1985 Renault 5 Turbo II – Classic Expo Salzburg 2020

Few production cars of the 1980s illustrate the direct transfer of rally engineering to the road as clearly as the Renault 5 Turbo II. With its mid-engine layout and dramatically widened body, it shared little more than its name and basic silhouette with the standard Renault 5. By 1985, it had already established itself as one of the most unconventional hot hatches ever built.

Technical Details

The 1985 Renault 5 Turbo II retained the core engineering concept introduced with the earlier Turbo version, centered on a mid-mounted inline four-cylinder engine positioned behind the front seats. This engine, derived from the Renault Cléon-Fonte unit, had a displacement of 1,397 cc and was equipped with a Garrett turbocharger. Output was typically rated at around 160 horsepower, a substantial figure given the car’s compact size and relatively low weight.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, making the Turbo II a rear-wheel-drive car—an unusual configuration for a model visually based on a front-wheel-drive hatchback. The mid-engine layout contributed to balanced weight distribution and strong traction under acceleration, though it also required skill to manage at the limit.

The chassis differed significantly from the standard Renault 5, incorporating a reinforced structure to accommodate the central engine placement. Suspension was independent on all four wheels, designed to provide both responsiveness and stability in high-performance driving. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted to ensure adequate stopping power, reflecting the car’s motorsport-derived performance capabilities. Despite its relatively compact dimensions, the Renault 5 Turbo II could reach a top speed of approximately 200 km/h, with rapid acceleration that placed it among the more serious performance cars of its era.

• Manufacturer: Renault
• Model name: Renault 5 Turbo II
• Year of manufacturing: 1983–1986 (1985 model year)

Design

Visually, the Renault 5 Turbo II is defined by its exaggerated proportions and functional styling. While it retains the basic outline of the standard Renault 5, almost every panel was reworked to accommodate the new mechanical layout. The most striking features are the dramatically widened rear wheel arches, which house the broader track and emphasize the car’s rear-driven character.

Large side air intakes, positioned behind the doors, feed air to the mid-mounted engine, giving the car a purposeful and unmistakable profile. The front end remains relatively compact, with rectangular headlights and a simple grille, but the overall stance is far more aggressive than that of its economy-car origins.

Compared to the original Renault 5 Turbo, the Turbo II adopted a more restrained interior, using more conventional materials and components sourced from the standard Renault parts range. This change reduced production costs while maintaining the essential character of the car. The cabin remained driver-focused, with clear instrumentation and a compact layout that reflected the car’s performance-oriented purpose.

Historical Significance

The Renault 5 Turbo II emerged from Renault’s involvement in international rallying, particularly within the context of Group 4 and later Group B competition. The original Renault 5 Turbo was developed as a homologation special, designed to meet racing regulations while showcasing Renault’s engineering capabilities. The Turbo II followed as a more cost-effective evolution, allowing Renault to continue production while simplifying certain elements.

By the mid-1980s, the car had already proven its effectiveness in rally competition, particularly on tarmac stages where its traction and agility offered clear advantages. The mid-engine configuration, unusual for a car of this size and category, set it apart from competitors and demonstrated a willingness to depart from conventional front-engine layouts.

Production numbers remained relatively limited, reinforcing the car’s status as a specialized performance model rather than a mass-market product. Its success contributed to Renault’s broader reputation for innovation in motorsport and performance engineering during the period.

Quirks and Pop Culture

One of the defining quirks of the Renault 5 Turbo II is the contrast between its appearance and its engineering. While it resembles a compact front-wheel-drive hatchback, it is in fact a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, sharing more in common with purpose-built racing machines than with everyday road cars.

The transition from the original Turbo to the Turbo II is also notable. The earlier version featured a more elaborate interior designed by Bertone, while the Turbo II adopted simpler materials to reduce costs. This shift created two distinct identities within the same model line—one more luxurious, the other more utilitarian.

The Renault 5 Turbo, including the Turbo II, became an icon of the Group B rally era, frequently appearing in period footage and later retrospectives of 1980s motorsport. Its distinctive shape and engineering concept have ensured its continued recognition among enthusiasts and collectors, even decades after production ended.

Display and preservation

The featured car was filmed at the Classic Expo Salzburg 2020. Held from 16 to 18 October, the display concept combined commercial activity with careful preservation of automotive heritage. Around 300 exhibitors presented vehicles across 44,000 square meters, attracting over 10,700 visitors. A highlight was the special exhibition celebrating 110 years of Austro-Daimler, offering historical depth and context. The Dorotheum auction, featuring 75 automobiles and four motorcycles, added a dynamic dimension. From high-end collector cars to unrestored originals and private entries, the event showcased a broad spectrum of classic motoring culture.

Conclusion

The 1985 Renault 5 Turbo II stands as a clear example of how motorsport requirements can reshape a production car beyond recognition. Its mid-engine layout, turbocharged powertrain, and rear-wheel-drive configuration placed it far outside the norms of its segment. Combined with its distinctive design and rally heritage, the Turbo II remains a key reference point in the history of performance hatchbacks and 1980s automotive engineering.