In January 1972, the diamond brand launched an automotive milestone, which will be reborn in 2023 as a 100% electric
Hugely popular, the Renault 5 put an entire generation on wheels in Spain and in the world. Either because of its style and sympathy, or because of its successful variants in search of customer requirements, it managed to be a sales leader for many years. Production began in France in 1972, but due to its success, production started in Valladolid just two years later. It remained in production until the mid-1980s. A total of 983,118 vehicles were produced in Valladolid between 1972 and 1984, and two-thirds of the production was exported to countries such as Colombia, Venezuela or France. History that continued with the Supercinco, bigger and more modern.
That first Renault 5, or popularly known as R5, with a price tag of about 132,500 pesetas, won the first ABC Award for Best Car of the Year in 1973, one of the most prestigious car awards in Spain today.
His mischievous and rebellious look immediately made him an icon. From the start it was a three-door that could carry five people, with balanced proportions and very personal features. With its imposing tailgate and innovative front and rear ‘shields’ it was able to appeal to a female audience, although young men also appreciated its sporty side.
In addition to the two versions, ‘L’ and ‘TL’, launched in parallel, and with subtle changes in equipment and engine, a fleet of about 100 electric Renault 5s was produced in the spring of 1972. It was only a two-seater and was largely open to visitors. It was equipped with a UNELEC motor and eight 6-volt traction batteries per unit.
A few years later, the long-awaited five-door version would arrive. So sought after that it became the diamond brand’s best-selling R5. The 5 GTL stood out for its plastic side guards extending over the bumpers, the accessibility offered by this body, its elegant wheels and its reversing lights.
In the 1970s, several European manufacturers followed the same route: making sporty variants of popular vehicles. And the R5 was no exception. In 1976 the Renault 5 Alpine was presented -in Spain it was marketed as the Copa-, designed and produced at the Alpine factory in Dieppe.
This model combined elegance and sporty performance. On the outside, it stood out for its spoiler integrated into the skirt and perforated on the long bearing surfaces, the R17 Gordini rims, as well as the ‘A5’ stickers on the side panels and the front panel. Specific body colors were also offered in the catalog: blue, gray, red, black or even green.
Equipped with an engine with a displacement of up to 1,397 cm³ –93 hp– and a 5-speed gearbox, it was intended for personal use at a competitive price for an Alpine. A coupé version was also offered for novice drivers wishing to take part in the Renault Elf Cup.
But surprisingly, the unusual car that Renault created in 1979 to homologate its competition models. Thus the Renault 5 Turbo was born, which kept the original headlights, taillights or windshield, but in reality was almost completely redesigned. In fact, it was specifically designed for rallying and was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. It made headlines with its rear center engine – no longer front – and its large wheels covered with rear fins. it is a great appearance of a small Renault 5 on steroids. With a total of 4,857 units produced, it quickly found its target audience: those who were not afraid to tame the 160 hp power delivered at 6,400 rpm by its 1,397 cc 4-cylinder Cléon-Fonte engine. Initially available with aluminum doors and roof and a new design interior, it was produced from 1983 in a ‘Turbo 2’ version with the same technical characteristics but with an interior derived from the Renault Alpine Turbo and without aluminum body elements to reduce the price. low control.
And from sportiness to luxury there was only one step. Or in this case 10 years. Renault created a latest model from its ultra-refined 5 portfolio. The Baccara was a model where every detail of the interior equipment showed exceptional demand: leather seats and steering wheel, harmonious interior color, black leather gear knob, thick carpet on the floor and completely covering the trunk, not to mention the famous clothing lid fixed under the parcel shelf. On board, all you had to do was lift a finger to be obeyed: front electric windows and remote central locking were standard equipment.
That emblematic and complicit appearance of the original Renault 5 is reflected in its revival with the Renault 5 Prototype, a new 100% electric model that will hit the market in 2023. It is especially worth mentioning the matrix LED technology that allows integration of movement in programming animations that bring lighthouses to life. This can be clearly seen in the welcome line.
Similarly, associated with French designer Pierre Gonalons, Renault has also reinvented its iconic Renault 5: the Renault 5 Diamant, also an electric car that retains the characteristic lines and iconic shape of the original model, but with exterior details and a very futuristic interior. . . It can be opened with a fingerprint and the finishes include marble,
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
