Renault’s retro 4 E-Tech crossover has only just hit the streets of Europe, and already the company is teasing us about a major upgrade. The 4 Savane is a rugged, off-road-themed concept that adds an extra motor to the EV’s rear axle, giving the 4 all-wheel drive for the first time.

Borrowing a name from one of the original R4s, the Savane gets a 15 mm (0.6 inches) body lift, and bespoke 18-inch wheels with Goodyear UltraGrip performance tires that increase the track width by 20 mm (0.79 inches) front and rear.

Related: The New Renault 4 E-Tech Makes For A Chic Beach Buggy

Its Jade Green paint is new to the R4 and topped by a printed fabric roof, while the stock bumper overriders are replaced by new 3D-printed parts with shock-absorbing properties. The interior also gets an outdoorsy theme courtesy of seats finished in Deep Brown and featuring houndstooth backrests and bolsters.

We hope you like brown because there’s more mud coloring on the dashboard, but the Savane’s real appeal is that it might also be able to handle some mud on its tires with an extra electric motor boosting traction.

The production 4 E-Tech rides on the same AmpR Small architecture as the award-winning Renault 5 E-Tech and its Alpine A290 brother, and all of those production cars are strictly single-motor, front-wheel drive affairs – the $180k, RWD  Renault 5 Turbo 3E rides on a totally different platform.

Single-motor Fours get a choice of 118 hp (120 PS / 88 kW) and 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) power units, so adding a second motor to the rear could theoretically push power close to 300 hp (304 PS / 224 kW), which is not far off 10 times as much power as the original Renault 4 had back in 1961. That wouldn’t just be the basis for a rugged Savane production car, but could enable Renault to get into the hot crossover market with an AWD Alpine spinoff.

Renault hasn’t confirmed the Savane, or a bi-motor 4 for production, saying only that it “demonstrates the potential of the AmpR Small platform to create a B-segment electric vehicle with four-wheel drive,” but it tends not to make concepts that don’t have real production intent. What we don’t yet know is whether the Renault 5, running on a shorter version of AmpR Small, could also accommodate a rear motor.

Images: Renault

Back in April, Renault gave us a bit of a price shocker when they announced that their widebody, all-electric R5 Turbo 3E, a tribute to the iconic 5 Turbo, would set buyers back an astonishing €155,000 (a little over $175,000 at current exchange rates). Naturally, many scoffed at the idea of an electric hot hatch costing more than a new Porsche 911 GTS, but as it turns out, demand for the car is, well, shockingly strong.

Read: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP

At their recent Annual General Meeting in France, Renault shared some interesting news: within just one week of the R5 Turbo 3E’s launch, they had secured an impressive 850 orders for the 1,980 units they plan to produce worldwide. What makes this even more noteworthy is that these allocations aren’t as simple as a quick call to your local Renault dealer. Securing one of these hyper hatches is a bit more complicated – and a lot more costly than you might think.

A Hefty Deposit for a Hefty Price Tag

To get in line for the R5 Turbo 3E, prospective buyers need to fork over a non-refundable deposit of €45,000 (around $51,000). This means Renault has already pocketed a cool €38.25 million ($43.2 million) in deposits. The company has confirmed that these funds will help complete the development of the hot new EV, so it’s not just the customers who are investing in this electric dream.

Just a few days after Renault first announced that order books for the car would open, company boss Fabrice Cambolive took to LinkedIn to confirm that 500 customer reservations had already been placed alongside an additional 200 from its dealers. Evidently, there are more people out there willing to spend an extraordinary amount of money on an exciting Renault.

Impressive Specs for a Pricey Package

The R5 Turbo 3E is based around a carbon fiber monocoque with two in-wheel motors out back. Together, they churn out a combined 540 horsepower, propelling the sub-compact car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.

Under the hood, the 70 kWh battery pack and 800-volt electrical architecture should give the car a range of over 250 miles (400 km). And, if you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge can take the battery from 15% to 80%. So, while it may cost an arm and a leg, at least you’ll be getting some serious performance in return.

President Donald Trump‘s import tariffs that went into effect on April 2 have worldwide implications as they have disrupted most countries’ (including America’s) economies and almost all brands’ plans. The latest to be affected is Renault-owned Alpine, which was set to launch in the US market in 2027 – but now this plan has been put on hold.

