Ora-ïto has unleashed a bold reimagining of the Renault 17, a striking wedge-shaped saloon from the 1970s, now revitalized for the electric era. This marks the fourth installment in an ongoing annual initiative where the French automaker invites modern designers to reinterpret and elevate classic models from its history. This endeavor not only celebrates the dawn of electric vehicles but also serves as a platform for innovative materials and design philosophies.
The series kicked off with Mathieu Lehanneur’s Suite N°4 in 2021, followed by Pierre Gonalons’ Renault 5 Diamant in 2022, and last year’s Twingo reimagined by Sabine Marcelis. As the launch of the all-new Renault 5 EV approaches, La Regie has once again turned to its archives, enlisting the creative prowess of Ora-ïto to breathe new life into the Renault 17. Selected for this project by Patrice Meignan, the CEO and founder of TheArsenale creative consultancy, the designer eagerly embraced the opportunity.
“I quickly recognized that I could create something unique because the design language resonated with my own,” he explains. While the R17 may not hold the same iconic status as the Cinq, its original 1972 design features a distinctive, angular aesthetic that has made a fashionable comeback.
The design journey unfolded swiftly. Retaining the original car’s glasshouse and mechanical elements like the door mechanisms, the new creation boasts a lightweight carbon fiber exterior concealing an all-electric powertrain. “The goal was to preserve the essence of the car while simplifying and refining it,” Ito states. “It embodies the style of the 1970s but with a more minimalist approach.” The design features flared wheel arches complemented by a sleek new front and rear, the latter showcasing a full-width LED light bar and a ‘shark-like’ front end with an abstract radiator grille, slender LED lights, and a vent reminiscent of a mouth.
Ito expresses that he aimed to steer clear of a race car aesthetic, emphasizing that the redesign embodies an architectural vision. As the project progressed, his initial ideas transformed into a restomod-style concept, diverging significantly from the boldness of his 2011 collaboration with Citroën. That earlier endeavor birthed the striking, sculptural evomobil and UFO models, which resembled futuristic, wheel-less spacecraft rather than conventional vehicles.
This latest project took on a more structured approach, marked by a close partnership with Renault’s design team. “They were incredible – they handled all the 3D modeling, and I encouraged them to explore new ideas, which they embraced wholeheartedly,” Ito shares. The R17 concept is fully operational, built on an electric vehicle platform, and features a functional interior complete with dials and graphics crafted by Ora-ïto’s studio.
“We meticulously examined every detail,” he says, noting that the dials draw inspiration from his design philosophy, “Grammatology,” in collaboration with interface designers. The choice of fabrics and materials reflects the residential styles of the era, showcasing curved wood and aluminum accents. The bodywork is coated in a deep metallic brown, paying homage to the 1970s. “Inside, it feels like stepping into a 3D rendering – the car has an almost surreal quality,” Ora-ïto remarks.
He also references the original Blade Runner as a source of inspiration, hinting at the visionary futurism of art director Syd Mead within the concept. “This could easily belong to Austin Powers or the Jetsons,” he quips. The studio is currently prioritizing transportation design. “I’m truly enjoying the realm of mobility design right now.”