RENAULT R17 CONCEPT REVITALIZES 1970S STYLE WITH ORA ÏTO’S VISIONARY DESIGN
The Renault R17 by Ora Ito is a one-off electric restomod that revives an iconic 1970s sports coupe with retro-futuristic styling, a 270-horsepower electric motor and a carbon fibre body. Designed by acclaimed French designer Ora Ito and unveiled in Paris ahead of the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the R17 Electric Restomod blends nostalgia with innovation, though Renault has confirmed it is a showcase concept with no current production plans.
What is the Renault R17 by Ora Ito?
The Renault R17 is a modern homage to the Renault 17 sports coupe of the 1970s, reimagined as an all-electric restomod. The concept pairs a never-before-seen 270 hp (199 kW) electric motor with roughly 248 miles of range, while a carbon fibre chassis and bodywork keep weight down to just 1.4 tonnes. Round headlights give way to rectangular projectors, the wings are widened by 17 cm, and the wheel arches are redesigned, all finished in an exclusive Galactic Brown. According to Renault, the show car made its debut at Maison5 in Paris on 4 September 2024 before heading to the Paris Motor Show.
Who is Ora Ito and why does his design matter?
The R17 is a masterclass in automotive artistry brought to life by acclaimed French designer Ora Ito, an advocate of what he calls simplexity, a demanding blend of simplicity and complexity. Known for translating futuristic visions into tangible form, Ora Ito has previously been managed by TheArsenale, a global marketplace for extraordinary design, and here he ensures every curve pays homage to the original car while pushing modern boundaries. His signature is evident in the rectangular LED headlights, full-width LED taillights and flared fenders that give the R17 a sporty yet refined presence. As Classic Driver noted, it stands among the hottest electric restomods of 2024.
What is the Renault R17 interior like?
Inside, the R17's cabin melds the charm of the 1970s with contemporary technology, elegantly camouflaging digital displays behind retro-inspired elements. It keeps the original's wide, figure-hugging seats, modernised with merino wool and lightweight wool boucle, and adds a central screen alongside four small geometric screens behind the steering wheel, inspired by the dials of the original model. This fusion of old and new reflects Ora Ito's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create immersive, functional and beautiful environments.
Will the Renault R17 go into production?
For now, the R17 remains a tantalising one-off. While fans may lament that Renault has opted not to produce it, the concept stands as a tribute to Ora Ito's design prowess and a beacon of what could be possible if appetite for such innovative designs keeps growing. Questions about the Renault R17 price stay open precisely because it is a single show car rather than a catalogue model, which only adds to its collector mystique.
For collectors drawn to design-led Renault creations, TheArsenale offers the Ora Ito-school spirit in its own catalogue: discover the Renault AIR4 Concept Art Car, the Renault F1 R31 Show Car and the Renault R29 F1 Rolling Chassis, or browse the full cars collection to find a statement piece as visionary as the Renault R17 by Ora Ito.
Photo: RENAULT
