Renault 8 Gordini Concept Debuts as a 270-HP Rear-Wheel-Drive Electric Coupe

Renault has unveiled the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, an all-electric one-off coupe that pays homage to one of the most celebrated performance cars in the French brand's history. The project represents another step in Renault's ongoing strategy of exploring its heritage, following the production versions of the electric Twingo, Renault 4, and Renault 5, as well as the R17 electric restomod and the wild 5 Turbo 3E.

The design emerged from an internal competition that saw more than 300 sketches submitted, spanning styles from traditional retro to futuristic concepts. Two proposals were advanced to the 2:5-scale model stage before designers merged their finest elements into the finished vehicle. Unlike the original four-door sedan, the modern concept is a low-slung, wide-bodied two-seat coupe. It measures 4.12 meters (162.2 inches) in length, 1.88 meters (74.0 inches) in width, and stands just 1.27 meters (50.0 inches) tall. It features 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.

In place of the classic gasoline engine mounted in the tail, the modern Gordini is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 270 horsepower, driving the rear wheels in a deliberate tribute to the rear-wheel-drive layout of the original. Visually, the concept retains iconic cues such as the Bleu de France paint finish, signature double white stripes, squared-off wheel arches, round headlights, and a sculpted tail reminiscent of the 62-year-old original. The classic recessed body line now serves an aerodynamic purpose by funneling airflow into a cooling vent. The double white stripes are integrated into the architecture of the car, aligning with the cowl grille, dashboard trim, and illuminated rear lighting graphics.

The interior avoids massive touchscreens in favor of a minimalist brushed-aluminum dashboard featuring a row of small circular digital gauges inspired by the original car. The cabin is trimmed in Alcantara, while the bucket seats are upholstered in blue corduroy and accompanied by a prominent red stopwatch button. Additional heritage Easter eggs include redesigned Gordini lettering, an "8" badge made of eight distinct segments, shell-shaped exterior mirrors, and a six-lamp front lighting signature inspired by the vintage rally version. The one-off concept is strictly a design exercise with no production plans, and it will be presented to the public at the 2026 Paris Motor Show from October 12 to 18.