Renault Safrane Biturbo

Renault Safrane Biturbo

The Renault Safrane Biturbo held the remarkable distinction of being the fastest front-wheel-drive production car in the world when it launched in 1993. With twin Garrett T25 turbochargers feeding 268 horsepower through the front wheels, the Safrane Biturbo was a car of impressive numbers and considerable ambition, even if the concept of a large, turbocharged, front-wheel-drive luxury hatchback seemed slightly eccentric.

The Safrane was Renault's executive flagship, succeeding the 25. The Biturbo version took the standard car's 3.0-liter V6 and added twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders. The result was 268 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, substantial figures that made the Biturbo significantly more powerful than the standard V6. The engine was developed by Alpine at Dieppe, Renault's performance division.

Driving all that power through the front wheels was challenging. The Safrane Biturbo used a sophisticated limited-slip differential and carefully calibrated traction control to manage the torque, but torque steer remained a feature of hard acceleration. The six-speed manual gearbox (one of the first fitted to a French production car) helped keep the engine in its powerband, but the car's weight of 1,600 kilograms meant it was always working hard.

Performance was genuinely impressive. The 0-100 km/h sprint took approximately 6.8 seconds, and the top speed of 248 km/h was extraordinary for a front-wheel-drive car. These figures placed the Safrane Biturbo in territory normally occupied by significantly more expensive German machinery, and the car could embarrass an E34 BMW M5 in a straight-line drag race.

The interior reflected the Safrane's executive aspirations, with leather upholstery, walnut trim, electric seats, and a comprehensive equipment list. The ride quality was good, with the independent suspension at all four corners providing the comfortable, composed manner expected of a luxury car. At normal speeds, the Biturbo was a refined and comfortable cruiser.

Only 806 Safrane Biturbos were produced between 1993 and 1996, making it one of the rarest Renault production cars. The car was primarily sold in France, where it served as a statement of Renault's engineering capability. In other markets, the Renault badge simply did not carry the prestige needed to justify the Biturbo's considerable price.

Today, the Safrane Biturbo is an intriguing and extremely rare collector's car. Its performance figures remain impressive, and its status as the former fastest front-wheel-drive car in the world gives it genuine historical significance. The few surviving examples are appreciated by a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts.