CONCEPT CARS

Renault 8 Gordini Concept Reimagines a French Rally Legend as a 280-HP Electric Sports Car

Renault has brought one of its most celebrated performance icons into the electric era with the new Renault 8 Gordini concept, a dramatic modern interpretation of the legendary 1960s Renault 8 Gordini.

With its classic Bleu de France paintwork, rear-wheel drive, rear-mounted electric motor and unmistakable rally-inspired design, the concept combines Renault’s growing appetite for retro-inspired cars with the company’s increasingly electric future. Sadly for enthusiasts, Renault has confirmed that the Renault 8 Gordini concept will remain a design study rather than entering production.

The concept measures 4.12 meters in length and adopts a wide, low-slung stance that gives the small French sports car a considerably more aggressive presence than its 1960s predecessor. Unlike many modern reinterpretations that simply borrow styling cues from the past, Renault has attempted to preserve the character and proportions that made the original Renault 8 Gordini so memorable.

Renault 8 Gordini Goes Electric

The biggest difference is hidden beneath the retro-inspired bodywork.

The Renault 8 Gordini concept is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 280 hp and sending its power exclusively to the rear wheels. That configuration is particularly significant because it echoes the mechanical layout of the original Renault 8 Gordini, which was also rear-engined and rear-wheel drive.

Rather than turning the Gordini name into another front-wheel-drive electric hatchback, Renault has used the concept to explore what a compact, lightweight-feeling electric performance car could look like with a distinctly traditional layout.

The result is a combination of old-school proportions and modern electric performance technology.

A Modern Tribute to the Original Renault 8 Gordini

Visually, the Renault 8 Gordini concept leaves little doubt about its inspiration.

The body is finished in the iconic Gordini blue, commonly associated with the brand’s performance cars and motorsport heritage. White racing stripes extend across the hood, roof and rear deck, immediately connecting the concept with the competition-inspired Renault 8 Gordini of the 1960s.

The concept also features heavily flared wheel arches, prominent auxiliary-light housings and a pronounced rear spoiler. These details give the car the appearance of a modern rally machine rather than simply a nostalgic design exercise.

Large 19- and 20-inch wheels wrapped in wide, low-profile tires further emphasize its aggressive stance.

The proportions are perhaps the most interesting element. At 4.12 meters long, the concept remains relatively compact, but its wide body, low roofline and short overhangs create the visual impression of a much more serious sports car.

Minimalist Interior With a Motorsport Influence

Renault has taken a similarly focused approach inside the cabin.

Instead of filling the interior with an endless collection of screens, the Renault 8 Gordini concept uses a minimalist layout centered around two highly contoured seats. Digital displays are housed within separate round pods, creating a visual connection with the traditional instrumentation of performance cars.

That retro-inspired approach is reinforced by the use of physical switches, while aluminum and Alcantara add a distinctly motorsport-oriented atmosphere.

The interior therefore follows the same philosophy as the exterior: modern technology is present, but it is deliberately packaged in a way that recalls the analogue character of older performance cars.

Renault’s Retro Revival Continues

The Renault 8 Gordini concept is the latest in a growing series of Renault projects that look to the company’s heritage for inspiration.

The strategy has already produced successful production models inspired by the Renault 4 and Renault 5, while the latest-generation Twingo also draws heavily from the original model.

More recently, Renault unveiled a striking concept inspired by the Renault 17, demonstrating that the company sees its historic models as an important source of inspiration for future design.

The Renault 8 Gordini takes that approach in a different direction by combining heritage styling with a performance-focused electric powertrain.

It also demonstrates how Renault can reinterpret an iconic combustion-era sports car without simply recreating its original mechanical formula.

A Production Renault 8 Gordini Is Not Planned

For enthusiasts hoping to see the concept reach showrooms, there is disappointing news.

Renault has stated that there are currently no plans to put the Renault 8 Gordini concept into production. The car will therefore remain a design and engineering study rather than becoming a new member of Renault’s road-car lineup.

That decision is likely to make the concept even more intriguing for collectors and Renault enthusiasts, particularly given the historical importance of the Gordini name.

The original Renault 8 Gordini became one of the defining performance cars of its era, earning a reputation through competition and helping establish the Gordini name as one of the most recognizable performance badges in French automotive history.

