Renault 5 Turbo 3 Makes Its Debut As A Widebody Restomod With Carbon Fiber Accents

Automakers are preparing to retire the typical hot hatch powered by an internal combustion engine due to tough pollution rules. Not all optimism is lost, though, as aftermarket firms are keen to keep the passion alive by reproducing some of the greatest hits from the past. Legende Automobiles is a newcomer to the restomod scene to revitalize a 1980s classic - Renault 5 Turbo.

Renault 5 Turbo 3 is a contemporary recreation of an original three-door R5, retaining the design DNA that made the madcap mid-engined hot hatch so remarkable. Its hand-built bespoke body is primarily made of carbon fiber to reduce weight, and it has been expanded to accommodate larger 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels in two alternative designs.

Legende Automobiles' R5 T3 replaces the original's old-school lights with LEDs while maintaining the iconic design of its forerunner. The quarter glass is encased in carbon fiber, and air curtains in the C-pillar are a visible (but also practical) homage to the Turbo 1 and Turbo 2. The hefty back end features a red enlarged roof spoiler, as well as red side mirrors, wheel centers, and A-pillars, as elements of a contrasting finish.

The dual exhaust tips, which are housed in a unique two-piece rear diffuser, get a square shape to compliment the angular style that pays tribute to Renault's design. Renault 5 Turbo 3 is close to the ground and features double-wishbone suspension in the front and back, which is a modern twist on the R5 Maxi Turbo race car's setup.

Cabin's minimalist design has been preserved for the restomod, but the analog dials have been replaced by a fully digital instrument panel. Inside, the dramatic orange elements are carried over to the air vents and door straps, as well as to the redesigned two-spoke steering wheel with a simple look. The new Renault 5 Turbo 3 is equipped with automatic dual-zone climate control, ultra-thin seats with ample lateral support, and a racing harness, according to Legende Automobiles. A roll cage lies on top of the engine compartment behind them, producing a strong 400 hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

That's a significant increase over the initial 158 hp, and it's now transmitted to the back wheels via a modern sequential gearbox or manual (depending on distributors), which replaces the donor car's five-speed manual transmission. The engine's specifications haven't been revealed, but we're informed it's a sophisticated powertrain, as one would imagine from a total restomod.