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 a new electric concept car based on the Gordini-tuned Renault 8 set to make its public debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show next month.

The original Renault 8 Gordini was a small but feisty saloon that earned a devoted following in rallying and motorsport during the 1960s. Its blue paintwork and twin white stripes became iconic in French motoring culture, and the Gordini name in particular carried a reputation for performance that outstripped the car's modest dimensions. According to multiple reports, the new concept draws directly on that heritage while packaging it around a fully electric drivetrain.

Details of the powertrain and technical specification have not yet been confirmed ahead of the reveal, but multiple reports describe the concept as radical in its design approach, combining retro styling cues from the original model with a forward-looking electric architecture. The project represents Renault's continued interest in mining its own back catalogue for inspiration, following a broader industry trend of reimagining historic nameplates for a modern audience.

The Paris Motor Show reveal will be the first opportunity for the public and press to see the concept in full. Whether it points toward a production model or remains a design study is not yet clear from information available ahead of the event, but the combination of an emotionally significant name and an electric powertrain is likely to attract considerable attention from enthusiasts and the wider automotive press alike.