Renault and Peugeot Revive Group B Legends as Electric Hyper Hatches

Renault and Peugeot have resurrected the spirit of their legendary Group B rally cars as fully electric hyper hatchbacks, ditching internal combustion for battery power. The Renault Turbo 3E evolved from a 2022 concept into a limited-production 535-HP supercar special for 2025, while the Peugeot e-T16 concept debuted in 2026 and could hit production in 2027.

Design-wise, both cars retain aggressive three-door layouts with wide fenders, deep bumpers, splitters, side skirts, rear diffusers, and roof spoilers. The R5 Turbo 3E draws inspiration from the classic R5 Maxi Turbo, featuring futuristic LEDs, advanced aerodynamics, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Peugeot e-T16 pays homage to the 205 T16 with a characteristic greenhouse, red stripes, boxy taillights, full-width three-slot LED headlight and taillight graphics, and larger 21-inch wheels with wider rear tires.

Underneath the skin, the Renault utilizes a bespoke aluminum tubular chassis developed by Alpine, a floor-mounted 70-kWh battery, and a rear-wheel-drive setup. Its dual electric motors pump out a combined 555 horsepower (410 kW/563 PS), enabling a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds. It weighs 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) with a 43/57 weight distribution. The Peugeot relies on Stellantis’ new STLA One global architecture and stays true to the all-wheel-drive nature of the 205 T16. It packs three electric motors producing a combined 816 HP (600 kW/827 PS), blasting from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.5 seconds. It features an 85-kWh battery capable of lasting for three consecutive laps around the Nürburgring, with a power-to-weight ratio under 2 kg/hp (4.4 lbs/hp) hinting at a 1,632 kg (3,590 lbs) curb weight. Both models support fast charging, with the Renault going from 15-80% and the Peugeot from 10-80% in about 15 minutes.

Inside, both feature two-seater layouts, heavily bolstered bucket seats, colorful roll cages, and vertical hydraulic handbrakes. The Renault features a more conventional steering wheel and a digital cockpit derived from the R5 E-Tech, alongside a regular boot. The Peugeot sports a futuristic Hypersquare steering wheel with an integrated display, an ultra-wide 21-inch digital instrument cluster, and a tilting rear bodywork section that opens to reveal the electric motors and suspension components.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is limited to 1,980 units with a starting price of €160,000 ($180,000). It is available to order in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia, with first deliveries expected in 2027. The Peugeot e-T16 remains a concept, though its boss confirmed it could reach production as early as 2027.