Image: renault.fr
along with R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto Renault is proving that when it builds on the designs of the past, the future can be better.
Do you remember the Renault 17? A small sports coupe produced from 1971 to 1979 that incorporated almost every design element from the 1970s.
Image: renault.fr
I remember this car very well.
I feel so terrible.
I thought at the time that there were too many unnecessary, playful styling baubles glued onto an already angular, ugly overall shape.
Image: renault.fr
then.
Today I looked at the Renault 17 and thought: This car has aged surprisingly well. What seemed clunky and unattractive then is now considered classic and iconic…
…which of course shows you again: design and aesthetic concepts must always be understood in context. Over time, many abominations have been transformed into design icons.
Now look what Renault has done with the R17:
Image: renault.fr
“Restomod” is the key word here. “Restoration” vs. “Conversion”: the classic charm of classic cars is combined with modern materials and the latest technology. After the renovation, most of the old design was retained, but the technology was improved. More performance. Better brakes. Handling is better thanks to more modern suspension and dampers. Most importantly: greater reliability.
Image: renault.fr
Image: renault.fr
exist R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto – that’s the official name of the segment – Renault doesn’t do things by halves. As the name suggests, the drive is fully electric and the design language was dictated by furniture and interior designer and architect Ora Ïto.
Image: renault.fr
Image: renault.fr
The bodywork is made of carbon and painted in the specially designed color “Galaxy Brown”.
Image: renault.fr
The electric motor outputs 270 horsepower and has a range of 400 kilometers.
Image: renault.fr
LEDs replaced the original iodine headlights. Other details were also revised. The side vents on the rear vent windows typical of the Renault 17 are retained.
Image: renault.fr
Inside, Ora Ïto wanted to retain many of the original design elements but add a modern twist.
Image: renault.fr
The accessories are digital, but the structure of the seats and their covers are heavily based on 1970s furniture and interior design.
Image: renault.fr
The steering wheel is rectangular, a styling element based on another 1970s design icon, Austin Allegro.
Image: renault.fr
Image: renault.fr
Well, the electric R17 is of course a concept car and therefore not suitable for mass production. It's a pity. Because it shows what is possible. In an era where cookie-cutter cars are the norm and chunky SUVs are the norm, he proves that it's possible to combine elegant retro car design with functionality.
Image: renault.fr
He shows what we really deserve: a little more beauty in our daily lives.
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Those: /oldconceptcars.com / /oldconceptcars.com
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