Renault considers Gordini sports coupe, but must sell the 5 Turbo 3E first
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Renault could launch a new electric sports coupe based on the 8 Gordini concept, inspired by a 1960s rally legend. The French manufacturer sees it as a way to continue its tradition of limited-production sports cars, but no production decision has yet been made. First, it must successfully bring the 5 Turbo 3E to market, priced at around €155,000.
199 kW and rear-wheel drive, not another power record
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept is a two-seat electric coupe measuring 4120 mm long, 1880 mm wide and just 1270 mm high. A 199 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels, but Renault is not disclosing battery capacity, range or acceleration figures.
The car's styling draws inspiration from the 1964 Renault 8 Gordini. Classic white stripes, blue paintwork, six headlights and flared wheel arches recall the rally car of the era. It rides on 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.
Unlike the original four-door saloon, the new Gordini is a low-slung two-door coupe whose carbon-fibre body and sporty proportions emphasise driving enjoyment.
Renault wants to offer more than fast lap times
Renault chief Fabrice Cambolive confirmed in an interview with Autocar that the Gordini could form the basis of the next limited-production sports car. He said Renault does not want to build a car whose sole purpose is to shave half a second off a Nürburgring lap time. Compact dimensions, agility and driving enjoyment are more important.
First, however, Renault must put the 5 Turbo 3E into production. Production of the electric car, which develops around 397 kW, will begin in 2028, with a total of 1980 examples to be built.
Only after the first cars have been delivered will Renault decide whether developing another limited-production sports car is worthwhile.
Will the Gordini find buyers in Europe?
In Europe's sports car market, a small rear-wheel-drive electric coupe could offer an alternative to increasingly heavy and powerful models. Renault also has its own sports car brand, Alpine, so any potential Gordini would need a clearly distinct character.
The most sensible approach would be to focus on low weight and handling, rather than trying to compete with Porsche or BMW on power figures.
For now, however, the 8 Gordini remains a one-off concept car that will later go to Renault's museum. A potential production model would require a separate development programme.
The most exciting aspect of a Gordini comeback is therefore not the electric motor, but Renault's desire to build a sports car whose value is not measured solely in kilowatts. Whether the French manufacturer can bring that idea to life at a reasonable price is a much more difficult question.