Renault 8 Gordini Concept Debuts at the Paris Motor Show

The public will have its first opportunity to see the Renault 8 Gordini concept at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, which runs from October 12 through October 18.

For Renault, the concept represents more than a nostalgic styling exercise. It demonstrates how the visual character and mechanical philosophy of a legendary French sports car can be translated into the electric age.

With 280 hp, rear-wheel drive, a rear-mounted electric motor and an unmistakable Gordini-inspired design, the Renault 8 Gordini concept may never reach production—but it offers a compelling glimpse at what a modern electric French performance car could have been.

Renault 8 Gordini Concept: Key Facts

  • Length: 4.12 meters
  • Powertrain: Rear-mounted electric motor
  • Power: 280 hp
  • Drive: Rear-wheel drive
  • Body style: Two-door, three-box sports car
  • Wheels: 19- and 20-inch
  • Exterior color: Gordini Bleu de France
  • Design inspiration: 1960s Renault 8 Gordini
  • Production: Not planned
  • Public debut: Paris Motor Show
  • Motor show dates: October 12–18

The Renault 8 Gordini concept ultimately leaves enthusiasts with an intriguing question: could the legendary rear-engine French sports car have a future in the electric era? For now, Renault’s answer is only a concept—but this particular one makes a strong case for why lightweight, compact and driver-focused electric cars deserve a place alongside today’s larger performance EVs.

Source: Renault

News

Mercedes-Benz Strengthens Solid-State Battery Partnership With ProLogium as 1,205-km EV Range Becomes Reality

Mercedes-Benz is taking another major step toward the next generation of electric vehicles by deepening its partnership with Taiwanese battery specialist ProLogium. The agreement gives Mercedes-Benz priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation solid-state battery cells, allowing the German automaker to test technology that could significantly improve EV range, charging speed, safety and battery efficiency.

The partnership comes as the global automotive industry accelerates its development of solid-state batteries, widely regarded as one of the most important potential breakthroughs in electric vehicle technology.

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries replace it with a non-flammable solid material. The change has the potential to deliver higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety and longer battery life while potentially reducing some of the limitations associated with today’s EV battery technology.

Mercedes-Benz Gets Priority Access to ProLogium Gen4 Solid-State Cells

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together for more than a decade, developing and evaluating advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.

Under the strengthened partnership, Mercedes-Benz will receive priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic battery cells. The German automaker will conduct electrical, thermal and safety testing at its own facilities as well as through independent third-party testing institutes.

ProLogium’s Gen4 technology uses ceramic separator technology combined with a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte. According to the company, the architecture is designed to provide high power output while also supporting rapid charging.

For Mercedes-Benz, the agreement provides an opportunity to evaluate the technology under demanding automotive conditions before potential integration into future production EVs.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to shaping the future of electric mobility through technological leadership and innovation,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

“Our long-standing partnership with ProLogium is a strong example of how we bring the best expertise together to advance next-generation battery technologies. By combining ProLogium’s pioneering solid-state battery approach with Mercedes-Benz’s deep battery development, testing and integration capabilities, we are taking the next step in exploring advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.”

Why Solid-State Batteries Matter for Electric Cars

Battery technology remains one of the biggest areas of competition among automakers, and solid-state batteries could address several of the key limitations of current electric vehicles.

A higher energy density would allow automakers to store more energy without necessarily increasing battery-pack size or weight. For consumers, that could translate into longer driving ranges from similarly sized battery packs.

Fast charging is another major target. If solid-state cells can achieve consistently high charging speeds without compromising durability or safety, future EVs could spend considerably less time connected to a charger.

Safety is equally important. The non-flammable nature of the electrolyte used in ProLogium’s lithium ceramic technology could reduce some of the thermal risks associated with conventional battery systems.

The technology could therefore have an impact beyond simply increasing driving range. A successful solid-state battery could influence vehicle packaging, weight, charging infrastructure requirements and overall EV performance.

Mercedes-Benz Is Testing More Than One Solid-State Battery Technology

ProLogium is not Mercedes-Benz’s only partner in the race toward solid-state batteries.

The German manufacturer is also working with U.S.-based Factorial Energy, testing lithium-metal solid-state battery technology.

