By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Renault continues to turn to its past to inspire its future, this time, courtesy of a new look R8 Gordini.
Hot on the heels of retro-inspired models reviving the Renault 4 and 5 and 17 electric restomod, the French car makers are getting ready to unveil its latest classic 60s reboot.
The original Renault 8 was a rear-engined, real-wheel-drive family saloon launched in 1962. It came with a modest 956cc engine.
Two years later along came the more powerful R8 Gordini providing Renault with a lively rally car option and 95 bhp!
In 1967, the Gordini was given a facelift including additional headlights and an engine upgrade to a 1255cc unit.
Production of the Renault 8 lasted until 1973 in France and for a further three years in Spain. Over 1.3 million cars were sold including 12,200 of the Gordini version.
Now the stunning new electric Concept 8 has been designed entirely in-house as a rally-style reboot of the Gordini.
The concept model keeps loosely to the original boxy shape, but in coupe form. The front end features a bold set of four round headlights, paired with two large fog lights.
Inside, six circular digital displays sit on a brushed aluminium dashboard along with a range of aluminium buttons on a centre console.
It’s not known whether the Renault 8 Gordini Concept will make full production, but the motoring world will get a chance to see this exciting prototype at the Paris Motor Show, starting 12 October.