Renault Filante Record 2025
Record attempt to be held in early 2025
Developed as a modern-day record breaker, the Filante Record 2025 will be unveiled at Retromobile and will then attempt to break new records for fuel economy and range in the first half of 2025.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 was developed as a fully electric concept car with an innovative design that combines Renault’s history with the future vision of the latest electric mobility.
The avant-garde single-seater pays homage to Renault’s record-breakers, including the 1925 40 CV des Records, the 1934 Nervasport and the 1956 Etoile Filante.
The Filante Record 2025, with a design inspired by aeronautics and Renault’s history, will be unveiled to the public at Europe’s largest classic car show, Retromobile, which will be held in Versailles, Paris from February 5th to 9th. It will then attempt to set new records for power consumption and driving range in the first half of 2025.
Sandeep Bhambra, Advanced Design Director at Renault and Ampere (the Renault Group’s EV division), explained the Filante Record 2025:
“We designed this concept car as a moving sculpture. Inspired by fighter planes and speed records from the 20th century, it reflects performance and timeless elegance. Every surface has been carefully crafted to capture the light and create a body line that blends into the air. The blue windows and color palette further enhance this light feeling.”
A tribute to record breakers and fighter jets
Its avant-garde and unique form incorporates the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft, including fighter jets that break the speed of sound, as well as Renault’s historic record-breakers.
The Filante Recode 2025 features a new bodywork color scheme called “Ultraviolet Blue,” which can appear either blue or violet depending on the light reflection and viewing angle. This color, reminiscent of the 40CV De Recode, was newly formulated for this concept car.
Renault and Ligier Automotive collaborated to optimize aerodynamics and performance, with bold circular headlamps, free-standing wheels from the 40 CV des Records and Nervasport des Records, wheel fairings from the Etoile Filante, and a sharp grille and cabin position taken from the 40 CV des Records.
The design was inspired not only by historic Renault record breakers, but also by the world of aviation: the cabin features an aerodynamic bubble reminiscent of a fighter jet canopy, and the bodywork recalls the curves and shapes of aircraft that fly faster than the speed of sound, with aerodynamics thoroughly pursued to reduce air resistance.
The front and rear wheel fairings improve aerodynamic performance while adding a key styling accent to the vehicle. They optimise airflow and, combined with the wide side wheel flanges, give the vehicle a unified look.
To reduce the weight of the chassis and body without compromising structural strength, carbon fiber has been used to the maximum extent possible in each component. Rigidity levels and safety have been optimized, and the weight has been kept below 1,000 kg, despite the vehicle being equipped with a 600 kg battery. Full-scale wind tunnel testing is also planned for spring 2025. During this test, simulation results will be verified on a full-scale model, and various fine-tuning adjustments will be made to the vehicle design to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance.
A cockpit reminiscent of an aircraft or F1 car
The single-seater cockpit features an upward-rising aerodynamic bubble and a steering wheel reminiscent of an aircraft control stick.
The cockpit follows the same approach as the exterior, taking inspiration from the worlds of aviation and spacecraft to maximize performance, comfort and efficiency, with all essential systems within easy reach of the driver, including safety features, canopy opening and closing, cruise control, acceleration and braking.
The driver’s seat is made from stretch canvas in a hammock-like style, offering optimal support and a lightweight design that is also sustainable: the seat is supported by thin carbon blades covered in technical textiles, inspired by the aerospace industry, where every gram counts.
The steering wheel, featuring an innovative control architecture, uses fully electronic steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technology to provide full control of accelerator, brake and steering functions, eliminating the traditional pedal assembly and allowing brake force to be managed by the electronic control system.
A flexible panoramic screen is located in the center of the steering wheel, providing a clear and immediate display of key data such as speed, range and driving parameters. The steering wheel is fitted with discreet controls made from Skelmalloy alloy, developed by AP Works, an Airbus subsidiary. The steering wheel is attached to the cockpit’s aerodynamic bubble, which rises upward when the valve is deployed, making it easier for the driver to enter and exit the vehicle.
The F1-inspired driving position ensures a safe and secure view, with the driver’s legs positioned above the battery for excellent weight balance.
