Renault 8 Gordini Concept: The brand revives one of its most legendary models with electric power and 270 HP

Renault continues to reinterpret iconic models from its history with the launch of the R8 Gordini Concept. The original 1964 R8 Gordini was a small rear-engine sedan with 95 horsepower; however, the prototype in question today is an electric coupe with 270 horsepower, while still retaining distinctive features such as its V-shaped front end with four round headlights.

The vehicle measures 4.12 meters in length, 1.88 meters in width, and 1.27 meters in height, making it quite compact. The front wheels are 19 inches in diameter and the rear wheels are 20 inches. The widened wheelbase serves as a reminder of the ‘Gorde’’s extensive racing achievements, while the rear end features a slight downward slope that was absent in the classic model to enhance its sporty character.

To give the side a cleaner appearance, the old chrome trim has been integrated into the body. The front features no visible seam for the hood, which can be removed as a single piece, similar to some racing vehicles. Another nod to the racing world is the additional headlights, along with the shell-style mirrors.

The horizontal strip-shaped dashboard is made of brushed aluminum and includes a series of circular clocks (which are actually digital screens), echoing the design of the front lighting units. The interior upholstery is made of Alcantara. Thanks to indirect ambient lighting and the use of certain blue elements, there is a clear continuity between the vehicle’s exterior and interior.

Will the new R8 Gordini go into production?

Will the R8 Gordini Concept make it to production? For now, the brand has said nothing on this matter. Similar concepts like the R5 Diamant or the R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto were never manufactured, though the current model in question might be different, as its mechanical configuration and dimensions are similar to those of the R5 Turbo 3E, a limited-production model based on the APP (Alpine Performance Platform) platform.

"With the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, we wanted to evoke emotions by drawing inspiration from both our heritage and modernity, bringing together icons of the past and those of the future. This design exercise aims to reinvent the Renault 8 Gordini for today’s times. The goal of this coupe is to inspire and spark the imagination of all car enthusiasts. And when I talk about emotion, I’m not referring to nostalgia, but rather a genuine passion for cars," says Alexandre Malval, head of design at Renault.

"We have reinterpreted the distinctive design of the original Renault 8, which was practically symmetrical between the front and rear, to make it more dynamic. With a cabin featuring smooth lines, wide tracks, prominent wheelbase, and 19-inch tires at the front and 20-inch tires at the back, it feels as though it’s literally glued to the asphalt. The choice of larger rear tires creates a visual sense of forward momentum, a nod to the rear-wheel layout that made the original model so fun to drive."

Source | Renault