|
History of the Renault R5
The production of Renault 5 started in 1972. This car became one of the most successful models. Its elegant, twin-door hatchback body was sketched by the designer Michel Boue in two days and without any changes approved by Renault leaders.
This model was so popular because of its low purchase price and operational expenses. On the other hand it was able to satisfy even the hard-to-please kind of customers. From the beginning there was a choice of three engines. The first power unit had the smallest cylinder capacity of 782 ccm but because of tax reasons it was sold only in France. The smallest "European" overhead valves engine and inserted cylinders had the capacity of 845 ccm. An 956 ccm engine was the third possibility until 1979, when it was replaced by more powerful 4-cylinder 1108 ccm engine. Already in 1976 a new 1,3 l engine GTL appeared, however it focused more on its economic operation than on performance. R5 Alpine version was presented the same year (it was known as "R5 Gordini" in Great Britain because of a possible confusion with Chrysler Alpine). This version was supplied by an 1397 ccm engine with larger bore and 69 kW output. This speedy but noisy car raised the maximum speed up to 177 km/h. It was not surprising then that it won the first prize in the 5 group of Monte Carlo rally in 1979.
The basic R5 type was produced until 1984, then it was replaced by new Renault 5 called "Superfive". The outlook was very similar to the previous type but the car was longer, broader and lighter. Apart from the 3-door variation also a 5-door variation appeared. For hard-to-please customers there was the GT Turbo version equipped by overfed petrol 1,4l engine allowing the car to reach the maximum speed over 200 km/h. Reanult 5 was produced until the end of 1993. Renault Clio, its successor, was successfully presented on the market in 1991. Renault 5 was produced for two years together with the new model, because of its cost advantage
|
 |
|
| |
|
History of the Renault R5 turbo
Believe it or not, the 5 GT Turbo was devised as a publicity tool, to help show off Renault's success with 1000bhp turbo motors in Formula One Racing. The original production Phase One 5 GT Turbo was launched in late 1985, using a 115bhp turbocharged version of the long in the tooth 1397cc pushrod engine. Instantly recognised as a tuneable classic, the GT Turbo launched an entire tuning industry - ask Prima Racing and GT Tuning. The Phase Two cars were launched in 1987, complete with minor engine mods (better coolant plumbing and relocated ECU) colour-coded bodykits and proper interior centre console with nicer cloth seats. Four years of unchanged production later, the 5 GT Turbo finally died in 1991 on a J-plate, although rumour has it there are 5 or 6 K-platers out there.
R 5 Alpine(euro) or Gordini(UK)
In 1976, Renault launched the R5 Alpine with a 1397cc 4 cyclinder engine producing 93bhp. From the outside it looked exactly like the standard R5 apart from the Alpine logo on the side. Fitted with a 5 speed gearbox, the car was potent if not a little noisy. It was capable of over 110mph. In 1979 it won the group 5 section of the Monte Carlo rally. In that year it was introduced into Britain, where it was known as the 5 Gordini so as not to be confused with the Chrysler Alpine.
For the track Renault launched the R5 coupe whos power was increased by the addition of a turbocharger.
|
|
|
|
