Renault 5 Turbo in the World Rally Championship

Manufacturer: Renault
Category: Group B

The Renault 5 Turbo was one of the most iconic cars to emerge from the legendary Group B rally era, combining revolutionary design with outstanding performance. Launched in 1980, the Renault 5 Turbo was a radical departure from its more conventional front-wheel-drive counterpart. Built specifically for rallying, the Renault 5 Turbo featured a mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, a bold decision that gave it excellent handling and weight distribution. This configuration made it a formidable contender in the competitive and high-stakes world of Group B rallying.

At the heart of the Renault 5 Turbo was its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, producing around 350 horsepower in its most powerful competition variants. This turbocharged unit was designed to deliver explosive acceleration, which combined with the car's compact size, made it incredibly agile on both tight tarmac stages and tricky gravel surfaces. The Garrett turbocharger was a standout feature, pushing the small engine to extraordinary limits and providing massive boost, which allowed the car to maintain high speeds through even the most challenging rally conditions.

The car's body was constructed from lightweight materials such as aluminum and fiberglass, ensuring it remained light while maintaining the strength needed for rallying’s punishing environments. Its wide, aggressive stance, combined with flared wheel arches and a bold rear spoiler, gave it not only aerodynamic efficiency but also an unmistakable presence on the rally stage. The suspension system was another key feature of the Renault 5 Turbo, utilizing independent suspension with reinforced components that could absorb the extreme impacts and stresses of rally jumps and rough terrain.

The Renault 5 Turbo made its mark in rallying almost immediately, with one of its most famous moments coming at the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally. French driver Jean Ragnotti piloted the car to victory, defeating much more powerful all-wheel-drive cars and cementing the Renault 5 Turbo's reputation as a serious contender. This win was especially significant because it demonstrated the car’s incredible handling on tarmac, where its mid-engine layout and rear-wheel-drive setup allowed it to outmaneuver competitors on narrow mountain roads.

Jean Ragnotti remained one of the most successful drivers associated with the Renault 5 Turbo, bringing his expert car control and daring driving style to the rally stages. His ability to harness the car’s power and control its turbo-induced oversteer on tight, twisty sections made him a perfect match for the Renault 5 Turbo. Other drivers, including Bruno Saby and Guy Fréquelin, also achieved success with the car, further highlighting its versatility and competitive potential across different types of rallies.

Throughout its participation in the Group B era, the Renault 5 Turbo secured numerous podium finishes, making it a feared competitor in rallies worldwide. Its combination of raw power, innovative engineering, and a unique design ensured that it would leave a lasting legacy in the world of rallying. Although the Group B class was ultimately banned due to the extreme speeds and danger involved, the Renault 5 Turbo stands as a defining example of the innovation and excitement that characterized this golden era of rallying.