Renault is officially backing a fan-built LEGO R5 Turbo 3E, calling on automotive enthusiasts to help transform this brick-built drift machine into an official retail set.
Created by British designer Dave Collins (known as devonbricks), this detailed model brings Renault’s most extreme all-electric “mini-supercar” to life. The real-world Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a $140,000, 555hp monster designed for high-performance drifting. Now, that same aggressive energy has been captured using 1,200 LEGO pieces, and it needs your vote to reach toy store shelves.
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The Vision Behind the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E
Dave Collins, an engineer from Newton Abbot, spent over a hundred hours perfecting the design. His goal was to capture the exaggerated stance and unmistakable silhouette of the modern electric R5.
“As an engineer, I have an inherent need to design and love getting details right,” Collins noted. “The R5 was a natural choice. It is immediately recognizable as an update of the eighties classic.”
LEGO R5 Turbo 3E: Project Specifications
To reach the production stage on the LEGO Ideas platform, a project must demonstrate high build quality and massive fan interest. Here is how this custom model stacks up:
- Piece Count: Approximately 1,200 bricks
- Design Time: 100+ hours of refinement
- Key Features: Flared wheel arches, massive rear wing, and authentic retro-modern livery
- Support Target: 10,000 votes required for official LEGO review
Why Renault is Pushing for Production
The original Renault 5 Turbo models of the 1980s are legends of the rally world. By backing the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E, Renault is bridging the gap between nostalgic petrolheads and a new generation of EV enthusiasts.
With only 1,980 units of the real car being produced, most fans will never get behind the wheel of the actual 555hp beast. An official LEGO set offers a more accessible way to own a piece of French motoring history.
What This Means for Drivers and Fans
For the automotive community, this project represents a rare moment where a major manufacturer adopts a fan’s vision. If the project hits its 10,000-vote milestone, it enters a “Review Board” phase where LEGO designers and marketing executives decide if it is commercially viable.
Key Takeaways for Supporters:
- Accessibility: A LEGO version makes an exclusive £140,000 car available to everyone.
- Community Power: Your vote directly influences which cars become official LEGO sets.
- Brand Heritage: It celebrates the evolution of the “Hot Hatch” into the electric era.
How to Support the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E
To help Dave Collins and Renault reach their goal, fans must visit the LEGO Ideas website. You will need to create a free account to cast your vote. If successful, this one-off passion project could become the next “Speed Champions” style hit.
Summary of Features
| Feature | Real Renault 5 Turbo 3E | LEGO R5 Turbo 3E Model |
| Powertrain | All-Electric (555hp) | Imagination Powered |
| Availability | 1,980 Units | Pending 10,000 Votes |
| Purpose | Drift/Performance | Display/Collection |
| Designer | Renault Design Team | Dave Collins (devonbricks) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E?
The LEGO R5 Turbo 3E is a fan-designed model of Renault’s electric drift car. It is currently a candidate on the LEGO Ideas platform, seeking 10,000 votes to become an official product.
How can I vote for the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E set?
You can vote by visiting the LEGO Ideas website, searching for the project by Dave Collins, and clicking the “Support” button after signing into a free LEGO account.
How many pieces are in the LEGO R5 Turbo 3E?
The model consists of roughly 1,200 pieces, featuring the signature wide body and aerodynamic wings found on the real electric supercar.
