Renault Supercinq

Vehicle Overview

The Renault Supercinq, introduced in the fall of 1984, was the result of an extensive redesign process initiated by Renault in 1978. The company’s beloved Renault 5, a best-seller at the time, was beginning to show signs of age in its design, prompting the leaders of Renault to begin work on its successor, Project 140. Several prototypes were created throughout the early 1980s, showcasing unique and original aesthetic solutions. However, these early concepts failed to capture the essence of what the company sought in a successor to the popular Renault 5. After numerous design rejections and with the project showing limited progress, Renault turned to one of the most renowned automotive designers of the time, Marcello Gandini, who had gained fame in the early 1970s for his work on the stunning Lamborghini Countach. Gandini’s approach to the Supercinq was pragmatic. He suggested that, given the Renault 5’s immense success, the design of its successor should not deviate too radically from its predecessor. His philosophy was to retain the recognizable charm of the original R5 to avoid alienating loyal customers. This advice was well-received, and with Gandini’s direction, the design for the Renault Supercinq began to take shape. The final result was a modernized, but still familiar, evolution of the Renault 5’s lines. The Supercinq was unveiled to the public at the 1984 Paris Motor Show and later presented to French President François Mitterrand at the Elysée Palace, marking an important moment in the car’s history. The Renault Supercinq was a resounding success, embracing the heritage of the R5 while incorporating fresh design elements and a more modern look. It became a popular model, solidifying its place in Renault’s lineup and proving the effectiveness of Gandini’s design approach.