Renault Turned the Iconic 1970s R17 Into a 270-HP EV — but It Won’t Go Into Production

Striking videos of the unusual Renault R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto coupe are once again making the rounds on social media. Users took the futuristic retro car for an upcoming production model from the French brand, but there’s no reason to head to a dealership: this is a one-off designer art piece that first appeared in public back in the fall of 2024.

1970s French Design Meets Modern Tech

The car was built together with renowned French designer Ora Ïto. Unlike concepts drawn from a blank sheet, the restomod is based on a real historic Renault 17 coupe produced from 1971 to 1979.

As noted in Renault Media’s official press release, engineers kept the original’s unibody load-bearing structure, doors, glass and floor pan, but radically reworked the exterior panels:

• The body grew 17 centimeters wider thanks to muscular carbon fender flares;
• Classic round headlights gave way to four rectangular LED modules with a yellowish tint;
• A thin, continuous light bar spanning the full width of the body was installed at the rear;
• An exclusive color called Galactic Brown was developed for the paint.

Inside, retro aesthetics meet a minimalist digital environment. Behind the wheel are four geometric displays in individual pods that echo the shape of 1970s analog gauges, while the seats are trimmed in merino wool and cozy bouclé fabric.

270 Horsepower on the Rear Axle and One-Off Show-Car Status

The powertrain was completely converted. A 270-hp (199 kW) electric motor mounted on the rear axle took the place of the gasoline engine under the hood.

According to Car and Driver, extensive use of composite materials kept the electric coupe’s weight to a modest 1.4 tons, and its estimated range on a single charge is about 400 km.

Despite its roadworthy status and rave reviews in the press, Top Gear notes that the project was conceived purely as a unique exhibition manifesto. The French auto giant is actively reviving retro names on production models like the Renault 5 and Renault 4, but it never planned to put the R17 coupe on the assembly line. The car exists as a single example and will remain part of the brand’s museum collection.