Is this the coolest electric car yet? Renault shows off retro '70s 17-inspired 200kW rear-wheel drive EV coupe concept that could make production

Does Renault deserve the award for the coolest concept car of 2024? 

The reborn electric Renault R17 certainly makes a case for itself. The wedgy ’70s-inspired electric car was brought to life with input from French industrial and product designer Ora Ito. 

The R17 echoes the shape of the original 1971 car but sits closer to the ground and is 170mm wider to enhance road holding. The 17’s quad headlamps are referenced in rectangular LED lighting features tinted yellow for those ’70s Euro vibes. 

At the rear, it features a full-width strip of LEDs for the brake lights, while the wheels have no visible spokes giving an aero look. 

Things keep getting better as you step inside, where the Renault Original team and Ito have combined the '70s feel of the 17 with a modern twist. The circular dials and wheel have been replaced by a quartet of square screens giving information. 

There’s a red-backed digital clock below, sitting above the perfect spot for a smartphone. The detailed concept also has deeply retro seat upholstery, looking like wool-knit centres with brown cloth bolsters. 

The steering wheel mirrors the shape of the gauges, while the colour palette is just so 1970s: it runs the full gamut from light to dark beige, even featuring woodgrain trim on the dash and indicator stalks — but it’s not just the looks that are exciting. 

Renault hasn’t announced any plans to produce the 17 but has hinted at some specifications, including a rear-drive layout and a punchy 200kW motor on the rear axle, rather than the original’s carbureted 1.3-litre. 

The new-look 17’s sexy carbon-fibre bodywork is said to keep weight down to a reasonable 1400kg, too, so the reasonable grunt would deliver circa-Golf GTI or Toyota GR86 levels of straight line punch.

And while this remains a design exercise, Renault has done without a coupe for a while and,  save for Megane RS models, there hasn’t been a popular one in Europe since the first-generation Megane. It could be just what the doctor ordered. 

Plus, it’s not like Renault has shied away from making its historic concepts a reality. The Renault 5 is to begin production this year with its Alpine A290 hot hatch counterpart. The pair will be followed by a version of the R4 as a new small SUV. 

Once Renault has rolled out its first set of new small and affordable E-Tech electric cars it is understood that larger, more powerful vehicles will come along. Perhaps that’s what the new-look 17 alludes to. 

As for Australia, Renault’s local importer Ateco has committed to bringing the all-electric 5 and 4, pending if they can be made to meet Australian regulations and suit our tastes. Renault currently sells the Megane E-Tech here as its only pure EV.