IndiaAIFounders — The Renault 8 Gordini Concept is a retro-futuristic remake of an RWD rally classic

Renault’s retro renaissance has been a bit of a hit so far, with the 5, 4, and Twingo all transforming into excellent little electric cars. But even so, if it were to be put into production, this latest reboot would really take it up a notch.

You see, what you’re looking at here is the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, and it is absolutely fantastic. It pays tribute to the rear-engined 1960s saloon with its boxy shape and bluff front end, but Renault has transformed it into a little two-door coupe with a carbon body and a 266hp electric motor driving the rear wheels.

PHOTO BY Renault

We’re told that it takes inspiration from clean café racer motorbikes in its modernization, although it does also get properly wide arches, a roof spoiler, a raked rear end and staggered 19-/20-inch alloy wheels. The obligatory Gordini stripes are present and correct though, and all those spotlights up front are a throwback to rally versions of the original ‘Gorde.’ We like.

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“With Renault 8 Gordini Concept, we wanted to spark emotion by drawing on both our heritage and modern times, bringing together the icons of yesterday and the future,” said design VP Alexandre Malval.

PHOTO BY Renault

The interior is equally as exciting, because instead of a giant touchscreen tablet there are six little circular digital displays that sit on top of a brushed aluminum dashboard. Plenty of real aluminum buttons down on the center console too, plus lots of lovely Alcantara and corduroy trim.

“This minimalist design leaves little or nothing to distract the driver,” Renault tells us. “The focus is clearly on driving.”

PHOTO BY Renault

Thinking all of this is too good to be true? Well, you might just be right. This particular concept follows on from the R17 electric restomod and the 5 Diamant art car—both of which were one-offs and were essentially made to advertise the fact that Renault is opening a new museum full of its old models in just over a year’s time. Booo. In fact, we’re told that after its debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October, the 8 Gordini Concept will pop up again on display at said museum in Flins, France.

Still, when the electrified R17 was first shown off back in 2024 we were explicitly told that it was “not a forerunner for a future production vehicle”, and there has been no such communication this time around. So, you’re telling us there’s a chance?

More photos of the Renault 8 Gordini Concept:

PHOTO BY Renault

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

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