Re: Renault 5 Turbo

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

> That would be the R-5 turbo and it was all wheel drive.  Made to compete
> for the group 5 rally championship and won in 1985 and maybe other
> years.

The production ones were just plain ole' RWD ... I just took a look at the
one down the street this morning while walking my dog.  Someday, I need to
get a ride in that thing...

> Awesome road car that was only made for 2? years.

I don't know the specifics but there were two versions of this car built and
they were built for quite a few more years than two...

It's been made for more than two years, but I'm not exactly sure how long.
The first version was a limited-edition homologation special,
retrospectively known as the Turbo 1. It was mid-engined, RWD, and
exclusively in red with orange details (wheels, spoilers). Lurid red/orange
interior- would be horrible to get into the morning after a hard night
out... All of these had a plaque on the dash with their number. Had a ride
in #0426, if I recall correctly, an experience never to be forgotten. The
noise! Great parcel shelf, no usable luggage space (front taken up by large
intercoolers and spare wheel).
The Turbo 2 I think, was not a limited edition car, and could be had in
more colours. I saw a white one, a black one and one in the red/blue scheme
of sponsors Philips Car Audio of the period. The 5 Turbo Maxi was a
formidable opponent of the Audi Qs of the time (manatory Audi content),
scoring many victories if my memory serves me correctly. The Maxi was an
evolution version with wider front wings, extra lights, fatter wheels and
an even wilder engine. All were RWD I think... I'll look it up when I get
home.
The 5 Turbo was made in model form by Heller as an 1:43 kit and the Turbo
Maxi 2 by Solido as a rally car. Useless knowledge I know, I've got heaps
of it...

Bye,

Tom