The Renault 5 is a supermini produced by Renault. It was produced in two generations between 1972 and 1985 and between 1984 and 1996. A "hot hatch" version, the GT Turbo, was introduced in 1985. It used a modified four cylinder engine which was turbocharged with an air-cooled Garrett T2 turbocharger. Weighing a mere 850 kg and producing 113 bhp, the GT Turbo had an excellent power-to-weight ratio, permitting it to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
To differentiate it from the standard 5, it came with blocky plastic side skirts. Unfortunately, turbo lag was an issue, along with poor hot starting, and was considered rather difficult to control. The same engine was used, with similar issues, in the Renault 9 and 11 Turbos.
In 1987, the facelifted Phase II was launched. Major changes in the Phase II version included installing watercooling to the turbocharger. These changes boosted engine output up to over 118 bhp. In 1989 the GT Turbo received a new interior, and in 1990 the special edition Raider model (available only in metallic blue, with different interior and wheels) was launched. In late 1991 the Renault 5 GT Turbo was discontinued, superseded by the Clio 16v and the Clio Williams.