Yahoo News Les Intouchables: In an EV World, French Car Design Has Kept Every Bit of Its Charisma
Electric cars might be the future, but the French aren't about to forsake the past for them. Instead, they're merging new and old in a series of retro-inspired voitures. These vehicles—three concepts and two production cars—are today's modern takes on some of France's most famous designs.
From the November/December 2024 issue of Car and Driver.
Renault R17
A joint project from Renault and French designer Ora Ïto, the R17 concept car is based on the original Renault 17 sports coupe from 1971. Weighing just over 3000 pounds, according to Renault, this rear-wheel-drive EV packs 270 horsepower.
The interior blends new and old with small displays tucked into binnacles and attractive wool upholstery. The R17's body is 6.7 inches wider than the original and is draped over a new carbon-fiber chassis.
DS SM Tribute
The original SM was a weird car, but Citroën luxury offshoot DS has doubled down on making its SM Tribute concept unique. The aerodynamic body and rear wheel spats are obvious throwbacks, while a thin LED taillight strip wrapping around the derrière lends a more modern flair.
Inside is a sleek fresh take on curved displays. The cabin is upholstered in ivory-colored leather and Alcantara and an ornate sunlike laser engraving adorns the doors.
Renault 5 E-Tech
Unlike the concepts above, the Renault 5 E-Tech vaulted over the wall and landed in reality, although not U.S.-market reality. The new 5 retains the original Renault 5's cutesy and minimalist charm.
The single, front-mounted electric motor comes in three power outputs, maxing out at 148 horsepower. The cabin features a pair of large screens and snazzy fabric decor.
Renault 4 E-Tech
Renault is continuing its retro assault with the 4 E-Tech, which harkens back to one of the automaker's most popular cars of all time. While the styling isn't as overtly referential as the 5 E-Tach, it still echoes its forefather with circular headlights and a small rear quarter-window.
The cabin looks modern, full of screens and ambient lighting. The powertrain is largely shared with the smaller and less expensive 5 E-Tech.
Renault Twingo Legend
Renault is set to revive yet another name from its past with a fourth generation of the tiny Twingo hatchback. So far shown in concept form, the Twingo is expected to return to European roads in 2026 with an affordable price tag.
The Twingo Legend concept shown in 2023 emulates the first-generation model launched in 1992 with a cutesy, cheerful face, and the retro design is expected to make production.
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