Renault has developed a new concept dubbed the Filante Record 2025 as a test bed to push the limits of EV energy efficiency. The Filante Record 2025 has the goal of setting new records for distance travelled on a single charge. The French carmaker plans to implement the ground-breaking technology and materials used in the Filante Record 2025 into its future production cars.
Renault Filante Record 2025: design
The Filante Record 2025’s design is the result of a collaboration between Renault and French racing specialist Ligier. At a 5120mm length and 1190mm height, the concept measures just as long as a Range Rover and lower than a McLaren 750S. These dimensions help the Filante Record 2025 retain better control of the air flowing over its body. The 19-inch wheels, which Renault says are usually a major source of “aerodynamic interference,” are designed to minimise air drag as well and use special Michelin tyres that apparently reduce energy losses from friction.
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The interior of the Filante Record 2025 carries forward the minimalist philosophy with a snug cockpit inspired by aviation and space travel. The weight-saving ideology takes extreme measures, though, such as the driver’s seat being swapped out for a hammock-style stretched canvas arrangement that adapts to the driver’s body shape.
History buffs will recognize that the Filante Record 2025 draws inspiration from Renault’s previous speed record chasers, like the 40 CV des Records, Nervasport des Records and Étoile Filante (‘Shooting Star’) of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1950s respectively.
Renault Filante Record 2025: powertrain
Renault’s EV division, Ampere, has developed a bespoke 87kWh battery pack for the Filante Record 2025. The battery cells apparently forgo intermediate modules and are integrated directly into the pack in an effort to optimise space, which allows for an equivalent capacity to that of the Renault Scenic, a two-tonne SUV sold abroad that can achieve up to 610km of range. Thanks to a lightweight carbon casing, the battery pack weighs under 600kg and measures just 1710mm wide.
Overall, the Filante Record 2025 weighs 1000kg owing to the use of ultra-light materials for the body, namely carbonfibre and a 3D-printed high-strength aluminium alloy. The chassis itself is made from a composite of aluminium, carbon and steel, and Renault shaved off even more weight by equipping the Filante with steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies, which require fewer mechanical components and allow for a greater degree of electronic precision when braking and cornering.
Speaking with our sister publication Autocar UK, Renault’s director of advanced design, Sandeep Bhambra, stated that the Filante Record 2025 “seeks to convey an impression of flow and lightness.” He added, “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.”
The learnings from the Filante Record 2025 and its technologies may benefit Renault’s research in fitting smaller batteries into its production cars while achieving the same range, and the knock-on effect would be a reduction in cost for EVs. Renault will commence testing of the Filante Record 2025 this spring, first in wind tunnels and then on race tracks.
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