LOVED BY RACERS
Anushan Selvarajah is impressed by this nifty French powerhouse
Our focus this month is on the 1987 Renault 5 GT Turbo. This nifty powerhouse first appeared as the Renault 5, which was France’s top selling car with around 5.5 million vehicles produced over a 14 year period. The second-generation model was produced from 1984 to 1996; usually, it was referred to as the ‘Supercinq’ or ‘Super 5.’ Racers loved the Renault 5 GT Turbo all through the 1980s and 1990s.
This three-door hatchback was conceived as a road car initially and it is powerful while appearing unassuming. Renault 5 GT Turbo’s performance came as a surprise due to its ability to churn out 118 bhp – a remarkable feat given its 1397 cc OHV engine.
A GT Turbo’s five-speed manual gears enable this beauty to unleash more bang for your buck. Further, it has the ability to propel itself from zero to 160 kmph in a little over 23 seconds and has clocked in on the standing quarter mile at only 16 seconds.
Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Supercinq’s body shell was changed for the second generation while its classic styling touches were preserved. The turbo’s prime change was the adoption of a transversely-mounted power train as well as a less sophisticated suspension system.
This classic, which has been wonderfully maintained by its present owner – renowned racer Dinesh Jayawardena – is metallic grey and weighs a little under a ton. The Super 5 is safely ensconced in a warehouse at Peliyagoda amongst his other classic and contemporary racing machines.