Renault 8 Gordini Concept Preview

Introduction

Thanks to the success of the 5 and 4, Renault has realised that looking backwards isn’t always a bad idea. Heritage and history are two of the few cards that Chinese carmakers can’t play, and brands like Renault and Fiat are using them to their advantage.

So it comes as no surprise that Renault’s latest concept car, the 8 Gordini takes its inspiration from another icon from its past. The Renault 8 Gordini Concept is a one-off electric coupe inspired by the 1960s original – a car that earned legendary status in the world of rallying. 

Created as part of an in-house design competition, Renault considered 300 design proposals before settling on the final look. The result is a compact, two-seat, two-door electric coupe that combines classic Gordini cues with an electric powertrain and some seriously clever design details.

The concept measures around 4.12m long, making it roughly the same size as the current Renault 4, but with a much sportier stance. And while it isn't destined for production (yet), it offers an intriguing glimpse at how Renault could reinterpret its performance heritage for the electric era. Which in PR-speak means “We might consider a plan if people go nuts for it."

If you’re unfamiliar with Renault’s 1960s back catalogue, let me explain why Gordini is a big deal. Amédée Gordini – known as Le Sorcier, or "The Sorcerer" – became famous for transforming relatively ordinary Renaults into affordable performance cars. The original Renault 8 Gordini was one of his most famous creations and was a proven winner in national rallies. 

And this concept isn't Renault's first attempt at reinventing one of its classics. Earlier this year, the company revealed the R17 restomod, created with designer Ora Ito.

Range, battery and charging

Being a concept car, hard facts about the 8 Gordini are a little hard to come by. Indeed, the only nugget of information Renault’s PR division were happy to divulge is that the rear-mounted motor generates 270hp, which is nearly three times as much as the 1960s original could muster.  

Of course, should Renault suddenly have a change of heart and decide to put the Gordini into production, there are a couple of engineering possibilities. The easiest option would be to base it on the same platform as the 5 and 4, but that would mean front-wheel drive only. If Renault wanted to retain the rear-drive layout of the concept, one option would be to use the newly-developed APP Alpine Performance Platform, which is earmarked for Alpine’s new sports coupe. Should Renault bosses look to get a bigger return on their investment, it could possibly use it to underpin the Gordini.  

Practicality and boot space

The words two door and concept are rarely associated with practicality and boot space, so it comes as no surprise that the 8 Gordini isn’t likely to top any ‘best family EV’ lists. 

Interior, design and technology

Inside, the Gordini features a wonderfully simple, stripped back layout. In true Renault style, the attention to detail is exquisite. The navy-blue corduroy bucket seats are a work of art while the minimalist aluminium dashboard and circular digital displays (inspired by the original car's analogue instruments) are a delight. 

According to Renault, the interior is deliberately pared back, with Renault's designers aiming to reduce visual clutter and create a feeling of lightness. The concept also uses physical buttons and controls rather than surrounding the driver with screens. 

Interestingly, the concept uses staggered wheel sizes – 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear – which reinforce the rear-biased character. There's plenty of motorsport-inspired design, too. The six-headlight front end references the six-lamp rally version of the original Renault 8 Gordini, while the rear cooling vents have been reinterpreted to help cool the electric motor.

Some of the cleverest details are at the back. The rear light panel is painted blue and then laser-etched, allowing the LEDs behind it to shine through the etched sections. When the lights are switched off, the stripes disappear into the blue bodywork. The concept also features carbonfibre bodywork and a removable front section rather than a conventional bonnet.

Pricing and on sale

Renault insists that it has no plans to put the Gordini concept into production. However, it’s worth remembering that former boss Luca de Meo said exactly the same thing about the Renault 5 Turbo 3E when it was unveiled in concept car form in 2022 before adding it to the range. Whether Renault can build a business case for a second limited-run, six-figure special remains to be said.

That said, the concept also raises an interesting question about Renault's future performance cars and whether the Gordini name could eventually return to production models.

Renault's design team has confirmed that some of the ideas showcased here – including the circular digital displays and certain exterior lighting details – could potentially be adapted for future production cars. Could that mean a Gordini-badged Renault 5 or 4 is in the pipeline? Well have to wait and see.   

Verdict

The 8 Gordini is an exquisite piece of design that really captures the spirit of one of Renault’s sporting greats. The interior is an exercise in styling restraint and it’s encouraging to see a concept where the designers have tried hard to reduce visual clutter and prioritise usability. Will it see the light of day as a production car? It seems unlikely given that Renault has no immediately obvious platform that could accommodate it in rear-wheel drive form. But as the 4 and 5 have proven, a huge number of buyers are happy to take a trip down memory line, so if bosses can get the numbers to work, it would be a very welcome addition to Renault’s EV line-up.