1985 Renault R5 Turbo 2

The Renault R5 Turbo was introduced in 1980 as a pure homologation special to compete in 'Group 4' racing and international rallies. It was based on the production Renault 5 Alpine, but with numerous modifications by Renault Sport engineers. The standard front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout was replaced in favor of a mid-engine, rear-drive setup.

The Turbo was first seen in prototype form at the 1978 Paris Salon and made its competition debut in 1980 at the Tour de Corse with Jean Ragnoti's 250bhp works car leading the event before succumbing to electrical trouble. Jean Ragnotti and his co-driver Jean-Marc Andrie earned an outright victory at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981. The following year, Ragnotti won the Tour de Corse.

In 1984, homologation was sought for the Renault Maxi 5 Turbo for Group 5 racing in the World Rally Championship for the following season. Ragnotti added another Tour de Corse win with the Maxi 5 Turbo. After the first batch of 400 road cars had been made to satisfy 'Group 4' homologation volume requirements, a second-generation, known as the 'Turbo 2', was to follow.

Approximately 200 examples of the Renault 5 Turbo 2 Evolution 'Type 8221' were built. They received subtle differences that included an aluminum roof, alloy doors, and uprated engine internals including the crankshaft, cylinder head, cylinder head gasket, and the rocker adjustment bolt. The engines received a 'Rebuild Kit' which included cylinder-liners, pins, pistons, rings, gaskets, and seals. With the help of an uprated turbocharger, the power output for the '8221' was approximately 160 bhp. The 1,397cc, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine was backed by a five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes provided stopping power. These thingly disguised two-seater supercars had a top speed of 125 mph and could race from zero-to-sixty mph in 7 seconds.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021