Renault fantasizes about a 1970s-inspired electromod

The Renault R17 Concept was penned by French designer Ora Ïto to resemble one of the marque’s classics from the ‘70s – the iconic model number 17.

The outlines and the body trim do make the modern car look like its spiritual predecessor. Trim bits like the quad headlights, the U-shaped bumper garnish and the gill-like vents in the rear side panels deepen the impression. However, the illusion only goes so far: the new car is 170 mm (6.6 inches) wider than the original and rides on modern aerodynamic wheels. It also has a solid slab where the radiator grille used to be, because it runs on electricity.

The stylistic mix between the old and the new continues in the cabin. For instance, like the original Renault 17, the R17 Concept has visors on four dash gauges. However, the visors are rectangular now instead of rounded and have digital screens underneath. Another screen is built into the console. The steering wheel retains the iconic dual-spoke design, but is no longer round. According to Ïto, the sophisticated cabin trim using leather and fabric in different shades of brown, tan and beige is supposed to evoke that “vintage” feeling.

Back in its glory days, the 17 came to the market with a variety of engines sized from 1.3 to 1.6 liters large and rated up to 107 PS (106 hp / 79 kW) with a front drive. In stark contrast, the one-off design study is rear-wheel driven by a single electric motor producing 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW). Thanks to extensive use of composite materials, the car isn’t too heavy at 1.4 metric tons (3,086 lbs). Renault neglected to supply any dynamic performance figures.