Renault isn't stopping. In addition to the R5, it now also wants to bring back the R17 as an electric car

Renault has been collaborating with various designers for several years to recreate models from the past. And now it’s the turn of the iconic Renault 17 sports coupé from the 1970s, recreated as an electric vehicle in collaboration with Ora Ïto, a renowned French designer, in this R17 electric restomod. As on previous occasions, the result will naturally be presented at the Paris Motor Show, which this year takes place from 14 to 20 October.

The fruit of earlier collaborations of this kind was seen in 2021 with the SUITE Nº4, a kind of camper-converted R4, created in collaboration with designer Pierre Gonalons. In 2022 it was the R5’s turn, with the prototype 5 Diamant, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic model. Last year it was time to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Twingo with a creation by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis, again as an electric show car. All of them, like this electric R17, are style exercises, cars designed to attract public attention and, in a way, keep the brand’s legacy alive. But you never know… In fact, there is the new electric Renault 5, just launched on the market, which points to commercial success.

Renault R17 electric restomod: a design exercise that will not see the light of day

Renault makes it clear that this is not a preview of a production model. Designed by Ora Ïto in collaboration with the design team of the French brand, the idea was to combine the charm of the 1970s sports coupé with current technology. To do so, the monocoque structure and the basic body lines have been kept, maintaining the frameless door shapes, the characteristic rear pillar and the tailgate.

That said, the body is almost 20 cm wider, and work has been done to give it a much more “muscular” look. The distinctive double round headlights of the original model become rectangular, and the rear lights adopt a single light strip running across the entire rear end. The prototype features a spectacular “galactic” brown colour. The use of carbon fibre for the body has allowed the final weight to be kept at 1,400 kg. The electric motor, which in this case is located at the rear, delivers 270 CV.

Inside, efforts have also been made to maintain the features of the original model, but with a futuristic touch that includes the central multimedia screen, which complements the four small screens behind the steering wheel inspired by the instrument cluster of the model it is based on. Other very recognisable details are the petal-shaped seats, which in this case have been upholstered with materials used in the world of interior design.

Renault 17 electric | Image gallery