Concept cars may be an inherently American addition to the automotive industry, but that hasn’t stopped our global counterparts from honing the craft. Perhaps no country understands the practice better than France, which is consistently responsible for some rather incredible (non-production) sheet metal. With the 2026 French Open of tennis just around the corner, Renault is ready to impress fans with its latest take on a summer cruiser. This is the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept, a 70s-inspired Fiat Jolly-esque, beach-cruising EV you might actually want to drive.
This Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is the fourth model in a series of concepts based on the road-going EV, joining the vexingly-named Fl4wer Power, Savane 4×4 and Vision 4Rescue. Unfortunately for all of us, Renault is quite clear about the fact that this particular machine has no chance of reaching production. That’s a shame, as the setup is striking. The concept itself looks to the brand’s own Plein Air and JP4 models of yesteryear, leaning heavily into the “leisure” elements of those cars. As the name suggests, this JP4 throwback is bolstered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, enhancing traction and beachcombing capabilities.
The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is visually defined by the open-air elements, which include bespoke doors and cross-shaped “openwork” roof, removing much of the visual structure from the design. The emerald green bodywork pops against the orange-hued interior, which itself takes inspiration from the iconic “Egyptian mummy” seats found in Renault’s icons of the 1970s. The center console also now features a bespoke floating design, which helps the Renault 4 feel a bit more upmarket. Because the car itself is supposed to represent fun and leisure, it also packs a roof-mounted surfboard and a set of skateboards mounted in the trunk.
The changes aren’t just visual. Renault has raised the ride height 15 mm compared to the production car, while also punching the front and rear tracks out an additional 10mm on either side. And while the concept retains an 18-inch wheel like the road car, these units are inspired by the original JP4 model. Renault has also upgraded the rubber compound by way of some Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tires.
With crossovers and SUVs dominating nearly every aspect of our industry, it’s nice to remember a time when the automotive world was a bit more open-ended. Renault is correct in assuming that there isn’t a huge market for beach cars these days, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t love to see one in small numbers. They might just be the best niche of automotive design after all.
You Might Also Like