With the Peugeot E-T16 going into production, it's time for Renault to revive the R5 Maxi Turbo

Of the three major French manufacturers that have survived to this day (Citroën, Peugeot, and Renault), the fiercest competition has always been between the lion emblem brand and the diamond emblem brand. While Citroën tends to do things its own way, Peugeot and Renault have had (and still have) intense rivalries both in sales rankings and in competition.

This antagonism is particularly evident through two models: the Peugeot 205 T16 and Renault 5 Turbo from the 1980s. These mid-engine powerhouses were developed from their most successful SUVs with the aim of dominating rallies. Forty years later, the spark of that old rivalry is about to reignite with the revival of these two iconic vehicles.

The first to return from the dead was the Renault, reborn as the new R5 Turbo 3E, of which only 1,980 units will be produced. Built on the APP platform of the upcoming Alpine A110 electric car, this new model features two electric motors integrated directly into the rear wheels, delivering 555 horsepower—enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 km/h.

It is equipped with a 70 kWh battery, providing a range of over 400 km according to WLTP standards. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the R5 Turbo 3E can be charged at up to 350 kW in DC, taking just 15 minutes to go from 15% to 80% charge. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of this year, with a base price of 160,000 euros.

A rivalry that spans generations

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E was a practically unique offering in the market... until this week, as Peugeot CEO Alain Favery confirmed that the newly unveiled E-T16 Concept could go into production as early as next year. This prototype not only pays tribute to the legendary 205 T16 but also showcases the overall design of the upcoming E-208, which shares its platform (STLA One).

The fact that it is based on this architecture will facilitate its arrival on the roads. “We can do it. The car is based on the STLA One. We have many elements from the new E-208. We can manufacture it just as you see here. We can produce this car next year. [...] At least it’s a car we can build. It’s technically feasible.”

The E-T16 Concept features three electric motors (one on the front axle and two on the rear), giving it all-wheel drive, as opposed to the R5 Turbo 3E’s rear-wheel-drive configuration. It is also more powerful, delivering 816 horsepower. It takes just 2.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a time of 16 seconds to hit 300 km/h.

Will the team from Boulogne-Billancourt respond to this challenge? Given that the APP platform supports a third engine in the front axle, it wouldn’t be surprising if a even more radical version of the R5 Turbo 3E is announced soon; after all, the original R5 Turbo went through several upgrades throughout its existence. My personal bet? Sooner or later we’ll see the return of the wild R5 Maxi Turbo, the pinnacle of this legendary model.