Corsica’s twisty roads have long been a mecca for car enthusiasts, those dusty tracks where machines and men battle the island’s brutal corners. Last week, under a clear October sky, two Renault 5 Turbo 3E prototypes took to the Tour de Corse rally stages for the first time in public. The event celebrated 40 years since Jean Ragnotti won the first Maxi 5 Turbo in 1985 and felt like a purposeful echo.
Julien Saunier took the wheel and drifted like a madman on the Notre Dame de la Serra and Montegrosso stages. One car was painted black, yellow and white for the rally, the other red, blue and white to match Ragnotti’s winning bike. Saunier, who recently drove a vintage Maxi 5 in the historic class, described the experience as a revelation: acceleration that builds without getting tired, brakes that bite hard but forgive quickly and slips that feel precise rather than crazy.
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The laps in Calvi’s port area, which was closed off for the event, drew a crowd cheering the little car’s fury. The Turbo 3E is just 4.08m long and 2.03m wide, a miniature rocket with its squared off body low and aggressive and broad fenders that scream intent. Two motors in the rear axles provide 555hp and 4,800Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds. The setup allows for independent control of each wheel which sharpens turns and helps with the crowd-pleasing drifts. Double wishbone front and rear suspension keeps everything in place, 43/57 weight distribution tilts just enough rearwards for fun oversteer. Weighing less than 1,450kg thanks to an aluminum platform with carbon reinforcements, the car has a power to weight ratio of 2.5kg/hp.
Alpine’s engineers did not skimp on the chassis, as a full carbon superstructure sits on top of the aluminum foundation, keeping things rigid without adding weight. The 70 kWh battery starts out low, powering an 800-volt system that can charge from 15 to 80% in 15 minutes at 330 kW. The WLTP cycle has a range of more than 400 km, which is sufficient for spirited loops without constant stops. Saunier stated that the power never levels off as you accelerate, transforming long straights into smooth bursts. Braking is likewise good, with enough power to swiftly reduce speed while remaining progressive enough to trail brake into turns. Development was completed months ago, homologation is underway, and deliveries will begin in late 2027.
Since reservations opened in April, 500 spots have been filled in three days, with over 1,000 currently secured toward a cap of 1,980 units—a subtle nod to the original’s 1980 premiere. The car, priced at €160,000 before taxes and extras, is aimed at buyers in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia. Securing a spot entails depositing €50,000 at a dealership, getting first dibs on production numbers (for a charge), and priority ordering.
Personalization will begin next year, and each Turbo 3E will be a one-off. Owners will consult with designers to decide on liveries, such as Rouge Grenade red from 1980s racers or yellow-black-white from the 1982 Tour de Corse champion.