Renault will most likely delay its sports car sub-brand introduction in the States as it awaits for the dust from Trump’s tariffs to settle. This is part of the French brand’s decision to put certain projects on ice to reduce costs so as to minimize an economic impact if the trade war between the US and the rest of the world slows down growth, CFO Duncan Minto explained.

More: Alpine’s New 911 Rival Is Hiding Under This Little Known French Racecar 

As Minto told Auto News, the delay is “perfectly normal” under the current circumstances. That’s despite the fact that expanding to the second-largest auto market in the world was key in CEO Luca de Meo’s intention to boost the sports car maker’s revenue to more than €8 billion ($9.1 billion) by 2030. This was, in itself, quite an ambitious goal since, last year, Alpine sold a mere 4,585 vehicles.

While the market for two-door sports cars like the Alpine 110 is shrinking, that of electric cars is expanding – and it so just happened that the brand last June introduced its first-ever EV, the A290 GT, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is a Renault 5 E-Tech-based hot hatch with more aggressive styling cues and, in Performance trim, a single electric motor with 217 HP driving the front wheels that’s good enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 6.4 seconds and a 236-mile range. A less powerful version, simply badged the A290 GT, gets a lower 178 hp output and is one second slower to 62 mph.

This will be followed up by the A390 electric sports crossover that will be unveiled this year and should prove more popular with US buyers. By 2030, Alpine intends to launch five more EVs, so de Meo’s plan for the brand’s rapid increase does make sense. Or rather did, before Trump made good on his promise of an “America First” economic policy and implemented harsh tariffs on imports.

Superminis, subcompacts, call them what you will, those little hatchbacks that dominated the European landscape for decades are dying out. Ford killed off the Fiesta and VW axed the Polo, but Renault’s Clio is bucking that trend. It’s not going anywhere yet and is about to launch in sixth-generation form, bringing an EV option to the line for the first time.

The Clio’s been cast lately as the sort of frumpy sister to the new 5, a retro-electric reimagining of the 1970s and ’80s 5 supermini the Clio replaced in 1992. It’s the reborn Renault 5 that’s had all the media attention and been showered with awards, including the coveted European Car of the Year title, something the Clio hasn’t won since 2006.

Related: R5 Too Retro? A New Electrified Renault Clio Is Coming In 2026

But the sales figures tell a different story, reminding us just how important the Clio is to Renault. Because while the 5 EV has racked up a big bank of orders, the Clio was Europe’s second most popular car in 2024, moving ahead of the once-mighty Tesla Model Y and beaten to the top spot only by the Dacia Sandero (another Renault Group product).

So it makes sense that Renault would want to keep investing in its smallest car, and updating the design to fit in with the new family face already seen on models like the Rafale, Espace and Austral.

The R&D department certainly didn’t skimp on the camouflage before sending this prototype out on the road, but the extensive wrap can’t hide the fact that the Clio has had major surgery in the jump from Gen 5 to Gen 6. Compared with the current car, the new model has an entirely different nose, comprising a new hood and grille as well as new lights and bumpers.

Instead of the Renault diamond badge poking up into a cutout in the hood as on the current Clio, the revised car gets a straight-edged hood and a diamond badge positioned lower in the grille. The rear door handles are still mounted in the upper door frame to give the impression of there being only two doors, but the waistline doesn’t rise so dramatically as it reaches the C pillar.

Powertrain options will continue to include a mix of hybrid and PHEV engines, but the big news is that, for the first time ever, there will also be an all-electric variant. The single-motor setups will give buyers some of the EV technology they get in the 5 E-Tech, but in a more conservative-looking package. Battery options in the 5 range from 40-52 kWh and there are three motors available with 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS), 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) or 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS).

Images: Baldauf

If you’re a car enthusiast with a burning desire to own a piece of automotive history (and, let’s be honest, an ample bank account to match), Renault is about to offer you the opportunity to splurge. The company has just announced that the all-electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E will carry a price tag starting at €155,000 (about $177,000 at current exchange rates) or £135,000, with deliveries set to begin in 2027.

For those keeping track, that’s more than the price of a new Porsche 911 GTS ($169K) in America or two new BMW M2s (£68K) in the UK. In fact, for the price of this limited-edition hot hatch, you could buy a BMW M2 ($65K), a Hyundai Ioniq 5N ($66K), and a VW Golf GTI ($32K), totaling $163K in the US! And, because this is a limited-edition model, only 1,980 of these hyper hatchbacks will roll off the production line. So, if you’re planning to snatch one up, you better move fast, or prepare to pay even more.

