Renault and Ora Ïto Unveil Electric Restomod of Classic R17 Sports Coupé

Renault has teamed up with French designer Ora Ïto to create an electric restomod of the classic Renault 17 sports coupé. The R17 electric concept made its debut on September 4th, 2024, at Maison5 in Paris and will be featured at the Paris Motor Show from October 14th to 20th. This collaboration is part of Renault’s ongoing series of creative projects aimed at reinterpreting its classic vehicles, reports Design Boom.

A Classic Car Streamlined in the Spirit of ‘Simplexity’

The Renault 17, originally launched in 1971, embodied the bold and optimistic spirit of the 1970s. Ora Ïto’s restomod stays true to the car’s avant-garde roots while integrating modern electric technology. The designer’s ‘simplexity’ philosophy focuses on simplifying complex aspects of the design while enhancing its streamlined flow.

Ora Ïto worked closely with Renault’s design team, led by Sandeep Bhambra (Chief Designer, Concept Cars, Renault) and Gilles Vidal (Design Director, Renault), to develop a retro-futuristic interpretation of the R17. The goal was to create a sleek and modern look without compromising its sense of nostalgia.

“With Sandeep (Bhambra) and Gilles (Vidal), we worked on a theme that was retro-futuristic, almost cinematic,” says Ora Ïto. “I wanted to drape Renault 17 in a second skin, showcasing the design while giving it a more contemporary look in terms of flow, dynamics and rationality through my own approach to design and my own signature: simplexity. I wanted to simplify the more complex aspects.”

New and Retained Details of the R17

The Renault R17 electric restomod retains key features of the original model, such as the cabin structure, frameless doors, and distinctive angular lines. However, the car is now seventeen centimeters wider for improved stability, and the wings and wheels have been reworked to be sleeker and more contemporary.

The electric powertrain, delivering 270 horsepower, brings the model into the 21st century, while the use of lightweight carbon fiber reduces the vehicle’s weight to 1.5 tons.

Inside, the R17 electric restomod maintains the elegance and comfort of the original, but with updates that reflect modern interior design trends. The redesigned seats feature petal-shaped structures with new upholstery in fine Merino wool and wool bouclé, while the dashboard and center console have been modernized, incorporating a central screen with Renault’s current interface and four geometric displays inspired by the original model’s dials.

Ora Ïto continues: “We kept the most distinctive design features of Renault 17, starting with the front end. My aim was to add style and flow, but without altering the character of R17.”

“You can still see the original Renault 17 and its sports coupé looks. I wanted to add my own design codes, accentuating some of the characteristics with a futuristic touch to give them a more timeless look. This is what I did with the wheels, for example. My signature is also visible inside the car. We teleported Renault 17 into the future, making a few subtle changes that give it a whole new look.”

“Our key phrase was: ‘a detail is not a detail’. There is a certain ambivalence in that it is not intended to be taken entirely at face value. We were also aiming for a lighthearted touch. Renault has a strong identity and I like that. You recognise a Renault when you see one, and this restomod is no exception to the rule.”

EVXL’s Take

The collaboration between Renault and Ora Ïto highlights the growing trend of restomodding classic cars with electric powertrains. This project showcases how iconic designs can be modernized while retaining their original charm. As EVs continue to gain popularity, initiatives like these demonstrate the potential for blending heritage with innovation. For more on the evolution of electric vehicles, check out our recent articles on Tesla.

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Photo courtesy of Lionel Koretzky