Tamiya: 1/24 Renault 5 Turbo Kit

Tamiya 24368

About the Model
★This is a 1/24 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 152mm, width: 74mm, height: 57mm. ★The revamped, power-packed form of the car is captured in style. ★Features authentic depictions of interior, suspension and chassis underside. ★Solid synthetic rubber tires have realistic tread patterns. ★Decals recreate body logos, seat fabric, emblems and more. ★Comes with a driver figure in a race suit.

From its 1972 debut onward the Renault 5 proved a massive success, and in 1981 there appeared a special and rather different Renault 5 Turbo version of the car, intended to run in global rally races. The rear seats were removed and replaced with a midship-mounted 160hp 1.4-liter inline-four engine that was paired with a turbocharger and fuel injection technology to provide a top speed of 200km/h and an impressive 0-400m time of just fifteen seconds. Renault were not satisfied with simply changing the engine, though, giving the 5 Turbo double wishbone suspension and ventilated brake discs. The body was also updated and had prominent overfenders; its use of aluminum roof and doors, as well as plastic bonnet and fenders meant that the car weighed in at a mere 910kg. Inside the car was a dashboard with no less than ten different meters, and an interior with liberal use of leather. The Renault 5 Turbo was able to put its money where its mouth was, taking a debut rally win in 1981 in Monte-Carlo and going on to compete in numerous events during its career.