A Throwback to the Turbo Legends

Renault lifted the lid on the new R5 Turbo 3E late last year after first previewing it as a concept in 2022. It’s been conceived as a modern-day interpretation of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. It looks absolutely brilliant and packs quite a punch, too, but interested shoppers had better be quick to secure an allocation, or they may end up paying even more.

Read: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP

According to the French brand, the factory price of €155,000 (~$177,000) or £135,000 is limited to the first 500 units. That price also comes before any options, accessories, and personalization choices. What’s more, those who want to secure an allocation must hand over an eye-watering €45,000 (~$51,000) downpayment. Oh, and by the way, that amount is non-refundable, so you’d better be sure you really, really intend to buy it.

It seems Renault needs this money to finish the car. In a press release, Renault said that funds secured from downpayments from private customers, as well as any dealers securing an allocation, will “contribute to financing the development of Renault 5 Turbo 3E.”

Customization and Delivery Timeline

From early 2026, shoppers will be contacted by their selected dealer and can then customize their car. They’ll also be given a chance to meet with Renault designers to create a bespoke exterior and interior livery, should they wish.

Underpinning the 5 Turbo 3E is a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis with two in-wheel electric motors at the rear. It delivers 540 hp and can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds. Providing the motors with juice is a 70 kWh battery pack. The electric uber-hatch an 800-volt architecture, allowing it to be charged from 15 to 80% in just 15 minutes. It sports a quoted range of over 250 miles (400 km).

A Few Rivals, Sort Of

The R5 Turbo 3E doesn’t have any direct competitors, but if we’re being real, the closest comparison might be the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Sure, it’s not limited edition, doesn’t have a carbon fiber chassis, and lacks the R5 Turbo’s legacy, but it does offer more power and costs about half as much.

But, for those who hold nostalgia in high regard (and we know you do), the Ioniq 5 N is missing something crucial: a bit of history and flair that the Renault 5 Turbo packs in spades.

Horse Powertrain isn’t exactly a household name, but that might be about to change. Backed by Renault, Geely, and Aramco, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the future of hybrid powertrains, particularly the kind that keep internal combustion alive just a little longer.

Given Aramco’s involvement, it’s no surprise the company is leaning into gasoline and hybrid systems. The Saudi oil giant isn’t exactly in the business of phasing out fossil fuels, so Horse’s strategy fits the narrative.

More: Renault And Geely’s Horse Powertrain Venture Is Keeping ICE Alive

We’re starting to learn more about them as Horse will use the Shanghai Auto Show to unveil a hybrid powertrain concept. It’s designed to keep that oil money flowing by hybridizing electric vehicle platforms with “minimal modifications.”

Sarcasm aside, this could prove useful as a number of automakers misjudged electric vehicle adoption as they were expecting a fast and smooth transition to EVs. That certainly hasn’t happened, forcing companies to axe models and walk back their EV-only plans.

A Hybrid for the EV Age

Getting back to the powertrain, it’s known as the Future Hybrid Concept and it combines an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a transmission into a single, compact unit. Horse says it will be able to fit into existing electric vehicle platforms, enabling automakers to “meet changing customer demand.” It also promises to eliminate the need for multiple platforms and production lines.

The company didn’t go into many specifics, but said the powertrain has been designed to replace front-mounted motors on EVs. They went on to say the powertrain bolts directly to the vehicle’s subframe and only requires a few tweaks to make an EV into a hybrid.

The powertrain is designed to work anywhere in the world and is envisioned to support a wide range of fuels. This includes gasoline, E85, M100 methanol, and synthetic fuels.

CEO Matias Giannini said, “For over a decade it looked like battery electric vehicles were the only path to net zero, and OEMs planned accordingly. However, we’re now shifting towards a technology-neutral world, with different markets and applications each pursuing their own sustainable mobility journey.” He added their concept solves this problem and allows “OEMs to offer powertrain diversity with minimal disruption to production process and resource expenditure.”

The Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance has been put through the wringer and things appeared to be on shaky ground. However, Renault and Nissan have now announced a series of “strategic projects.”

