For the 1977 Rally season, the French manufacturer Renault developed a racing version of the popular R5 hatchback. Although this car was born for very different purposes, the French technicians managed to obtain, after adequate preparation, a considerable power from the engine: 150 HP, and a considerable torque ratio which, thanks to the low weight of only 800 kg, made the R5 a very manoeuvrable and fast car. The R5 achieved remarkable placings in the Rallies of Sanremo and Monte Carlo in 1978, and subsequently obtained flattering results in the competitions of the Acropolis Rally, and in Africa.