- Renault has revealed the Filante Record 2025 concept
- The electric single-seater will be used for an attempt at an efficiency record in the first half of 2025
- The concept serves as a rolling laboratory as well as a nod to Renault’s earlier record cars
Renault has revealed an electric concept car that looks like something Batman would drive if he cared as much about his carbon footprint as catching bad guys.
It’s called the Renault Filante Record 2025, and Renault will present it to the public for the first time during the Rétromobile auto show in Paris from Feb. 5-9. The automaker said it built the single-seat concept as a rolling laboratory of sorts, allowing its design team to push the boundaries of key efficiency metrics like aerodynamics, weight, and rolling resistance.
Although the concept resembles the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman, as well as a Batmobile concept penned by talented Formula 1 car designer Gordon Murray early last decade, its inspiration goes back much further—to Renault’s streamlined speed and endurance record cars, such as the 1925 40 CV des Records, 1934 Nervasport des Records, and 1956 Étoile Filante. One standout record of the 40 CV des Records was covering 2,589.6 miles over 24 hours.
While those earlier record cars focused on speed and endurance, the Renault Filante Record 2025 is designed to set efficiency records.
One particularly impressive aspect of the concept is its weight. Renault says it weighs about 2,200 pounds, which is remarkable considering the battery alone weighs around 1,322 pounds. This was in part achieved through a cell-to-pack battery design and a lightweight carbon-fiber casing.
For aerodynamics, engineers optimized airflow, particularly at transition points between different parts of the car. The elongated shape helps control aerodynamics and reduce interference, while the wheels—typically major sources of aerodynamic drag—were covered to make the concept as streamlined as possible.
To help lower the rolling resistance as much as possible, Renault turned to tire manufacturer Michelin. The concept sits on 19-inch wheels with tires whose materials were chosen to reduce energy dissipation. The construction of the tire also helps to deliver a flatter contact patch. According to Renault, rolling resistance is almost 40% lower compared to a conventional car tire.
Renault hasn’t provided details on the powertrain or announced any range targets. However, the automaker has confirmed that its first attempt at setting an efficiency record will take place in the first half of the year.
