
Renault R18 Turbo | Not All Bombshells Are Red
Introduced in the spring of 1978, the Renault 18 was available in many versions, the most equipped of which were the GTL and GTS at its launch. To complete the range, the Renault 18 Turbo was unveiled at the 1980 Paris Motor Show. It was Renault’s first supercharged sedan. It immediately aroused interest in enthusiasts for its performance and iconic design.

The advertising campaigns of the Renault 18 Turbo put the spotlight on the car’s performance and character, with catchy slogans such as “Standard of beauty” or “Not All Bombshells Are Red”. The commercials often showed the car speeding along winding roads at high speed, with upbeat music playing in the background. Good old times. Nostalgia?

Under the hood, the Renault 18 Turbo is equipped with a 1.6-liter petrol engine with a Garrett T3 turbocharger that offers 110 horsepower. The Renault 18 Turbo can therefore exceed 180 kph. This power is combined with a five-speed manual transmission that offers a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.
Efficient, sporty and powerful, the Turbo is the most sophisticated version of the Renault 18 range. Its negative offset front axle not only contributes to a remarkable grip, but also anchors the car to the ground: an impression reinforced by the large wheels, low-profile tyres, black rear spoiler and front spoiler.


Tamed to be applied to a mid-range vehicle, the advanced technology of the Turbo gives the Renault 18 a quiet force that combines energy with flexibility and calm. A rare combination of somewhat contradictory qualities that makes this car original and explains the driving pleasure experienced at the wheel. In ecstatic use, it is on par with the most renowned models on the market.

Words and Photos by Renault Groupe Media