Renault 8 Gordini concept revives 1960s rally car as an EV

Renault is bringing back one of its most celebrated names from the 1960s, with an all-electric concept car based on the original 8 Gordini set to be revealed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show next month.

The Gordini name carries real weight among fans of French motorsport. The original Renault 8 Gordini was a small rear-engined saloon that earned a serious reputation on rally stages and circuits during the 1960s and early 1970s, and it remains a fondly remembered machine among enthusiasts who know their motoring history.

According to multiple reports, the new concept takes a retro-futuristic approach, drawing clearly on the look of the original car while packaging it around an electric drivetrain. Details of range, power output and any production intentions have not yet been confirmed ahead of the formal Paris reveal.

For everyday drivers, the concept is unlikely to point to something that will appear in showrooms any time soon, but it does signal Renault's continued interest in using its heritage to shape the character of future electric models. The marque has already shown with cars like the electric Renault 5 that it is willing to reach back into its past to make EVs feel more distinctive and appealing.