A Shockingly Good Renault Restomod: They Finally Made an Electric Car I Like
Image Credit: Renault.
Look, we all have seen a fair share of restomods by now – probably enough to make a grown man weep into his oil pan. But every now and then, on a super rare occasion, something comes along that makes me sit up and take notice. And this, my friends, is exactly one of those rare times. Renault - out of all the auto brands out there - known for its, well, let's just say, "unique" designs, has taken a vintage Renault 17 coupe and turned it into an electric masterpiece.
Now, the original Renault 17 was... mildly interesting. Sure, it had a certain charm, but it wasn't exactly a head-turner. This restomod, however, is a different story. It looks as if Renault took the original car, put it through a time machine, and brought it back, looking like a million bucks. The widebody kit, the chunky wheels, the sleek monochrome paint job – it's all just so damn cool.
Image Credit: Renault.
Gorgeous body aside - the real star of the show is hiding right under it. And yes, it is electric. Renault has ripped out the old gas-guzzling whizzy engine and replaced it with a battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor. This thing now has 270 horsepower, which is more than double the original car's output. And with a claimed 0 to 60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds, this thing is no slouch either.
Of course, all that power would be useless without a proper chassis. Thankfully, Renault has gone to town on this project and replaced the original frame with a carbon fiber one. This not only makes the car stiffer and lighter but also helps it handle like a dream. And at just 3,086 pounds, it's still relatively lightweight. I can just imagine the heart-stopping price tag for this work of art.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. It's a mix of brown, beige, and more brown, with cloth door inserts and wood trim on the dashboard. It's retro but in a good way. And the digital gauges, while a modern touch, somehow fit in perfectly with the overall aesthetic.
Sadly, but unsurprisingly, this is a one-off project. Renault has no plans to put it into production, which is a real shame. I mean, who wouldn't want to own this thing? It's stylish, it's fast enough, and it's eco-friendly. It's the perfect blend of old and new.
My, oh my. Renault has taken a forgotten classic and turned it into an electric dream machine. It's a testament to what can be achieved when you combine passion, creativity, and a healthy dose of French flair. And, of course, deep pockets. While I'm sad that we'll probably never see another one like it, I'm glad that it exists at all. It's a perfect reminder that even in the age of electric cars, there's still plenty of room for a little bit of magic.
