Taking vintage car designs and giving them a modern twist is hardly revolutionary, but when it's done right, it's downright irresistible. Enter the Renault R17—a masterpiece of nostalgia that merges the best of the past with the tech of today. Unveiled today, this stunner reimagines the classic 1970s design language with an electric heart, all wrapped up in a package that’s more desirable than anything Renault’s dared to make in recent years.

The French automaker teamed up with designer Ora Ïto to bring this concept to life, crafting the R17’s sleek lines from carbon fiber and nailing the proportions that make it a standout. Inspired by the Renault 17—a hatchback icon of the '70s sold between 1971 and 1979—the R17 takes all that charm and dials up the aggression.

The front end features rectangular LED headlights that seamlessly blend into the car’s fascia, with a full-width LED taillight strip that flows with the minimalist lines. Flared wheel arches give the R17 a more muscular stance than the original, while subtle louvers add just the right amount of retro flair. It’s a car that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it in all the right ways.

Inside, Ora Ïto cleverly blends '70s materials and fabrics with modern design cues, crafting a cabin that’s both a nod to the past and a glimpse into the future. Four rectangular displays sit tucked behind a retro-futuristic steering wheel, while a horizontally mounted central display below the dash channels vintage radio vibes—because who says modern tech can’t have a touch of old-school cool?

Powered by a 200-kW electric motor, the R17 promises performance that the original never could—backed by a range of 400 km on a single charge. Yet, despite the rave reception, Renault has confirmed that this beauty will remain a one-off, destined to be nothing more than a showpiece at events like the 2024 Paris Motor Show. It’s a heartbreak, but in a world where the N Vision 74 went from concept to reality, perhaps there’s hope Renault could one day change its mind.