| When the Renault 5 GT Turbo first arrived in the UK | | | | Fiat Uno Turbo and Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi. |
| back in 1985 it caused quite a considerable stir | | | | It wasn't just in the power stakes that the Renault 5 |
| amongst its potential hot hatch rivals. It wasn't just the | | | | GT could trounce its rivals, with all new springs, |
| looks of this pocket rocket that caused it to stand out, | | | | dampers and anti roll bars the R5 could also run rings |
| with the turbo changed engine and minimal kerb weight, | | | | around them when it came to handling too. The GT |
| it also had the power and pace to put its rivals firmly in | | | | also proved to be extremely popular amongst the |
| the shade. | | | | aftermarket fraternity, who could easily modify the |
| The Renault 5 GT turbo marked the start of a Renault | | | | engine to produce up to 200bhp. |
| hot hatch dynasty that progresses through the | | | | The distinctive looks of Renault 5 GT Turbo were |
| distinctive gold wheels of the Renault Clio Williams and | | | | penned by Marcello Gandini, who already had the |
| on to the limited edition Renault Clio Trophy and the | | | | Lamborghini Contach in his portfolio, and with its wide |
| latest Renault Clio 197. Under the bonnet, the Renault 5 | | | | wheel arches, imposing front grill and fake vent ducts it |
| GT Turbo used the uninspiring 1.4 litre engine from its | | | | is certain to make an impression wherever it goes. |
| bigger Renault 11 brother. However the addition of a | | | | Whilst the yellow fog lights give the Renault 5 a certain |
| Garret T2 turbo and intercooler meant that inside the | | | | French flair a modern driver would probably want to |
| Renault 5 it produced a respectable 115 bhp. | | | | upgrade the weak headlights to more powerful xenon |
| Whilst 115 BHP seems quite laughable by modern | | | | headlight bulbs. |
| standards, it is important to remember that the Renault | | | | Because so many Renault 5 GT Turbo's were |
| 5 was not burdened by today's airbags, air conditioning, | | | | modified with engine upgrades, suspension changes |
| side impact bars and power steering and so the | | | | and body kits, finding a totally original model today can |
| overall weight of the car was just 850kg. This was | | | | prove to be quite a challenge, but one well worth |
| light enough to give the Renault 5 GT turbo a very | | | | pursuing as this performance icon has now achieved |
| modern 0-60 time of just 7.5 seconds, and quick | | | | cult status and still has the performance to keep up |
| enough to beat its contemporaries, in the shape of the | | | | with modern traffic. |