Renault 21 Turbo

Back in the late '80s, Renault decided to inject some adrenaline into its otherwise sensible lineup, and the Renault 21 Turbo was the fiery result. Born out of the French marque's desire to compete head-on with German rivals, the 21 Turbo wasn't just a family sedan with a turbo slapped on; it was a meticulously engineered sleeper, boasting a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that churned out a robust 175 horsepower—enough to embarrass unsuspecting BMW drivers at the lights.

Technologically, the 21 Turbo was ahead of its time, featuring a Garrett T3 turbocharger, intercooler, and advanced fuel injection system. Renault cleverly employed a longitudinal engine layout in a front-wheel-drive chassis—a quirky engineering choice that gave it surprisingly balanced handling characteristics. On twisty backroads, the 21 Turbo felt agile and engaging, rewarding drivers who dared to push its limits, though torque steer could occasionally remind you who was boss.

Racing fans might recall the 21 Turbo's brief but memorable stint in touring car championships, notably clinching victories in the French Supertourisme series. Its understated yet purposeful design—complete with subtle aerodynamic tweaks, deep front spoiler, and discreet badging—made it a favorite among enthusiasts who preferred stealth over flash. Today, the Renault 21 Turbo remains a cult classic, a testament to Renault's boldness and engineering prowess, and a nostalgic reminder of an era when turbocharged sedans were genuinely thrilling.