digitized cabin and more power
Possibly, the part that will create the most discussion will be with the interior, where some features of the original are maintained, but it changes notably. Much more than its exterior image. The steering wheel, without airbag, is clearly inspired by the steering wheel that some Renault Turbo models had in the 80s, but it is not even circular. Behind that wheel, a huge screen acts as instrumentation and you can see how the largest of the physical buttons have disappeared, although certainly, the original Renault 5 Turbo did not have many either. At least the rotary knobs for the heating system have been maintained, which for the occasion, is a state-of-the-art air conditioner.
The door panels are new, the seats, although they pretend to offer a similar image to the originals, are totally news, ultra slim and more ergonomic than the originals. Likewise, you can see a roll cage that ensures structural rigidity.
And as for the heart of the beast, we do not know much, this Renault 5 Turbo3 is still a project that does not even have physical units of the car, they are only digital creations of the designer Steffen Hess. But nevertheless, Yes, we can assure you that it will have an internal combustion engine (no electricity, as it has become fashionable) and it will have turbocharging. (missing ...). It is said that the power will be around 400 hp, but they are rumors and from said to fact, as is known, there is a stretch. At least it will have a manual gearbox, with three pedals. On the other hand, the suspensions will be inspired by those mounted on the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.
There are no release dates, no prices, it may never even be made.
