Renault has long embraced a rich history of iconic vehicles, blending heritage with innovation. In keeping with this tradition, Renault has now teamed up with renowned French designer Ora Ïto to reimagine one of its classic models, the Renault 17. The result is the Renault R17 Electric Restomod Concept (2024)—a daring fusion of past and future that gives new life to a 1970s icon.
Reviving a 1970s Icon with Ora Ïto
Ora Ïto, a leading figure in contemporary design, took on the challenge of reinterpreting the Renault 17. Known for his signature style of “simplexity,” where simplicity meets complexity, Ora Ïto brought a fresh vision to this restomod. “Revisiting an iconic vehicle like the Renault 17 was a particularly exciting challenge,” he said. His artistic touch has turned this retro sports coupé into a futuristic work of art.
Renault’s Chief Branding Officer, Arnaud Belloni, echoed this sentiment: “R17 restomod aligns perfectly with our approach to uniting heritage and innovation. It celebrates Renault’s original design while adding new features for a contemporary experience.”
Renault 17: A 1970s Sports Coupé Reborn
Originally launched in 1971, the Renault 17 was a stylish sports coupé that captured the spirit of its era. With its clean lines, front-wheel drive, and high-tech features, it became a symbol of 1970s automotive design. Between 1971 and 1979, more than 92,000 units were produced, and the car was available as both a coupé and a convertible.
The Renault R17 Electric Restomod honors this legacy while introducing modern technologies and materials. The restomod maintains the Renault 17’s classic structure but widens the body by 17 cm for improved handling. Its carbon fibre chassis and 270 hp all-electric powertrain deliver a sleek and powerful performance, reflecting Renault’s push towards sustainable mobility.
A Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece
Renault R17 Electric Restomod is a stylish two-door coupé that pays homage to its roots while looking ahead. The car’s design retains iconic features such as the frameless doors and round headlamps but updates them for a modern aesthetic. The new headlamps are four rectangular modules with rounded corners, while the rear lights now form a single strip. The car’s Galactic Brown body color is a custom shade created specifically for this project.
The interior is equally impressive, blending vintage charm with futuristic details. The seats are redesigned around the original “petal” structure and upholstered with a mix of fine Merino wool and lightweight bouclé fabric, creating a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere. The dashboard features a central screen with Renault’s current graphic environment, alongside four geometric screens inspired by the original R17’s dials.
A Bold Collaboration
The Renault R17 Electric Restomod is a true testament to Renault’s commitment to blending its heritage with forward-thinking design. Ora Ïto’s avant-garde vision, combined with Renault’s design team, has produced a vehicle that both honors the past and pushes the boundaries of modern automotive design.
As Ora Ïto remarked, “We teleported the Renault 17 into the future, making subtle changes to give it a new look while maintaining its original character.” This bold reimagining ensures that the Renault R17 will continue to inspire generations of car enthusiasts, proving that true design icons never fade—they evolve.
Source: Renault
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