Starting with the fun stuff, Nissan will be getting a version of the upcoming Renault Twingo. It’s slated to arrive in 2026 and will feature unique styling created by the Japanese automaker.

More: Renault’s Updated Twingo Concept Hints At Next Year’s €20,000 EV

Little else is known about the model at this point, but the Twingo will be launched next year and cost less than €20,000 ($21,639). The EV is also expected to feature a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.

Outside of Europe, Renault plans to take over Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd by acquiring the 51% stake currently held by Nissan. This transaction is expected to be completed later this year and Renault sees the move as a “key opportunity” to expand its international business. Speaking of which, four new models are expected to be built at the Chennai plant.

While Renault is taking over, Nissan will continue to have a presence in India. As such, the Chennai plant will continue building models such as the Nissan Magnite.

Five-seat Nissan C-SUV that will be built at Chennai plant

On the corporate side of things, Renault and Nissan have amended their alliance agreement to allow for greater flexibility of cross-shareholdings. In particular, the minimum shareholding threshold will be lowered from 15% to 10%. The change could allow Nissan to sell part of their Renault stake to raise funds for their restructuring.

While it remains to be seen if Nissan will do this, “any sale of shares would have to be made within a coordinated and orderly process with the other company, in which such other company or a designated third-party benefits from a right of first offer.”

Speaking of giving Nissan flexibility, the company is being released from its commitment to invest in Ampere. The investment was announced in July of 2023 and would have seen Nissan fork over as much as €600 ($649 / £502) million.

The amendments and termination of the Ampere investment are subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, but these are expected to occur by the end of May. When this happens, Nissan should be in better shape for the future.

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo remarked, “As a long-time partner of Nissan within the Alliance and as its main shareholder, Renault Group has a strong interest in seeing Nissan turnaround its performance as quickly as possible. Pragmatism and business-oriented mindset were at the core of our discussions to identify the most effective ways of supporting their recovery plan while developing value-creating business opportunities for Renault Group.”

A flurry of orders, rave reviews and a Car of the Year gong proved Renault made the right decision bringing the 5 back as an EV, and now it’s taken the retro-electric idea a step further. The 5 Turbo 3E is a 535 hp (540 PS) tribute to the nutty 1980s Renault 5 Turbo rally car that reaches showrooms in 2027.

Related: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP

Though it looks like a regular front-wheel drive 5 EV with a wide-arch kit (and you can bet plenty will be converted), the Turbo 3E is built around a bespoke aluminium platform and carries over only a few details like the rear lights and door mirrors. At 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) VW Golf GTi.

Dual Motors, Drift Mode, and Serious Speed

It features two in-wheel motors at the back making 200 kW (268 hp / 272 PS) each and Renault promises it’ll be capable of pulling off some epic slides with the help of a drift-assist function and rally-style vertical handbrake. A sub-3.5-second zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time is quoted, which means performance should be on a par with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

A 70 kWh battery housed under the floor provides up to 248 miles (400 km) of range when driven sensibly, and unlike the everyday 5 EV, this one has 800-volt electrics, meaning it can handle 350 kW charging and fill from 15-80 percent in 15 minutes.

Compared with the stock 5 the two-seat Turbo’s 2,570 mm (101.2 inches) wheelbase is 30 mm (1.2 inches) longer and the windscreen moved back to alter the proportions. Renault says the platform was developed by Alpine so we’d be amazed if this isn’t the same architecture we’ll find under the skin of the new A110 electric sports car due very soon.

Twenty-inch wheels tucked under each distended arch appear much bigger than that and upper vents cut into each rear quarter panel send air exiting through the rear bodywork. Their lower counterparts, meanwhile are used to cool the brakes. We don’t get to see much of the interior in Renault’s picture gallery but it tells us to expect six-point harnesses, carbon trim, Alcantara coverings and 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens.

Retro Colors, Price TBD

Renault launched the 3E in colors that tip a hat to the 1982 Tour de Corse livery of the original Turbo, but other colors and graphics will be available, some retro and others contemporary. There’ll also be plenty of personalization options to help part wealthy buyers from even more money.

Exactly how much money they’ll need to spend to get their hands on one of the 1,980 Turbos (that number a reference to the rally car’s launch date), Renault isn’t saying. But we’re expecting it to be in the junior supercar category. American sales aren’t planned, but fans in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Australia will get the chance to place an order in the next few weeks with first deliveries scheduled for 2027.