Many electric cars feel like boring appliances on wheels, but Renault is committed to making its EVs fun and full of character. It’s done this with models like the 4 and 5 E-Tech, plus the insane, limited-run 5 Turbo 3E hyper hatch with 550 horsepower. Soon, the French brand may follow up that model with a production version of the new 8 Gordini concept.
This wild creation, which premiered at this week’s Paris Motor Show, is inspired by the iconic 8 Gordini of the ’60s and takes the form of a compact two-seater coupe that absolutely nails the retro design brief. While Renault didn’t announce plans to build a production version when presenting the concept, company boss Fabrice Cambolive is open to the idea, only after deliveries of the 5 Turbo 3E start.
“With the R5 Turbo 3, we wanted to show that Renault has the capacity to be sporty and fun with an EV,” he told Autocar. “And when we discussed Gordini, we wanted to show we could do an electric car with a lot of emotions, sportiness and desirability. And nobody told me ‘ah, it’s electric, I don’t like the car’…First we have to sell the R5 Turbo 3E, and then deliver the first examples. After the Turbo 3E, the Gordini could be one of the opportunities.”
A new Gordini could be the perfect sports car for Renault
Renault hasn’t said what architecture the 8 Gordini concept sits on, but has revealed it uses a rear-mounted electric motor with 266 hp. That’s not much power for a car that looks as special as this, but we think it’d be enough to make it plenty of fun to drive. If Renault does want to make a production version, it could presumably use the same dual-motor electric powertrain as the 5 Turbo 3E. However, that would force it to push up the price and put the new car at odds with its predecessor.
“The original 8 was a very humble car, a sort of working-class hero,” added Renault’s concept car boss Roman Gauvin. “We wanted to keep that honesty for this concept. It’s not a two-meter-wide, 1000bhp machine: it’s still approachable and makes you smile. It’s about how we position ourselves against sports car brands: for us, it’s the fun factor. We’re not here to design a car that’s going to shave half a second off a lap time at the Nürburgring; it’s fun, small, agile and nimble.”
Those at Renault backing a production version would also need to present a compelling business case. Nevertheless, a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe like this could be the perfect way to convince traditional Renault enthusiasts to switch to an EV. Make it happen Renault.
