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Renault continues to blend heritage with innovation, as evidenced by its latest unveiling: the Renault R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto. This modernized version of the classic 1970s Renault 17 sports coupé represents a striking collaboration between Renault and renowned French designer Ora Ïto. Revealed on September 4th, 2024 at Maison5 in Paris, the restomod show car will later make its way to the Paris Motor Show from October 14th to 20th.
A Bold Collaboration Melding Past and Present
This restomod is part of Renault’s broader initiative, which started in 2021, to collaborate with avant-garde designers and revisit iconic models from its rich history. Previous projects include the Renault 5 Diamant prototype, the Suite N°4, and an electric Twingo designed by Sabine Marcelis. This year, the spotlight is on the Renault 17, reimagined by Ora Ïto.
Known for his signature design philosophy of "simplexity"—the fusion of simplicity and complexity—Ora Ïto has transformed the Renault 17 into a work of art that blends the essence of the original with cutting-edge materials and technology. The resulting R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto is more than just a car; it's a sculptural expression of nostalgia and futuristic vision.
A Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece
The original Renault 17, launched in 1971, was a symbol of 1970s design and performance. With its angular lines, four round headlamps, and frameless doors, it was both sleek and high-tech, appealing to enthusiasts with its sporty character and modern features. Ora Ïto’s restomod maintains the core design language while adding new dimensions of flow and elegance. The body is now 17 cm wider for enhanced road handling, and the carbon fiber chassis ensures the car remains lightweight at just 1.4 tons.
A defining element of Ora Ïto’s redesign is the restomod’s electric powertrain, a nod to sustainability and modern automotive technology. The car is powered by an all-electric 270 bhp motor, delivering cutting-edge performance in a package that pays homage to its heritage. The headlamps, now in the form of four rectangular modules with rounded corners, and a continuous strip of rear lights, evoke a futuristic aesthetic without straying too far from the original design.
The exterior is finished in a bespoke Galactic Brown color, specially developed for the show car. This hue adds a contemporary sheen to the car’s retro-futuristic design.
Inside the Restomod: A Fusion of Comfort and Style
Ora Ïto's design also extends to the interior, which has undergone a significant transformation while staying true to the Renault 17’s spirit. The original’s iconic “petal” seats have been reimagined with modern upholstery materials, including fine Merino wool and lightweight wool bouclé, drawing inspiration from the world of interior design. The cabin retains its signature driving position and comfort, but now features a new dashboard and center console with four small geometric screens behind the steering wheel—cleverly inspired by the classic car’s dials.
A central screen integrates Renault’s modern graphic environment, linking the past to the present in the form of seamless connectivity and tech integration. These design elements show Ora Ïto’s commitment to “simplexity,” simplifying complex forms to create a harmonious blend of retro and modern aesthetics.
Ora Ïto’s Vision
For Ora Ïto, this restomod is about more than redesigning an old car. "I wanted to drape the Renault 17 in a second skin, showcasing the design while giving it a more contemporary look in terms of flow, dynamics, and rationality through my own approach to design and my own signature: simplexity," the designer explained. His reimagined Renault 17 doesn’t merely mimic its 1970s predecessor; it teleports it into the future, celebrating Renault's heritage while making it unmistakably contemporary.
A Collector’s Dream
The R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto is not intended for mass production, instead, it serves as a one-of-a-kind showpiece that embodies Renault’s vision for the future, while celebrating its past. After its debut at Maison5 and the Chantilly Arts & Elegance competition, the vehicle will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show.
Through this collaboration, Renault has once again demonstrated its ability to unite heritage and innovation, appealing to both car enthusiasts and design aficionados alike. By resurrecting the Renault 17 through a modern, artistic lens, Renault and Ora Ïto have crafted a bold, elegant, and unforgettable homage to one of the brand’s most iconic cars.
