Renault 5 GT Turbo – The Power of the Hot Hatch
Renault 5 GT Turbo
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is a true classic of the hot hatch genre. Released in 1985, it put a turbocharged engine with up to 115bhp in an otherwise unassuming supermini chassis. It was the first production car to use ‘turbo lag’ as part of its performance character and was one of the most popular hot hatches in Europe until its retirement in 1991.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo had an all-round appeal that no other hot hatch could match. It was surprisingly economical, yet had enough power to excite drivers on twisty back roads or a track day circuit. This razor sharp handling combined with intense acceleration made even mundane drives enjoyable, while the turbo lag only added to the excitement. The Renault 5 GT Turbo remains one of the most beloved cars by automotive enthusiasts around the world today – thanks to its iconic design and advanced engineering for its time.
The 1980s Icon
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is an iconic car of the 1980s, into the early 90s and a symbol of the hot hatch movement. Its combination of bold styling, turbocharged performance, and affordable price gave it an edge that allowed it to become one of the most successful small cars of its generation.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo was first released in 1985 as an upgrade to the standard R5 model, featuring a more powerful 1.4 litre engine with a turbocharger and updated suspension. The unique design features such as the wide wheel arches and rear spoiler gave it an aggressive look that attracted fans from all over Europe. Despite its small size, this car had plenty of power under the hood; it could go from 0-60 mph in just 8 seconds!
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rally Track Star
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is an iconic performance car that has made a big mark on the automotive world. This compact hot hatch was never designed for the luxury market, but it still managed to pack a powerful punch and become a fan favourite all around Europe and beyond. A true rally track star in every sense of the word, the Renault 5 GT Turbo was born from decades of French racing heritage and developed into a formidable street legal racer.
Renault’s engineers created a tiny powerhouse under the hood with its 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The power output from this small yet mighty mill is impressive enough to send it sprinting from 0-62mph in just 7 seconds – more than enough power to make it one of the most exciting cars on any circuit at any time!
Unique and Aggressive
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is a car that has long been hailed as the original hot hatch. With its unique and aggressive design, it was the first of its kind to combine performance with affordability. From its inception in 1985, the 5 GT Turbo quickly gained a huge fan base and continues to be adored by motoring enthusiasts all over the world.
The car was designed to provide extra power for drivers who wanted more from their driving experience than just basic transportation. Its distinctive looks are enhanced by standard features such as widened wheel arches, twin headlamps and an aerodynamic spoiler along with plenty of optional extras including sporty body kits, alloy wheels and sports suspension systems. The huge range of modifications available made this the ultimate car for customizing enthusiasts who wanted something truly special on the roads.
Renault’s decision to equip their 5 GT Turbo with a turbocharger was a masterstroke; this extra boost in power gave the small car performance that had previously only been available on larger cars. On top of this, the distinctive look of the car turned heads wherever it went – with its huge front bumper inspired by rally cars and wide arches for the wheels. The result was an iconic hot hatchback that stands out from any crowd even today.
1989 Renault 5 GT Turbo Photo by Andrew Bone
Practicality & Versatility
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is a hot hatch like no other. It combines the comfort and practicality of a family car with the versatility and power of a performance vehicle. This hatchback model has been around since 1984, offering drivers an affordable yet thrilling driving experience.
Its 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 106 horsepower, allowing the Renault 5 to reach speeds up to 125 mph – quite remarkable for a compact car of this size. The interior features comfortable seating for four passengers along with plenty of storage space for luggage or groceries, making it perfectly suitable for day-to-day use as a family vehicle. And on top of that, it also offers responsive handling and sharp cornering abilities when you’re looking to take it out on twisty back roads or race tracks.
Resurgence of the GT Turbo
The Renault 5 GT Turbo has been an iconic symbol of the hot hatchback movement for decades. Popularly known as the “Baby-Berlineta”, the car was first introduced in 1985 and quickly gained popularity with its lightweight body, punchy turbocharged engine and responsive handling. It has since become a cult classic among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique style and performance capabilities.
Today, the Renault 5 GT Turbo is enjoying a resurgence in popularity with modern drivers who appreciate its classic style and performance potential. With advances in technology over time, parts are now more readily available than ever before so owners can upgrade their cars to modern specifications or simply keep them “original” as they were intended. The car also boasts impressive fuel economy compared to other cars of similar size, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a practical yet powerful ride.
The Power of the Hot Hatch
The Renault 5 GT Turbo is a legend amongst hot hatches and has been since its introduction to the UK in 1985. It was an instant classic and today, it’s a cult classic that still holds up to modern performance standards. With its turbocharged engine, sporty design, and agile handling, the Renault 5 GT Turbo is still one of the most exciting cars on the road.
The beauty of this car lies in its simplicity – there are no complex electronics or high-tech features; just pure torque from its 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing power to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This setup provides excellent acceleration, making it one of the quickest cars in its class when it was first released.
The R5 GT Turbo is an iconic hot hatch that has been a staple on the roads for over 30 years. It is a symbol of the power and performance of French engineering, with its reliable 1.4 litre engine and turbocharger delivering great performance and economy.