Renault R17: a Retro-Futuristic Electric Restomod

Renault’s collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto is a lovely one: the classic Renault R17 reimagined as an electric restomod without losing the character that made the original so distinctive.

Ïto refers to his design philosophy as ‘simplexity’ – making complex design feel simple – and it suits this car rather perfectly.

Simplexity on four wheels

There is a definite connection with the original R17, but everything feels cleaner, sharper and a little more cinematic. It’s sleek and substantial. Definitely getting movie vibes! The yellow lights especially give it an almost Blade Runner feel.

It was a team effort with Renault’s design team, and that shows. Nothing feels as though it has been added simply because it can be; there is a lovely restraint to the whole thing.

Inside the Renault R17: more lounge than car

The R17 interior takes a softer turn. The intention was to create something more lounge-like than your standard car, which I really like. It makes a lovely contrast with the crisp exterior and gives the whole thing a more relaxed, almost domestic feel.

A happy shark

One detail I particularly like is Ïto’s reaction to the original Renault 17. When he first looked at the car he saw something shark-like in its shape, and that idea stayed with him during the design process.

A happy shark, mind you.

Proportion was important too. The team had to accommodate the extra size and weight of the electric car while keeping the balance right and, crucially, without losing the personality of the original.

That is perhaps where this works best. It doesn’t look as though somebody has simply taken an old car and made it futuristic. It still feels like an R17.

These design collaborations are partly about exploring new possibilities for future cars, but I mostly love the amount of consideration that goes into something like this. It manages to be thoughtful without losing its sense of fun.

Form, function, fun.

Originally found at Designboom. Images by Lionel Koretzky and Renault, shared from the original article.