Renault 17 revived as striking EV with a carbonfibre chassis
Renault has revived the 17 coupé of the 1970s as a sleek, sporting EV with a carbonfibre chassis and as much power as a modern Volkswagen Golf GTI.
As reported by Move Electric's sister title Autocar, the EV has been created in partnership with French designer Ora Ito, and is the latest in a series of reimagined Renault classics that pair retro design cues with modern underpinnings and technology.
The 17 was launched in 1971 as Renault's first front-wheel-drive coupé, based on the underpinnings of the hugely popular Renault 12 saloon.
Described as "very much a modern vehicle", the 17 restomod swaps the original 1605cc petrol engine and FWD format for a 270bhp electric motor on the rear axle - which is thought to be closely related to the 'e-PT-200kW' motor that Renault will install in its most powerful EVs from 2027.
The French firm has given no performance details but said output will be enough to substantially improve upon the performance of the original petrol car.
Meanwhile, the carbonfibre chassis is said to keep the kerb weight down to just 1400kg - less than that of the Lotus Emira.
The restomod has the same cabin, doors, windows, glass, seals and underbody as the original car, but it sits notably closer to the ground and has been widened by 170mm "for better roadholding".
The 17's quad circular headlights have been swapped for slim rectangular slits – tinted yellow in keeping with its 1970s French heritage – and the rear is now illuminated by a thin wraparound strip.
Inside, it is an overtly 1970s-flavoured affair, trimmed in brown and beige and with all the screens housed in retro lozenge-shaped housings atop a minimalist dashboard.
You will also notice a retro rectangular red clock, which is our favourite feature.
The R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ito, to use its full name, will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month, where the firm is also expected to reveal the production version of the 4 electric crossover.
