Renault's turbo hatchback EV racks up orders despite $176,000 price tag
Renault plans to sell only 1,980 units of the 555-horsepower Renault 5 Turbo 3E electric vehicle, which boasts the body-built rear wings of its combustion-engine ancestor and can accelerate to 100 km (62 miles) per hour in 3.5 seconds.
here.
That acceleration is possible thanks to two in-wheel electric motors in the rear wheels, a first for a production model vehicle.
In-wheel motors are stand-alone electric motors housed in all or some of the wheels of an EV, eliminating the need for axles and powertrains. Proponents say this frees up space inside EVs, adds power and extends battery range because the vehicle is lighter.
A spokesperson for Renault said the in-wheel motors for the Turbo 3E will be supplied by Protean, a UK-based specialist in this technology.
The spokesperson said Renault received 850 reservations for Turbo 3E in the first week after orders opened on April 22, with interest from Europe, Japan, the Middle East and Australia.
To secure the car, customers have to pay a 50,000-euro deposit and wait until 2027 when deliveries are expected to begin from Renault's Alpine plant in Dieppe, northern France.
($1 = 0.8806 euros)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
9 hours ago
- Reuters
Mistral in talks with VC firms, MGX to raise funds at $10 billion valuation, FT reports
Aug 1 (Reuters) - French artificial intelligence startup Mistral is in talks with investors, venture capital firms and Abu Dhabi's MGX to raise $1 billion at a valuation of $10 billion, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company launched in June Europe's first AI reasoning model, which uses logical thinking to create a response, as it tries to keep pace with American and Chinese rivals at the forefront of AI development. The funding would accelerate the commercial rollout of Mistral's Le Chat chatbot and support continued development of its large language models, the report said. MGX and Mistral did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The startup raised 600 million euros in a Series B funding round that valued the company at 5.8 billion euros last year. Industry observers consider Mistral as Europe's best-positioned AI company to rival Silicon Valley leaders, though the French firm has yet to achieve comparable market traction or revenue scale. Mistral counts Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab, Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners among its investors.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
RAY MASSEY: Genesis G80 is a swish, smooth sensation
Get me to the church on time!' was initially all I demanded of the new all-electric G80 saloon from Genesis, the luxury arm of Korea's Hyundai group. I was headed to the historic Ashridge House in leafy Hertfordshire, to see my godson Warwick and his bride Nataliia tie the knot, and needed an equally swish set of wheels to fit the occasion. And boy, did the G80 deliver – in ding-dong style. Available exclusively as a long-wheel base model, the car – mine was in a sparkling Geneva Silver – has passenger comfort firmly in mind. In addition to plenty of legroom, there is a centre armrest for those in the back, and the second-row comfort pack (£2,640) includes heated rear seats, too. Genesis has also added Chauffeur to the list of available modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Snow), allowing for super-smooth driving. In fact, had my services been required for the happy couple, all I'd have needed was a smart cap. With its striking 'face', sharp lights and Nappa leather interior, the zero-emissions limo was also a head-turner, with a hint of Bentley in the latticed grille – cunningly disguising a charging point. Riding on 19in wheels as standard, the all-wheel-drive G80 is powered by a new, larger 94.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a 370 horsepower 272kW dual motor system. It goes from rest to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, up to a top speed of 139mph. For instant oomph while cruising, it will cover 50mph to 75mph in 3.3 seconds. Claimed range has increased to 354 miles. The G80 also features a driver-controlled powered rear-closing door system, soft-close doors, rear and side window electric blinds for added privacy and sunshade, and twin vanity mirrors. Being electric it is also exceptionally quiet, though you can opt for a futuristic EV sound. Head-up display is great for viewing sat-nav directions and speed limits through the windscreen while keeping my eyes on the road ahead. Live images of what's behind you flash up on the dashboard when you indicate left or right, which helps eliminate dangerous blind spots. There's extra comfort up front too (a £1,780 option) with relaxing driver and passenger massage in the cossetting but sporty 'ergo motion' 18-way electrically adjustable seats. However, the erratic voice control often lost a lot in translation. Although it has a wide 27in digital screen, key functions are controlled by dials on the centre console. Steering wheel paddles alter the regenerative braking resistance – right up to 'one-pedal' driving – so you brake by taking your foot off the accelerator. You can turn myriad warning systems off, but the alert for cars about to cross behind you is useful when reversing, as are live images of what's behind you. The G80 is only slightly let down by its boot, measuring 334 litres. It's not cheap, either: prices start from £75,615, though my car, with £10,000 of added wedding bells and whistles, cost £84,925. More than an everyday runaround, this is a car for an occasion. Wedding planners, chauffeur firms, busy executives – take note. Will it fit in my garage? Genesis electrified G80 On sale: now Price: from £74,800 Price as driven: £84,925 Seats: 4/5 Colour: Geneva Silver Style: Large extended-wheelbase limousine saloon Powertrain: Electric EV all-wheel drive Length: 5,135mm Width: 1,925mm Height: 1,480mm Wheelbase: 3,140mm (an increase of 130mm) Wheels: 19-inch silver Tyres: Bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Weight: 2,410kg Energy source: 95.5 kWh lithium ion battery Propulsion: 272kW dual motor (136kW for each of the two motors, front and back). Power: 370 horse-power 0 to 62mph: 5.1 seconds 50mph to 75mph: 3.3 seconds. Top speed: 139mph Range: 354 miles Boot: 334 litres Entertainment: 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 10-level surround audio system Interior spaceRear passengers: Legroom: 995mm (up 83mm) Headroom: 950mm (up 20mm) Charging times DC ultra-fast to 80 per cent: 25 minutes DC fast-charge to 80 percent: 84 minutes AC Wallbox to 100 per cent: 8 hours 30 minutes Motoring trip for car fans Looking for a late break that combines a love of supercars and superbikes with great food and fun? Then consider a trip to Italy's Motor Valley, which I visited recently. Supported by legendary car and motorbike makers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati, the initiative showcases the automotive talent and expertise of the Emilia-Romagna region. And Bologna – home of food favourites including tortellini, mortadella and, of course, bolognese sauce – is at its centre. The Motor Valley website ( highlights 13 motor museums to visit plus other attractions such as the Ducati World amusement park (above). Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati and president of the Motor Valley Development association, says: 'Motor Valley represents Made in Italy excellence in the automotive and industrial production chain.'
The Independent
11 hours ago
- The Independent
Over 300,000 cars recalled by major vehicle manufacturer
Ford is recalling 312,120 US vehicles, including certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger models. The recall addresses a potential Electronic Brake Booster defect that could lead to a loss of power brake assist, increasing stopping distance and crash risk. The issue arises from the EBB motor's sensitivity to voltage disturbances, which can cause it to shut down and trigger warning lights. The remedy is a free software update for the EBB module, available over-the-air or through Ford and Lincoln dealers, with owner notifications commencing in late August. Ford has issued a record number of recalls this year, attributing the high volume to proactive safety measures and increased audits.
