Automakers constantly roll out concept cars to gauge public reaction, but it is rare for a design study to completely hijack the automotive internet years after its debut. The Renault R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ïto was initially unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, yet a recent viral post proves the public's obsession with the vehicle hasn't faded.As captured in the X post, user @protosphinx summed up the demand perfectly: "Renault pls make this a production car, and you'll instantly become the coolest car maker, I guarantee it."Here is a deeper dive into the machine that has people begging Renault to take their money.Reimagining a 1971 IconDeveloped in collaboration with renowned French designer Ora Ïto, the R17 concept is built on the bones of the original Renault 17 sports coupé that launched in 1971.AdvertisementAdvertisementInstead of starting completely from scratch, the design team retained the original monocoque structure, meaning the restomod uses the exact same cabin dimensions, doors, windows, and underbody as its 1970s ancestor. From there, the team completely modernized the package to handle a high-performance electric powertrain:The Powertrain: The original 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine was scrapped in favor of a rear-mounted electric motor producing 270 horsepower (199 kW).The Range: The battery system provides an estimated range of 248 miles (400 km) on a single charge.The Stance: To improve driving dynamics and give the car a much more aggressive, muscular look, the body was widened by 17 cm compared to the original.The Weight: Unlike most modern EVs that suffer from massive curb weights, the R17 utilizes a carbon-fiber chassis that keeps the car tipping the scales at a remarkably light 1.4 tonnes (1,400 kg)."Galactic Brown" and Cyberpunk DetailsThe visual appeal of the R17—which is stunningly captured in the auto show floor footage (shown below)—is a masterclass in blending retro aesthetics with futuristic hardware.The body is draped in a custom color dubbed "Galactic Brown," developed exclusively for this specific show car. Ora Ïto replaced the original round headlights with sleek, rectangular yellow-tinted LED modules that sit deep within a menacing front fascia. At the rear, the car features a minimalist, full-width LED taillight strip. Crucially, the iconic side louvers on the rear quarter windows were kept fully intact as a nod to the 1971 original.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe interior is equally stunning. The cabin features a squared-off, neo-rectangular steering wheel and a dashboard layout that incorporates four small geometric screens inspired by analog dials. The original "petal" seat structures were retained but heavily upgraded, featuring premium heathered brown Merino wool and beige wool bouclé.The Brutal Reality: Will They Build It?Despite the massive social media hype and demands for production, Renault has delivered some heartbreaking news. The automaker currently has no plans to mass-produce the R17 Electric Restomod. It is strictly a one-off design exercise intended to be showcased at global events.Engineering a carbon-fiber, 270-hp restomod based on a 50-year-old chassis architecture is incredibly difficult to scale for mass production, and if it were built, the price tag would likely be astronomical.However, the R17 serves a crucial purpose. Renault is already bringing back its classic Renault 4 and Renault 5 as mass-market EVs with heavy retro styling.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile we may never be able to buy the R17 concept, the overwhelmingly positive internet reaction guarantees that Ora Ïto's sharp, retro-futuristic design language will heavily influence the next generation of Renault's production vehicles.