That partnership has already produced a striking real-world demonstration.

A Mercedes-Benz EQS fitted with a Factorial solid-state battery pack completed a test drive covering 748.8 miles, or 1,205 kilometers, on a single charge. Even more significant, Mercedes-Benz said the vehicle still had an estimated 85 miles, or 137 kilometers, of range remaining when the test ended.

That suggests a theoretical total range of more than 1,340 kilometers under the conditions of the test, although the result should not be interpreted as an official production-vehicle WLTP range figure.

Nevertheless, the test demonstrates why automakers are investing heavily in solid-state technology. Range figures approaching or exceeding 1,000 kilometers could fundamentally change how consumers perceive long-distance electric travel.

ProLogium Is Preparing for European Battery Production

ProLogium already operates a large battery manufacturing facility in Taiwan, but the company’s European expansion could become particularly important for Mercedes-Benz and other automakers on the continent.

The company is planning a battery manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, France, with a projected capacity of up to 44 GWh.

The French plant is intended to supply battery cells to customers across Europe, potentially giving ProLogium a strategically important manufacturing base close to major automotive markets.

For Mercedes-Benz, local European battery production could also simplify future supply chains if ProLogium’s technology progresses from testing to series production.

Mercedes-Benz Is Joining a Global Solid-State Battery Race

Mercedes-Benz is far from alone in pursuing solid-state batteries.

Major automakers including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BYD and Chery are also investing in or testing various forms of next-generation battery technology.

The approaches differ significantly. Some companies are focusing on lithium-metal architectures, while others are developing ceramic, sulfide or alternative solid electrolytes.

The industry is also moving from laboratory development toward vehicle-level testing, suggesting that solid-state batteries are gradually transitioning from a long-term research project into a potential production technology.

The biggest challenge remains scaling. A battery cell can perform impressively in laboratory or prototype testing, but producing millions of reliable cells at competitive cost is a much more difficult engineering and manufacturing problem.

The Next Big Step for Mercedes-Benz EVs

The strengthened ProLogium partnership does not mean that a production Mercedes-Benz EV with Gen4 solid-state batteries is ready to launch. The cells must still undergo extensive electrical, thermal, safety, durability and integration testing before any decision on mass production can be made.

However, Mercedes-Benz’s parallel work with ProLogium and Factorial Energy shows that the company is pursuing multiple solid-state battery solutions rather than relying on a single technology.

If these technologies successfully make the transition into high-volume production, the implications could be substantial. Longer range, significantly faster charging, lower battery weight and improved safety could make future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles fundamentally different from today’s EQ models.

For now, ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic cells represent another important step in that development process. And with Mercedes-Benz gaining priority access for testing, the partnership could provide an early look at what the next generation of long-range electric cars will be capable of.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

NEW CARS

2027 Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback With Hybrid, PHEV, EV and GR Performance Versions

Toyota appears to be preparing a major transformation for one of its most important nameplates. The next-generation Toyota Corolla is reportedly set to move beyond the conventional sedan and hatchback formulas, potentially adopting a liftback body style while expanding its powertrain lineup to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and high-performance GR variants.

The Corolla remains one of Toyota’s strongest sellers in the United States despite its age. Toyota dealers delivered 131,403 Corolla models during the first six months of the year, representing a 9.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. That growth is particularly notable considering the current-generation Corolla has been on the market for almost a decade.

However, a replacement is reportedly on the way.

Next-Generation Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback

Toyota has already hinted at the design direction of the next Corolla. A teaser released over the summer appeared to preview the upcoming model, with styling cues reportedly influenced by the Toyota Corolla Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

According to a report from Car and Driver, Toyota could make a significant change to the Corolla lineup by replacing the traditional sedan with a liftback.

Such a move would allow Toyota to effectively combine the characteristics of the existing Corolla sedan and hatchback into a single model. A liftback could retain the practicality of a hatchback while offering a more streamlined silhouette closer to that of a conventional sedan.

The strategy would also fit with Toyota CEO Koji Sato’s broader push to reduce the number of vehicle variants offered by the company. Simplifying the lineup could help Toyota reduce complexity and improve profitability.

That raises an obvious question: does Toyota really need separate Corolla sedan and hatchback models when the company already offers the Corolla Cross?

