Renault is bringing one of its most iconic performance nameplates into the electric age with the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, a two-seat electric coupe drawing inspiration from the rear-wheel-drive original that debuted back in 1964.
The concept blends the visual DNA of that original R8 Gordini with a far more aggressive, modern design language. Expect a low, wide stance, motorsport-inspired proportions, and a 270hp electric motor under the skin.
Renault frames this as part of a broader effort to revisit significant models from its 128-year history through one-off concept builds.
Renault unveiled the concept on September 24 at Renault Carwalk, and it’s set to make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show, running October 12 through 18.
Renault 8 Gordini to get Electric Powertrain
Back in 1964, the original Renault 8 Gordini launched with a 95hp rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. It earned a reputation for delivering racing-style performance at an accessible price and helped train drivers like Jean Ragnotti along the way. That distinctive double white stripe eventually became one of its defining visual signatures.
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This new concept keeps that rear-wheel-drive spirit alive but swaps the petrol engine for a 270hp electric motor instead. At 4.12 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.27 meters tall, the coupe rides on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Its proportions lean much closer to a modern rally car than the four-door original ever did.
Renault carried several familiar design cues into this new version too. Six round headlights make an appearance, along with squared-off wheel arches, a modernized Gordini badge, and of course, that iconic double white stripe.
This time, though, the stripe isn’t purely decorative; Renault worked it into several structural and design elements throughout the car.
The whole design came together entirely in-house. Renault ran an internal design competition that pulled in over 300 sketches, eventually narrowing things down to two proposals that got developed into scale models before merging into this final concept.
Renault 8 Gordini: a two-seat EV that focused on driving
Inside, Renault kept things similarly minimal. Brushed aluminum runs across the dashboard and controls, contrasted against Alcantara upholstery throughout the cabin. Digital round displays echo the circular headlights on the exterior, while bucket seats and a prominent stopwatch button lean into the car’s motorsport character.
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Renault describes this concept as part of a broader effort to connect its heritage with future design direction, rather than simply recreating classic cars for nostalgia’s sake.
The R8 Gordini follows earlier projects in this vein, including the R17 electric restomod built with Ora Ïto and the Renault 5 Diamant.
For now, this stays as a concept car. Renault’s media materials don’t confirm any production plans. What the company does confirm is that this concept will join its historical collection, alongside other vehicles and archive material at the upcoming Renault Collections museum in Flins, expected to open in roughly 15 months.
So don’t expect to walk into a Renault showroom and order one anytime soon, but the electric R8 Gordini does offer a genuine glimpse into how Renault sees its performance heritage evolving in the EV era.
