In recent years, Renault has collaborated with several contemporary designers on concepts that reimagine some of the carmaker’s most iconic models.
After the 2023 Twingo concept by Sabrine Marcelis, this year Renault has collaborated with Ora ïto on an electric restomod of the 70’s era Renault 17 Sports coupé.
The concept is a tribute to the original design of the R17 while taking the car back to the future thanks to a general retrofuturistic sci-fi flair.
Introduced in 1971, the R17 was a stylish sports coupé that combined cutting-edge technology, including front-wheel drive and fuel injection, with sleek design and safety features. Renault sold almost a hundred thousand units of the R17 from 1971 to 1979.
The R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto, on the other hand, is more of a fully contemporary electric vehicle with a futuristic look. The headlamps, for example, are now four rectangular modules with rounded corners, while the rear lights form a single strip that reminds of a few famous cinema and TV prop vehicles, like KITT.
Revisiting an iconic vehicle like Renault 17 was a particularly exciting challenge. Working alongside Renault, I was able to articulate my artistic vision to create a sculpture in my own image.
Ora ïto
The concept also features a 240 HP electric powertrain and a carbon fiber chassis. The Galactic Brown body color is also new––it’s an original shade created specifically for the restomod.
R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto will be displayed at the Renault stand during the upcoming Paris Motor Show.