In recent years, famed French car manufacturer Renault rebooted some of the legendary models from its 128-year history. The latest such model is the Renault 8 Gordini Concept car, a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic sports car first produced in 1964, now reimagined with electric power and modern performance technology.
Design selected from 300 sketches
The original Renault 8 Gordini was a racing car equipped with a 95 hp rear-mounted engine and a rear-wheel-drive layout. The car required advanced driving skills but could still deliver a real racing performance. Additionally, it was a superb training car for a generation of drivers. Brand designers submitted over 300 sketches competing for a chance to design the future Renault 8 Gordini. Finally, two submitted proposals were selected and merged into one for the final design.
New Renault 8 Gordini Concept
Renault 8 Gordini Concept features compact and dynamic proportions: 4.12m length, 1.88m width and 1.27m height. Much like rally cars of today, the model sits squarely on 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels. The two-door coupe features an aggressive prow and six headlights. The structure of a Renault 8 Gordini Concept hints at a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive layout from the original model, but this time the car is powered by a 270 hp electric motor. A slight rake at the back makes a stark difference from the original model.
Following the Café Racer design trend
The Renault 8 Gordini concept car follows the popular café racer trend, which modernises vintage motorbikes by removing nonessential features and focusing on materials and mechanical parts. Therefore, Renault removed the retro trim pieces fitted as noods, while the former chrome side moulding is now integrated directly into the bodywork. Many split lines have been removed, as well as the shut line for the bonnet.
Recognisable Renault 8 Gordini features get a new life
And while the concept got rid of all non-essential elements, the Renault 8 Gordini still kept many original features. For instance, the Gordini lettering has been reworked and paired with striations of the original badges and a new 8 emblem. A crest paying tribute to the iconic “Gorde” is located on the inside. The original signature recessed embossing along the waistline has been given a new purpose- directing the airflow towards a new air vent.
The design also replicated the rectangular shape of the wheel arches to achieve a more muscular look. Other nods to the originals include the rear ventilation grille, a shell-shaped wind mirror and grille at the windscreen’s base. The grille is aligned with the trademark couple strip, which also serves as alignment for the illuminated graphic pattern inside the rear lights.
Brushed aluminium and Alcantara interior
The double stripe spans into the passenger compartment and across the top of the dashboard. Featuring a bold aesthetic, the interior of the Renault 8 Gordini Concept features a horizontal brushed aluminium dashboard, with the visor spanning the width of the cabin. The brushed aluminium completely replaces the plastic materials, which make a stark contrast with the Alcantara upholstery. Minimalist design is interrupted by a red dot on the stopwatch button.
The topstitching across door panels is reminiscent of racetrack kerbs, while the indispensable bucket seats symbolise the seats of their precursor. The seat’s centre and backrest feature blue corduroy upholstery juxtaposed with parts of the black bucket seat. The aluminium dashboard features digital displays that provide a high-tech feel, enhanced with the indirect ambient lighting under the dashboard.
With its sporty exterior and elegant interior, the Renault 8 Gordini is a worthy successor to the original Renault 8 Gordini. The rebooted version of the 1964 vehicle will be exhibited on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show, from October 12 to 18, 2026. Later on, it will find its permanent home in the future Renault Collections museum in Flins, alongside other reimagined versions of the brand’s legendary cars.
