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 expertise of the long run, and it wants to enter manufacturing.
Forgive us for overlaying this unveiling so late, however Renault is admittedly not on the forefront of our information radar relating to EVs and new fashions. The French automaker does at present promote all-electric fashions, however its not precisely identified for delivering modern and horny modes of transportation.
That was a distinct 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 offered in small numbers. We’d argue these gross sales numbers would change if Renault introduced the EV restomod seen under into manufacturing and international markets.
Since 2021, Renault has developed a variety of distinctive inventive initiatives that collaborate with good 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 automobile tradition.
Renault’s newest mission is an beautiful EV model of the basic R17 coupe, reimagined for the trendy world with the assistance of French designer Ora Ïto.
This EV idea is the stuff Renault needs to be promoting
Within the US, not less than. Europeans might not have fairly the urge for food (or parking house) for this type of car lately, however this Renault EV idea is a murals, in our opinion, and we need 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As you possibly can see from the picture comparability under, the Renault EV idea combines new and outdated in a gorgeous sculptural redesign that holds true to the unique however accentuates all components in a futuristic but acquainted type.
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 unique headlamps have been remodeled into 4 narrower rectangular modules with rounded corners and the the taillights are actually a single strip. Beneath the hood, Renault and Ïto have changed the unique R17’s front-wheel drive and longitudinal engine with gasoline 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 have been redesigned across the unique “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 probably the most distinctive design options of Renault 17, beginning with the entrance finish. My goal was so as to add stye and stream, however with out altering the character of R17. You’ll be able to nonetheless see the unique Renault 17 and its sports activities coupé appears. I needed so as to add my very own design codes, accentuating among the traits with a futuristic contact to present them a extra timeless look. That is what I did with the wheels, for instance. My signature can be seen contained in the automobile. We teleported Renault 17 into the long run, making a number of refined modifications that give it a complete new look. Our key phrase was: ‘a element isn’t a element’. There’s a sure ambivalence in that it’s not supposed to be taken totally at face worth. We have been additionally aiming for a lighthearted contact. Renault has a powerful id and I like that. You acknowledge a Renault once you see one, and this restomod is not any exception to the rule.
Renault shared that BEV idea sits atop a carbon fiber chassis and its “Galactic Brown” exterior is an unique shade developed specifically for this EV. The R17 restomod will likely be on show at Renault’s sales space on the Paris Motor Present, happening October 14-20, 2024. You’ll be able to see extra of the EV in Renault’s video under:
Electrek’s take
I’ll come proper out and say I am keen on this automobile. I’ve at all times had a mushy spot for all issues retro, particularly people who nod to design components 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 degree. 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 executed. Nonetheless, I believe many individuals would gravitate towards these kind 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 communicate 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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