The Renault 5 Alpine Turbo was launched in 1982 as an upgraded successor to the naturally aspirated Renault 5 Alpine, one of the first hot hatchbacks. In Britain it was still called the Gordini, because the Alpine name belonged to Chrysler Europe. It has nothing to do with the mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo.
Renault 5 Alpine Turbo at a glance
| Launched | 1982; sales continued until 1984 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4 L (1,397 cc) with a single Garrett T3 turbocharger |
| Power | 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS) |
| Performance | top speed 179.9 km/h (111.8 mph), 0–97 km/h in 8.7 s (Motor, 1982) |
| Assembly | Alpine’s Dieppe factory |
| Predecessor | Renault 5 Alpine (1976), 1.4 L 93 PS |
| UK name | Renault 5 Gordini Turbo |
| Successor | Renault 5 GT Turbo (1985), on the second generation |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Renault 5 Alpine Turbo
The Renault 5 Alpine was one of the first hot hatchbacks, launched in 1976 two months before the Volkswagen Golf GTI, with a 1.4-litre 93 PS engine. The right-hand-drive car was sold in the United Kingdom from April 1979 as the Renault 5 Gordini, because Chrysler Europe already had the rights to the name Alpine; the name Gordini referred to the French tuner Amédée Gordini, who had links with Renault. These cars and the Alpine Turbo models were assembled at Alpine’s Dieppe factory from 1975.
The Renault 5 Alpine Turbo, launched in 1982, got a single Garrett T3 turbocharger on the 1.4-litre engine, raising output to 110 bhp. Motor magazine tested it in 1982: they appreciated the performance but were critical of the high price, which was only £2 less than that of the larger Ford Escort XR3. Sales continued until 1984, when the second generation Renault 5 was launched, followed in 1985 by the Renault 5 GT Turbo.
Design and features
- Not the mid-engined car: the Renault 5 Turbo has a turbocharged engine mounted behind the driver and rear-wheel drive; the Alpine Turbo is front-engined with front-wheel drive.
- Engine: a 1.4-litre crossflow engine based on the Renault pushrod engine.
Renault 5 Alpine Turbo versions
- Renault 5 Alpine (1976–1981): naturally aspirated, 93 PS.
- Renault 5 Alpine Turbo (1982–1984): with a Garrett turbocharger.
- Renault 5 Gordini and Gordini Turbo: the British names.
More Alpine cars are in our Alpina and Alpine collection, for example the GTA and A610 and the A110.
Renault 5 Alpine Turbo questions and answers
Is the Renault 5 Alpine Turbo the same as the Renault 5 Turbo?
No. The Renault 5 Turbo is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive rally car; the Alpine Turbo is a front-wheel-drive hot hatch.
How much power has it?
110 bhp (82 kW) from a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine.
Why was it called Gordini in Britain?
Because Chrysler Europe held the rights to the name Alpine there.
Sources
- Renault 5, English Wikipedia: Alpine and Alpine Turbo sections
