The exciting Renault R5GT Turbo has inspired the hot hatch brigade since its arrival.  With outstanding acceleration and good handling, the car won credibility despite early hot running problems.

Fast car's involvement with the R5 GT began with a solution to under-hood temperatures.  Louvered bonnets were developed to draw out excess turbo heat and reduce fuel vaporization.  This bonnet is now widely used.  On the whole, though, styling companies were slow to react to the car's potential.  The turbo's plastic spoilers, skirts and alloy wheels led us to believe there wasn't any aftermarket.

The Belgian company's rendition of the Renault 5 is perhaps one of the best integrated conversions yet seen.  It enhances the French car in such a way you wonder why Renault didn't do it.  Yet the transformation is so complete, the uninitiated are excused for not recognising the base car's origins.  Dimma UK's Terry Pankhurst is considering introduction of a 16" split rim wheel for the Renault.  This is in response to the company's 16" Peugeot wheel. However the offset of the current 15" R5GT rims was limited on the front to control torque steer.  This would otherwise become pronounced on the fwd turbo car when extra width is added.  The glass fibre styling kit comprises of front and rear aprons.  Again these attached to the original bumper mounts.  The replacement front wing, side sill and rear arch have been manufactured as a one piece item.  However, the parts are available separately for crash repair.  The panels are bonded to the car.  Dimma have directed a great deal of attention to fitting details.  The roof spoiler is a three piece item with two ears and a centre section.  Extra panels are also included to fit above and below the light cluster.  Dimma represents the most radical styling available for the R5.  The vehicle we photographed belongs to Chris Stevens.