Since 2021, Renault has presented a number of unique creative projects that take a fresh look at its exceptional heritage and the emblematic models that are now part of popular culture.
These projects bear testimony to the brand’s ability to fuse heritage, design and innovation, while also creating a unique playground with huge scope of expression for contemporary designers. Renault has now called on the creative talents of Ora Ïto, one of the most avant-garde designers of his generation, to reinvent the aesthetics of Renault 17, creating a bold and modern take on this historic car.
R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto is a unique model and not the forerunner for a future production vehicle. Styled as a restomod by Ora Ïto, it was developed in collaboration with Renault’s Design team.
“With Sandeep (Bhambra) and Gilles (Vidal), we worked on a theme that was retro-futuristic, almost cinematic. I wanted to drape Renault 17 in a second skin, showcasing the design while giving it a more contemporary look in terms of flow, dynamics and rationality through my own approach to design and my own signature: simplexity. I wanted to simplify the more complex aspects.”
Ora Ïto
A leading figure in contemporary design, France’s Ora Ïto is a child of the 1970s. Revealed by his avant-garde creations and bold approach, Ora Ïto made his name by hacking leading brands with his digital products. A firm believer in simplexity, a mix of simplicity and complexity, he is a pop culture phenomenon in his own right, taking part in prestigious collaborations and picking up awards around the world. R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto is his first joint project with Renault.
While reflecting the history and integrity of Renault 17, the show car is also a restomod, combining the classic charm of the original with the technologies and materials of today. This revolutionary approach unlocks synergies between past and present, creating a modern experience without losing sight of the spirit of Renault 17.
A two-door coupé with a tailgate, Renault 17 featured a sporty design accentuated by four round headlamps, frameless doors, a body with no central pillar, fully opening rear side windows and second quarter windows with louvers.
Based on the monocoque structure of the original, R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto has the same cabin, doors, windows, glazing, seals and underbody.
The body is 17 cm wider for better roadholding. The design of the wings and wheels give it a look that is both spectacular and elegant.
R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto is very much a modern vehicle. The headlamps take the form of four rectangular modules with rounded corners, while the rear lights form a single strip. It also features an all-electric 270 bhp powertrain at the rear.
The carbon fibre chassis with its flush lines keeps the weight down to just 1.4 tonnes. The Galactic Brown body colour is an original shade developed specially for the show car.
R17 boasted all the interior features of a true tourer, with its specific driving position, comfortable seats, full range of equipment and meticulous finish. The restomod version maintains the original standards of comfort, while making a number of changes to the dashboard and centre console. The seats have been redesigned around the original “petal” structure, with new upholstery inspired by the world of interior design: a heathered satin in fine Merino wool for the brown fabric and a delicate lightweight wool bouclé that is both long and thick, for the beige fabric. As a contemporary vehicle, R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto features a central screen with the current Renault graphic environment and four small geometric screens behind the steering wheel, inspired by the dials of the original model.
R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto is on show at Maison5 (Paris) until 11 September. This unique prototype will then be presented at the Chantilly Arts & Elegant Richard Mille competition from 12 to 15 September, before being exhibited on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show from 14 to 20 October.