For now, Toyota has not confirmed whether the next Corolla will adopt the liftback configuration.

Updated TNGA-C Platform Expected

The next-generation Corolla is reportedly expected to continue using Toyota’s TNGA-C architecture, albeit in an updated form.

That would allow Toyota to retain an established platform while incorporating new powertrain technologies and potentially improving efficiency, packaging and driving dynamics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the new Corolla could be the sheer number of propulsion options. Reports suggest Toyota could offer as many as four distinct powertrain configurations.

That would give the Corolla one of the broadest powertrain strategies in its segment.

New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Focus on Efficiency

The hybrid version is expected to remain a core part of the Corolla lineup.

According to current reports, the next Corolla Hybrid could use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with Toyota’s hybrid technology. Total system output is reportedly expected to be around 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS).

That figure would be broadly similar to the output of the current Corolla Hybrid, meaning Toyota may prioritize efficiency rather than outright performance.

And that could be the more important upgrade.

Fuel economy is reportedly expected to improve by approximately 10 to 20 percent. If that estimate materializes, the next Corolla Hybrid could become significantly more competitive in a market where fuel efficiency remains one of the model’s defining advantages.

An all-wheel-drive option could also remain available, following the formula used by the current Corolla Hybrid.

Plug-In Hybrid Corolla Could Offer More Electric Driving

Toyota is also reportedly preparing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Corolla.

The Corolla PHEV would presumably use a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid, allowing it to travel considerably farther on electric power alone.

A more powerful electric motor is also expected.

Toyota has been expanding its plug-in hybrid strategy across several markets, and introducing the technology to the Corolla could give the compact car another way to bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

For buyers who want lower fuel consumption without committing entirely to an EV, a Corolla Plug-In Hybrid could become an important addition to the lineup.

Fully Electric Toyota Corolla Also Expected

Perhaps the biggest change could be the arrival of a fully electric Corolla.

Reports indicate that the next-generation Corolla EV could offer at least 250 miles (402 km) of range. An optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is also reportedly under consideration.

If those specifications become reality, the electric Corolla would occupy a very different position from today’s gasoline and hybrid models, effectively turning the Corolla nameplate into a broader electrified family.

The dual-motor configuration could also give the EV considerably more performance than the efficiency-focused hybrid versions.

Toyota has historically taken a multi-path approach to electrification rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric vehicles, and a Corolla lineup featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV models would fit directly into that strategy.

Gasoline Corolla Could Get a Turbocharged Engine

Despite the expansion of electrified powertrains, Toyota reportedly isn’t abandoning the internal-combustion Corolla.

The conventional gasoline-powered model could receive either a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine.

That would represent a significant change from the naturally aspirated engines used in many versions of the current Corolla and could provide a stronger combination of performance and efficiency.

The exact engine configuration remains unclear, but turbocharging could give the next Corolla more low-end torque while allowing Toyota to maintain relatively modest engine displacement.

GR Corolla Could Become a 400-PS Hot Hatch

At the top of the performance range, the GR Corolla is expected to continue with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

However, the next-generation model could become considerably more powerful.

Reports suggest Toyota could target as much as 395 hp (295 kW/400 PS) for the next GR Corolla. That would push the compact performance car toward the 400-hp threshold and represent a substantial increase over the current model.

The GR Corolla’s existing formula—compact dimensions, turbocharged power and all-wheel drive—has already made it one of the most distinctive performance cars in Toyota’s lineup. More power could take the next-generation version into an even more serious performance category.

Whether the reported 395-hp figure becomes production reality remains to be seen.

One Corolla, Four Powertrain Strategies

If the reports prove accurate, Toyota could transform the Corolla from a relatively conventional compact car into a comprehensive family of electrified and performance-oriented models.

The expected lineup could look something like this:

  • Corolla Hybrid: 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, around 134 hp, with potential AWD
  • Corolla Plug-In Hybrid: Larger battery and more powerful electric motor
  • Corolla EV: At least 250 miles of estimated range, with optional dual-motor AWD
  • Corolla Gasoline: Turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine
  • GR Corolla: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with potentially up to 395 hp

That would give Toyota a way to cover everything from maximum fuel efficiency to near-400-hp performance under a single globally recognized nameplate.

Source: Toyota

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