Renault has revealed a new electric restomod of the 1970s Renault R17 coupe. It combines retro design elements with modern electric technology, featuring a 270-hp electric motor and a sleek new look. Although this restomod is a one-off concept, it highlights Renault’s interest in revisiting its classic models while embracing modern advancements.
Renault R17 Electric Restomod: A Classic Reborn
Renault has introduced a new version of its 1970s classic, the Renault R17, but this time it’s electric! The French automaker has revamped the iconic R17 fastback coupe with a modern, stylish design and an eco-friendly powertrain. This restomod (restoration with modern upgrades) showcases Renault’s ability to mix the old with the new in a way that excites car enthusiasts and brings a classic back to life.
Exterior Design
The Renault R17 electric restomod stands out with its unique and stylish look. The body has been widened by 6.7 inches, making it look more aggressive and sporty compared to the original model from the 1970s. The car features sleek LED lights, replacing the original round headlights with thin, rectangular units. The new front grille has been redesigned, giving the car a modern touch, while still paying homage to its classic roots.
One of the most striking features is the deep “Galactic Brown” paint job, a special color created just for this car. The rear of the car also gets a modern update with a single LED strip running across the entire back, giving the car a futuristic look.
Interior Features
Inside, the Renault R17 EV has undergone a major transformation while still retaining some retro charm. The steering wheel is now squarish, replacing the original circular design. There are four small screens behind the wheel that echo the old-style gauges but with a modern twist. A center screen is also included, placed low on the dashboard for a sleek look.
The seats have been updated with luxurious materials, featuring a blend of brown Merino wool and beige wool bouclé fabric. This combination of old-school and modern touches gives the car’s interior a stylish yet cozy feel.
Electric Powertrain
One of the biggest changes to the Renault R17 is under the hood. Instead of a traditional gas engine, this restomod is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor. The motor delivers an impressive 270 horsepower, which is a huge boost in performance compared to the original model.
The car also uses a carbon-fiber chassis, making it lighter and stronger. Renault has managed to keep the weight of the R17 EV to around 3086 pounds, even with the wider body and the new electric powertrain.
A Retro Revival
Renault has been embracing its history with several retro-themed projects in recent years. Alongside the R17 restomod, the company has launched the Renault 5 Diamant and the high-performance R5 Turbo 3E. Renault also has plans to release electric versions of the Renault 5 and the Renault 4 in the coming years. The R17 restomod may not be heading for production, but it clearly shows Renault’s commitment to celebrating its past while moving towards an electric future.
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Final Thoughts
While Renault has not announced any production plans for the R17 electric restomod, this project showcases the company’s passion for blending classic designs with modern technology. The R17 EV is an eye-catching car that car lovers will appreciate for its sleek design, retro vibes, and powerful electric motor. Renault is showing the world that it can honor its past while keeping an eye on the future with projects like this one.
Mansoor Ali, a Feature Writer, embarked on his journey five years ago with showroomex.com, fueled by his enthusiasm for cars. Starting as an eager journalist, he quickly became a seasoned professional, expanding his expertise to cover both bikes and cars. (Full Bio)