Renault thinks its latest concept deserves a spot in the record books.
The French automaker has just unveiled an outrageous-looking electric prototype called the Filante Record 2025. And, as the name makes clear, the vehicle was designed with the express intent of setting new records for power consumption and range.
As impressive as records may be, any conversation about the Filante Record 2025 has to start with its design. It may only be January, but it’s hard to imagine the single-seater won’t be among the most visually striking concepts of the year. The stretched-out vehicle looks like a streamlined interpretation of the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman films with its long nose and giant fenders. Despite the futuristic vibe of its sculptural shape, the design takes inspiration from some of the great Renaults decades past, including the 1925 40 CV des Records (which inspired the headlights), the 1934 Nervasport des Records (the stance), and the 1956 Etoile Filante (the fenders).
But the car’s bold exterior, which also features several elements inspired by the field of aeronautics, isn’t just meant to look cool. The ultra-sleek shape of the vehicle—which, at 51.2 metres long, measures just shy of 5.18 metres bumper-to-bumper—was designed to optimize aerodynamic flow, allowing it to cut through the air with minimal resistance.
“We designed this vehicle as a sculpture in motion. Inspired by fighter planes and the speed records of the nineteenth century, it reflects both performance and timeless elegance,” Sandeep Bhambra, the automaker’s director of advanced design, said in a statement.
The Filante Record 2025 may look huge, but it is something of a lightweight, especially when compared to other EVs, like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which can weigh over 2,268 kg. Renault says the car tips the scales at just 1,000 kg, which, as Motor1.com points out, puts it in the same weight class as a compact sports car like the Mazda Miata. Of that weight, 600kg comes from the concept’s battery alone. Renault was able to limit the rest of the vehicle’s weight to under 408 kg by utilising a composite chassis made of a unique mixture of aluminium, steel alloys, and carbon. AI simulation software was also used to rid the concept of all but the most necessary parts and materials.
Renault’s announcement doesn’t include any powertrain details, but the automaker revealed that the prototype is powered by an 87-kWh battery. It shares a capacity with the pack found in the company’s Scenic E-Tech, but should improve on the compact SUV’s 620km range thanks to a special carbon casing. The concept is also fitted with a bespoke set of 19-inch Michelin tyres designed to reduce energy dissipation and maximise the contact patch.
There appear to be no plans to put the Filante Record 2025 into production, but Renault will build at least one example which it will use to chase records later this year. The company was careful not to mentioned any specific performance targets, but it’s clear that it is aiming to beat the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept record-setting range of 1,202km range which was achieved when it drove between Stuttgart, Germany, and Silverstone, England, on a single charge in 2022.
Previously published on Robb Report USA
Photography by Renault
