Renault is backing a British Lego designer’s campaign to transform his custom Renault 5 Turbo 3E model into an official Lego set.
The French automaker announced its support for Dave Collins‘ project after he unveiled his detailed recreation of the £140,000 electric mini-supercar. Collins, who works as a full-time engineer, spent around 100 hours designing the 1,200-piece model.
“Angular cars are easier to do in Lego, so the R5 was a natural choice,” Collins said. “Plus it looks great, and it’s immediately recognisable as an update of the eighties classic.”
The Lego version captures the wild styling of Renault’s most extreme creation – complete with the rally-inspired color scheme, square fog lights, and bucket seats. Collins said the Turbo 3E’s boxy design made it perfect for Lego’s brick format.
“I’ve certainly tried to race a few off the lights in my youth,” he added.
Path to Production
Collins needs 10,000 supporters on the Lego Ideas portal before his creation gets considered for official production. The platform lets fans vote on user-submitted designs that could become real Lego sets.
“If Lego were to consider it, that would be a great boost… and who knows where that might lead,” Collins said. “If they actually made a set, I think that would be great for Lego, Renault and for me.”
He believes the model has broad appeal across age groups – from those who remember the original eighties R5 to younger fans drawn to the electric version’s modern performance.
Supporters can vote for the project on Collins’ creator page on the Lego Ideas portal.
Real-World Performance
While the Lego version awaits approval, Renault confirmed the actual Turbo 3E will enter limited production. Only 1,980 cars will be built.
The electric powertrain uses dual in-wheel motors from Protean Electric. Combined output reaches 536 horsepower and 3,540 lb-ft of torque – delivering 0-62 mph acceleration in under 3.5 seconds.
Top speed hits 168 mph in the two-seat configuration.
The extreme performance figures put the Turbo 3E in supercar territory, despite its compact dimensions. Renault designed it as both a tribute to the original Group B rally car and a showcase for advanced EV technology.
Collins’ Lego interpretation captures the essence of this wild machine – from the aggressive bodywork to the distinctive lighting elements that define the Turbo 3E’s striking appearance.
