The Renault Filante Record 2025 is an electric demo car developed to maximise energy efficiency and set a new record for power consumption and range with an 87 kWh battery, i.e. the same capacity as on a standard Renault Scenic E-Tech car.

You might think that’s a pretty easy target, given that the Scenic E-Tech is a whopping great 5-door SUV, and the Filante Record is a streamlined, lightweight single-seater, but TBF, it’s trying to set records with the battery, not the car!

The 5.12 metre (16¾ft) long car is designed for aerodynamic efficiency and weighs just 1,000 kg. It is fitted with unique friction-reducing tyres, and, here’s a thing – there’s no physical linkage between the driver and wheels; it’s equipped with steer-by-wire, accelerate-by-wire, and brake-by-wire technologies controlled from the steering wheel.

The Filante Record 2025 takes its pedigree and its name from two previous Renault concept/test cars: 1925 40 CV des Records and the 1956 Étoile Filante, both of which set new historic records for the brand.

Renault’s Director of Advanced Design, Sandeep Bhambra waxes lyrical about the car: “We designed this vehicle as a sculpture in motion. Inspired by fighter planes and the speed records of the nineteenth 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.”

It does look pretty cool, but what’s important is that, as with all concept cars, elements of the design, materials and technology will start finding their way into the Renault production vehicles we’ll all be driving in years to come.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 will be on show at the Rétromobile motor show in Paris from 5 to 9 February 2025, before setting out to establish a new record for efficiency in the first half of the year.