R5 Alpine Turbo

 
 

Following the release of the Renault 5 Turbo in 1979 and after the successes achieved in the rally events, especially after having won two places at the podium on the Monte-Carlo Rally in January 1981, it was time to renew the R5 Alpine model, even because competition was growing fast, in particular from Germany, with the Golf GTI.

So, in September 1981, production of the Renault 5 Alpine ceases and its substitute and continuator, the Renault 5 Alpine Turbo, is born.

The look of the car has almost no changes. The main differences are the rims, which are similar to those used by the R5 Turbo, and the logo decals (which lose their typical R5 Alpine image which will be replaced by the word "Turbo") . A big "TURBO" word appears also on the rear window.
A new " Metallic Navy Blue" color paint makes its debut, complementing those existing in the previous R5 Alpine model. The model will be sold under the following colors: White (355), Red (705), metallic gray (620), Alpine Blue (485), Navy Blue (491), Black (694) and Champagne (161).

The most important changes are made at the mechanics level, where the engine (which maintains the same capacity - 1397 cm3), is now equiped with a Garret T3 turbocharger increasing its power to 110 bhp with a torque of 15 mKg/6600 rpm, producing a top speed of 186 km/h and the first 1000m in about 30 sec. To stop this "toy", the brakes were also modified with the addition of Girling disc brakes at the front and Bendix at the rear.

 

(Click the pictures for slide show)

The production of this model ended in July 1984 with a total of 59,202 units manufactured.

Between April and July 1984 the "R5 Alpine Turbo" is sold in only one version called "R5 Laureate Turbo" whose main difference lies in the interiors and finishes that are very similar to those of the GTL model.

Like the naturally aspirated R5 Alpine, the TURBO model also had a racing version of which 706 units were made.