Milltek has launched a limited-run widebody kit for the Renault 5 and Alpine A290, giving these electric hatchbacks the muscular look of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. The kit debuts at Goodwood and promises factory-level integration at a fraction of the price of exclusive collector models.
Milltek has introduced a striking widebody kit for the Renault 5 and Alpine A290, aiming to capture the spirit of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo—known to fans as the 'culogordo'—in a modern, electric package. Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the kit offers owners a chance to transform their standard EVs into head-turning tributes to rally history, without the exclusivity or price tag of collector editions.
The package includes redesigned front and rear wheel arches, extended front bumper elements, a custom cover for the front wheel charging port, new rear door arch trims, a prominent upper rear spoiler, aluminum side skirt embellishers, and upgraded daytime running lights (DRLs)—the latter exclusive to the Alpine A290's front bumper. While the kit is sold as a complete set, buyers can also opt for individual components like the spoiler, side trims, or DRLs if they prefer a subtler upgrade.
Compatibility was a priority in development. Milltek engineered the kit as a fully reversible, 'bolt-on' solution, utilizing the original mounting points and fasteners wherever possible. For areas where this isn't feasible, removable adhesives are used, ensuring that the panels can be detached without permanent modifications to the car's bodywork. The result is a muscular, rally-inspired look that feels naturally integrated—more like a factory performance variant than an aftermarket add-on.
Kev Hall, Milltek's technical operations director, explained the motivation behind the project: “As Group B enthusiasts, we started planning this as soon as we saw the first Renault 5. After months of intense work and a tight deadline for Goodwood, our design team has created something truly special.” He emphasized that the kit delivers a genuine widebody transformation, developed to high standards, fully reversible, and priced to be accessible. “We’re excited to present the prototype at Goodwood and look forward to seeing it on customers’ cars soon,” Hall added.
Price is a key differentiator. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a hyper-exclusive homage to the original, is limited to just 1,980 units and starts at €155,000—well beyond the reach of most enthusiasts. In contrast, Milltek’s kit is set at £2,000 (about €2,347 before taxes), making the rally-inspired look attainable for a much wider audience. For context, the base Renault 5 starts at €25,085 in Spain for the 95 hp version, rising to €28,909 for the 150 hp model, while the Alpine A290 begins at €39,000.
Production of the kit will be limited, though Milltek has not specified exact numbers. Manufacturing is scheduled to begin in autumn, and the company notes that the final product may see minor changes, as the version shown at Goodwood is still a prototype. Those interested are advised to act quickly, as demand is expected to be high among fans of classic rally aesthetics.
This move by Milltek reflects a broader trend of reimagining classic French cars for the electric era, as seen with other recent launches. For example, the DS N7 has also made headlines by blending heritage design with modern technology, offering both hybrid and electric options to challenge established rivals—details explored in this recent report on the DS N7's debut.
As the automotive world continues to embrace electrification, such projects highlight the enduring appeal of motorsport heritage and the desire for individuality—even as the industry moves toward cleaner, quieter mobility. For many, the chance to own a Renault 5 or Alpine A290 with the unmistakable silhouette of a rally legend is a compelling proposition, especially when it comes without the prohibitive cost of a collector’s edition.