User blog comment:Rammingspeed/Robot Wars Rebooted: Episode 4 Predictions/@comment-9751413-20160814202417/@comment-979907-20160817020151

I actually spoke to Ed Hoppitt yesterday about this, and he said that the producers were keen for continuity (they insisted on Storm 2, rather than a new robot), and whilst there's no rule against referencing the old series, they just aren't.

''I don't think production were quite sure if they needed a totally clean break, or if they wanted to follow-on - so what you get is a slightly bizarre odd middle ground. They acknowledge famous machines and success, but like you say, aren't quite how to say why...''

He went on to say that he believes Series 2 (2017 series?) will be more comfortable referencing the original show. Some of the interviews mention the previous series, but I'm yet to see any broadcast. I'd say the show is being careful to hook in new fans who might feel like they're not getting the full picture if there's references to a show over 10 years ago.