Renault has dipped back into its performance-car history to create the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, transforming the 1960s sports sedan into a low-slung, two-seat electric coupe.
The one-off concept produces 270hp (201kW) from an electric motor and adopts proportions more akin to a modern rally car than the boxy four-door Renault 8 on which its inspiration is based. And it is great to see this doesn’t produce a million horsepower; 200kW is plenty for a fun drive, especially if the package is relatively light in weight.
Measuring 4120mm long, 1880mm wide and just 1270mm tall, the concept rides on staggered wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Its wide track, heavily-pumped wheel arches and compact cabin give it a substantially more aggressive stance than the original.
There are still plenty of references to the classic R8 Gordini, however. The squared-off wheel arches have been retained, while six circular headlights reinterpret the additional driving lights used on competition versions of the original car. A ventilation grille at the back and small shell-shaped mirrors are also deliberate throwbacks.
Perhaps the most recognisable detail is the blue paintwork and pair of white stripes. Renault has taken the famous Gordini stripes a step further this time, using them as part of the actual design rather than simply applying them over the finished body. And the theme continues into the cabin across the dashboard.
Inside, Renault has gone for a minimalist motorsport theme, using brushed aluminium and Alcantara rather than filling the dashboard with large screens. A row of circular digital instruments sits across the aluminium dash, while bucket seats feature blue corduroy inserts as another reference to the original.
The original Renault 8 Gordini arrived in 1964, using a rear-mounted 95hp engine driving the rear wheels. It became an accessible performance model well before the hot-hatch era and developed a significant following through motorsport.
Renault isn’t suggesting the new concept is destined for production. Instead, it forms part of a growing collection of heritage-inspired one-offs, following projects such as the R17 electric restomod and Renault 5 Diamant.
The Renault 8 Gordini Concept will make its public debut at the Renault Carwalk on September 24 before appearing at the 2026 Paris Motor Show from October 12-18. It will eventually join Renault’s historical collection at the company’s upcoming museum in Flins.
