1984 Renault 5 Turbo 2 Hatchback
The 1984 Renault 5 Turbo 2 was a specialized performance variant of the standard French hatchback. This uncommon vehicle featured a mid-mounted 1.4-liter turbocharged engine positioned where the rear seats would normally be, producing 158 horsepower and driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle.
Built specifically for Group B rally competition, this pocket rocket could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds and reach speeds of 125 mph. The exterior design was instantly recognizable by its dramatically flared wheel arches and distinctive side air intakes that fed cooling air to the mid-mounted engine, while still maintaining the basic Renault 5 silhouette.
Unlike the original Turbo model with its specialized Bertone-designed interior and lightweight alloy components, the Turbo 2 utilized more standard Renault 5 parts for the cabin and certain body elements. This approach reduced production costs while preserving nearly identical performance characteristics.
The interior featured seating for just two occupants, as the engine placement eliminated rear passenger space entirely. Controls were straightforward and focused on the driving experience rather than luxury, reflecting the car’s competition heritage.
Production remained limited with only 3,576 examples manufactured between 1983 and 1986. The model was never officially exported to the United States, making genuine examples exceptionally rare on American roads today.
In rally competition, the platform proved highly effective. Driver Jean Ragnotti secured significant victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981 and the Tour de Corse in 1982 and 1985 with developed variants. Had Renault pursued a full international rally program rather than focusing primarily on French national events, the car might have achieved even greater competition success.
Contemporary rivals included the mid-engined Lancia 037 and the all-wheel-drive Audi Quattro, which eventually made rear-wheel drive rally cars obsolete at the highest levels of competition.
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 represents a fascinating chapter in automotive history when manufacturers created street-legal versions of their competition machines to satisfy racing homologation requirements.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
