French automaker Renault just lately unveiled an all-electric restomod of its basic R17 mannequin launched in 1971. Imagined via a collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto, this distinctive Renault EV is a house run mixing of a basic previous with the know-how of the longer term, and it wants to enter manufacturing.
Forgive us for protecting this unveiling so late, however Renault is admittedly not on the forefront of our information radar with regards to EVs and new fashions. The French automaker does at the moment promote all-electric fashions, however its not precisely recognized for delivering smooth and horny modes of transportation.
That was a special story within the Seventies, when Renault debuted the R17 coupe, which noticed a manufacturing run in Europe all through the last decade. Throughout that point, the R17 was marketed within the US, however solely bought in small numbers. We’d argue these gross sales numbers would change if Renault introduced the EV restomod seen beneath into manufacturing and international markets.
Since 2021, Renault has developed a lot of distinctive inventive initiatives that collaborate with sensible minds in design to showcase workouts in ideas that nod to the automaker’s 125-year heritage and notable fashions which have made their imprint on automotive tradition.
Renault’s newest venture is an beautiful EV model of the basic R17 coupe, reimagined for the fashionable world with the assistance of French designer Ora Ïto.
This EV idea is the stuff Renault ought to be promoting
Within the US, at the least. Europeans could not have fairly the urge for food (or parking house) for this model of car lately, however this Renault EV idea is a murals, in our opinion, and we wish to see extra. The R17 restomod debuted at Maison5 in Paris final week because the fourth collaboration with Ora Ïto in as a few years.
As you may see from the picture comparability beneath, the Renault EV idea combines new and outdated in an attractive sculptural redesign that holds true to the unique however accentuates all parts in a futuristic but acquainted model.
The EV model of the Renault R17 is 17 cm wider and seems to have a barely shorter rear for higher aerodynamics. It additionally has redesigned wings and wheels for a extra modern-day look that’s nonetheless retro-looking.
The 2 authentic headlamps have been reworked into 4 narrower rectangular modules with rounded corners and the the taillights are actually a single strip. Below the hood, Renault and Ïto have changed the unique R17’s front-wheel drive and longitudinal engine with gas injection with a rear EV powertrain that boasts 270 horsepower.
The Renault EV idea’s inside was designed to keep up the consolation of the unique R17, whereas bettering sure elements for the all-electric age. The seats had been redesigned across the authentic “petal” construction with new upholstery, and the sprint now includes a central display in addition to 4 small geometric screens behind the steering wheel, impressed by the dials of the unique mannequin. Ora Ïto spoke concerning the design course of and the thought behind this reimagined model of a basic Renault automobile:
We saved essentially the most distinctive design options of Renault 17, beginning with the entrance finish. My intention was so as to add stye and move, however with out altering the character of R17. You possibly can nonetheless see the unique Renault 17 and its sports activities coupé seems. I needed so as to add my very own design codes, accentuating a few of the traits with a futuristic contact to offer them a extra timeless look. That is what I did with the wheels, for instance. My signature can be seen contained in the automotive. We teleported Renault 17 into the longer term, making a couple of delicate modifications that give it an entire new look. Our key phrase was: ‘a element is just not a element’. There’s a sure ambivalence in that it isn’t supposed to be taken fully at face worth. We had been additionally aiming for a lighthearted contact. Renault has a robust identification and I like that. You acknowledge a Renault whenever you see one, and this restomod isn’t any exception to the rule.
Renault shared that BEV idea sits atop a carbon fiber chassis and its “Galactic Brown” exterior is an authentic shade developed specifically for this EV. The R17 restomod can be on show at Renault’s sales space on the Paris Motor Present, happening October 14-20, 2024. You possibly can see extra of the EV in Renault’s video beneath:
Electrek’s take
I’ll come proper out and say I like this automotive. I’ve at all times had a comfortable spot for all issues retro, particularly people who nod to design parts from the Eighties get me each time.
I beloved the Hyundai IONIQ 5 when it got here out for a similar cause—hell, I nonetheless love the IONIQ 5. Nonetheless, this Renault EV idea has taken it to a different stage. Hyundai developed one thing comparable with its N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea, which was just lately introduced to be going into manufacturing, so why can’t Renault do the identical?
I’m positive it’s simpler mentioned than carried out. Nonetheless, I believe many individuals would gravitate towards these kinds of EVs as a result of they’re not such a deviation from conventional design and supply a basic look with all the advantages of zero emissions. It looks like a slam dunk, and I hope others agree with me and converse up.
If this idea got here to fruition, I’d 100% think about shopping for one )so long as I don’t have to maneuver to France). What do you guys suppose? Dope, or nope?
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