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Renault Filante Record 2025 – EV that looks like the Batmobile

Renault Filante Record 2025 is a new model of the French manufacturer that once again showed that it is a great designer of electric cars. This single seater looks futuristic and is designed for new records.

The car weighs only 1,000 kg thanks to carbon fiber components, while complex parts that require extreme precision are made using a 3D printer. Unlike its predecessors from the first half of the last century, which were focused exclusively on speed, this racer also stands out for its efficiency in the age of electric vehicles.

The cockpit is equipped with a lightweight seat made of stretch fabric, and can accommodate only one person. Instead of a round conventional steering wheel, the driver uses a pair of handles, while a flexible panoramic screen shows information such as speed and remaining range. There is no physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, because steer-by-wire technology is used, just like Tesla’s Cybertruck, and the reason for this is to save weight. The same goes for the brakes, which feature brake-by-wire technology instead of a conventional hydraulic system. There’s not even a brake pedal.

As for the powertrain, there’s no information yet. What we do know for now is that the Renault Filante Record 2025 is equipped with 87 kWh battery, located under the seat, using cell-to-pack technology, and weighs 600 kg.

The car will be exhibited in February in Paris during the Retromobile show, before being transported to the wind tunnel for testing. The ultimate goal is to set a new record for efficiency in the next few months.

Source: Renault

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2027 Lada Niva Legend

Recently, Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ presented several prototypes, the most notable of which was the new Lada Niva. These prototypes were developed thanks to the equipment left behind by Renault after it abandoned its plants in Russia.

The Russian automotive industry is trying to get out of the difficult situation that arose after the invasion of Ukraine and after all foreign manufacturers withdrew from the Russian market. This market was the second largest for the French carmaker, where Renault was the majority owner of Lada Holding with 67.61 percent. It also controls almost a third of the Russian car market and employs about 40,000 people.

After Renault withdrew from Russia, Lada took over everything that was left behind. They wasted no time and presented three Lada prototypes, two crossovers and a station wagon, at the beginning of this year. The first of them, which will debut next year, will be the Lada B-Cross, based on the Vesta architecture. In terms of style and equipment, it will be very similar to European models.

However, the most attention has been drawn to the new Lada Niva Legend. This off-roader will be a complete refresh of the previous Lada Niva. At first glance, it resembles the new Dacia Duster, which is not a surprise because it was previously planned that this model would be presented under the umbrella of the Renault Group. It has more angular shapes on the body while retaining key design details such as characteristic indicators on the hood and even round headlights.

When it comes to the powertrain, some rumors say that the Russians have also been working on a new engine. Some say that it is a 1.8-L gasoline engine with 135 hp, which will be installed in the Niva, but also other models.

Source: Reuters

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2026 Lada Iskra is ready for ice racing

Before the new Lada Iskra goes into production, Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ has unveiled a version designed for motorsport. This car is built to conquer icy tracks, and it debuted at the 27th “Race of Champions” in Samara.

At first glance, this version is indistinguishable from the standard Iskra. The only differences are the new livery with the prototype of the factory Lada Sport Rosneft team with yellow, orange, red and black graphics, and new rims with studded snow tires. The cabin features a roll cage, a multifunctional electronic control panel mounted on the steering column, and a hydraulic handbrake. The car is slightly lighter than the standard version, which means that the rear seats have probably been removed, as well as most (if not all) unnecessary ones.

The car is equipped with new shock absorbers, stiffer springs, reinforced mounting points and ball joints instead of blocks. The factory front brakes have been retained, while the rear brakes have been taken from the Vesta model.

As for the powertrain, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine has been increased in displacement to 1.8-liters, and the engine has received a new crankshaft, reinforced connecting rods, improved intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU. The result is 175 hp (130 kW) and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque, significantly more than the standard version, which has 106 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a sequential gearbox with a limited-slip differential.

Source: AvtoVAZ

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