Renault 5 Group B rally car reimagined

The restomod scene – recreating a classic car using modern materials and methods – is booming and companies are beginning to stretch beyond the usual Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type and Land Rover Defender.

A quartet of Los Angeles-based Frenchmen made up of; car designer Alan Derosier, ex-stuntman Charly Bumps, mechanical engineer Alexander Decleves and racecar builder Pierre Chaveyriat, created Legende Automobile and the first fruits of their labour is the Renault 5 Turbo 3.

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A modern reimagining of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive hatchback has been created to take advantage of the wild Group B rallying regulations. Legende Automobile aims to take the best part of the more exotic Turbo and more affordable Turbo 2, while using modern technology to improve its electronics and reduce weight.

Not all the technical details have been revealed, but those that have promise a tantalising package. The body is predominantly carbon fibre and has been widened, with the other dimensions adjusted accordingly to retain the original proportions.

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The fattened bodywork allows the fitment of 16 x 8.0-inch rims at the front and massive 17 x 11.0-inch rims at the rear wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. Two different wheel designs will be available, while LED lighting is used front and rear.

Like the original 5 Maxi Turbo rally car, which won the 1985 Corsica rally at the height of Group B’s pomp, double wishbone suspension is used front and rear, modified to make the most of the increased footprint.

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Engine choice is currently unknown, other than it is “turbo-powered”, but output is said to be in the region of 400hp (294kW). There are three pedals but the clutch will only be needed for starting and stopping thanks to the upright sequential gear lever which sits between the seats, Legende saying: “Paddle shifters have their place, but for this machine, we wanted an old-school mechanical shifter to give the driver full control.”

The interior is race car chic with little in the way of creature comforts, though there is heating, air-con, a cup-holder ahead of the gear lever and a large digital instrument display. Otherwise there is a full roll-cage, thin-backed bucket seats, five-point harnesses and fabric door pulls.

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Pricing is unknown, as is the build run, but we suspect it’s firmly in the “if you have to ask…” category. Legende says: “[We] set out to create a machine for people [who] are as passionate about driving as we are. We ignored all financial advice and spared no expense in making sure that this is the best possible version of the B-segment icon.”