The Renault Filante Record 2025 concept looks like a supercar but ultimate speed is not as high a priority as exceptional efficiency. An advanced technology demonstrator with a fully electric drivetrain, it fuses Renault’s rich heritage with a futuristic vision of electric mobility.
The Filante Record 2025 also pays tribute to the history and heritage of the brand, which has always seen motorsports and records as a way to validate its innovations, before applying them to production models.
Inspired by the legendary 40 CV des Records (1925 – 1926), Nervasport des Records (1934) and Etoile Filante (1956), this single-seater appears to be sculpted by air. It is not only an exercise in style, but also a demonstration of exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and cutting-edge technology. It is a running prototype and, later in the year, will attempt to establish a new record for efficiency.
“We designed this vehicle as a sculpture in motion. Inspired by fighter planes and the speed records of the 19th century, it reflects both performance and timeless elegance. Every inch of the surface was crafted to capture the light and showcase the body lines, which appear to melt into the air. The blue windows and colour palette further underline this light and airy impression. The design as a whole seeks to convey an impression of flow and lightness,” said Sandeep Bhambra, Director of Advanced Design, Renault and Ampere.
Historical influences revisited
The concept car’s bodywork is finished in Ultraviolet Blue, a new shade that looks blue or violet depending on the reflections of the light and the viewing angle. Reminiscent of the 40 CV des Records, this colour was recreated specially for Filante Record 2025.
Many other details also bring to mind the iconic models that inspired the design of the concept car. Integrating smoothly and harmoniously with the vehicle’s futuristic vision, they create a natural dialogue between past and future.
However, it is the world of aeronautics that provides the main inspiration for the car. With its protective aerodynamic bubble, the cabin brings to mind a fighter jet. At the same time, every detail of the bodywork has been optimised to reduce drag, with features that bring to mind the curves and shapes of high-performance aircraft.
In pursuit of efficiency and performance
Weight was also a priority in the design of Filante Record 2025. This is clear in every detail, down to the finish. The visible screws on the bodywork are inspired by aircraft construction techniques. The purpose is not only to make the car lighter but also to give it a contemporary, high-tech look.
The design is part of an approach to push the limits of efficiency and performance. From the aerodynamic fairings to the lightweight chassis, every feature was designed to maximise energy efficiency. At the same time, the historic and aeronautical inspiration give this vehicle a unique personality, with its sights set squarely on the future.
Cockpit designed for performance
The interior design takes the same approach as the exterior, with a cockpit inspired by the worlds of aviation and space travel, in which every detail is designed to maximise performance, comfort and efficiency. In this simplified environment, each component or system (safety and opening functions, cruise control, accelerator, braking, etc) is within easy reach of the driver, with a design geared towards ergonomics and weight reduction.
The choice of materials also reflects this thinking. The driver’s seat, for example, is made from stretched canvas, similar in style to a hammock, for a lightweight design with optimum support. The seat, which adapts to the body shape of the driver, is supported by thin carbon blades clad in a technical textile.
The integration of the controls and instruments reflects a flowing, minimalist approach. Each function is displayed on an ultra-thin digital screen. The steering wheel is the visible component of an innovative control architecture; its handles control the acceleration, braking and steering functions using fully electronic steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies, discreetly integrated into a 3D printed structure made of Scalmolloy.
This approach is inspired by aeronautical technologies, where controls need to be both ergonomic and rapidly accessible. At the centre of the steering wheel, a flexible panoramic screen wrapped around a cylinder provides a clear and immediate display of essential data, such as speed, range and driving parameters. Finally, the steering wheel is attached to the protective bubble of the cockpit, rising upwards when it is opened to make it easier for the driver to get in and out.
Previewing future technologies
Innovative down to its tyres, and in the historic tradition of the brand’s record-breaking vehicles and concept cars, the Filante Record 2025 previews a range of technologies that will be studied for use on tomorrow’s production vehicles.
For example, the conventional mechanical systems are replaced by electronic steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies, delivering a fuller driving experience while reducing the number of mechanical components. This frees up space to rethink vehicle architecture and optimise weight.
Supplied by Ampere (a Renault subsidiary), cell-to-pack technology maximises the energy efficiency of the vehicle while delivering space and weight savings. The cells are integrated directly into the battery pack without intermediate modules. This technique reduces the weight of the battery pack while also optimising its form factor and the available space.
Contributing to the quest for efficiency, the specially developed Michelin tyres further bring down rolling resistance for this advanced technology demonstrator Their coefficient is almost 40% lower, at around 4 kgs/tonne in conditions of vehicle use, compared with around 6.5 kgs/tonne for a conventional vehicle tyre.