A restomod is when an older car is restored and modified to become something better than it once was. Recently there have been a range of EV restomods, taking old gasoline models, and completely rebuilding them into electric dream cars.
Automakers themselves are getting into the act, with fascinating results.
Renault just shared a restomod Renault R17 Concept, in collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto. It has a 270-horsepower electric motor and can travel 249 miles on a single charge.
It’s a great modernization of a 70s design, thoroughly brought into the 21st century. While just a concept, it feels like a great exploration of old meets new.
LED light bars take the place of the original, and give it a modern look and feel.
“R17 restomod, reinterpreted by Ora Ito, aligns perfectly with our approach to uniting heritage and innovation. R17 was part of pop culture, an icon of the 1970s with its avant-garde design and bold personality.
This project celebrates Renault’s original iconic design while giving it a contemporary twist with new features to create an experience that transcends the generations.
At Renault, we are proud to collaborate with bold talented designers such as Ora Ïto, to reinvent our iconic models while remaining true to the spirit of the brand.”
-Arnaud Belloni, Chief Branding Officer & VP, Renault Brand
The sleek concept keeps the 70s lines and overall form, but is widened for a more aggressive stance.
The interior keeps some of the 70s material choices, while updating the overall fit and finish and aesthetic, creating an inviting space.
The dashboard keeps some of the original aesthetics, but updates the gauges to individual displays, and creates a futuristic steering wheel that features two spokes, and a hand-made feel.
Strong bolstering of the seats hearkens back to the original, while feeling more contemporary.
A crystal brown paint job and aerodynamic wheels look especially aggressive, in a good way.
We love the way the interior feels spare but also modern, with clever digital readouts that feel well designed.
Electric Future 