Silent Endurance - Electric cars have come a long way from being city-bound commuters, yet long-distance efficiency remains the real benchmark of progress. Range anxiety still shapes public perception, even as technology quietly advances behind the scenes. This is where the Renault Filante Record 2025 enters the conversation—not as a production model, but as a rolling proof that smart engineering can stretch an EV’s potential far beyond expectations.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The Filante Record 2025 is a purpose-built, single-seat prototype designed with one goal: go as far as possible using as little energy as possible. Its form reflects that mission clearly. The body is long and narrow, sculpted for ultra-low drag, with an extended nose, smooth fenders, and a tapered, aircraft-like tail. A transparent canopy covers the cockpit, where the driver sits in a reclined, Formula 1-style position. Finished in a striking ultraviolet-blue shade, the car looks futuristic, yet its design philosophy is rooted in function rather than spectacle.
The
Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in
mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Although it appears radical, the Filante Record 2025 relies on surprisingly familiar hardware. At its core is an 87 kWh battery pack—the same capacity found in Renault’s Scenic E-Tech, a midsize family electric crossover. To maximize efficiency, Renault focused on weight reduction and mechanical simplicity. Carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and 3D-printed Scalmalloy parts were used throughout the structure. Michelin supplied custom low-drag tires, while steering and braking systems were fully drive-by-wire, eliminating unnecessary mechanical losses.
The
Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in
mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The development process was anything but straightforward. First unveiled in early 2025, the prototype missed its initial record attempt as engineers struggled to meet strict aerodynamic targets. Wind tunnel testing led to major revisions, including the removal of decorative LED lighting, fewer air intakes, and reshaped body panels. Weather delays in France forced the team to relocate, and the final run took place on December 18, 2025 at the UTAC high-speed proving ground in Morocco, where conditions finally aligned.
The
Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in
mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Over nearly ten hours, three drivers rotated through the single seat, completing 239 laps of the 2.6-mile circuit without recharging. The car maintained an average speed of 102 km/h while covering 1,008 kilometers, or 626 miles. Even after finishing the run, the battery still held 11 percent charge—enough, according to Renault, for an additional 75 miles at the same pace. Energy consumption was measured at just 7.8 kWh per 100 km, dramatically lower than the Scenic E-Tech’s official rating despite using the same battery capacity.| HdIJjiELTQs |
Beyond the numbers, the Filante Record 2025 carries deeper meaning for Renault. Its design draws inspiration from historic record cars like the 1925 40 CV and the 1956 L’Étoile Filante, linking a century-old legacy to today’s electric era. More importantly, it serves as a testbed for ideas that could shape future production EVs, especially for long-distance travel. In a time when bigger batteries often dominate headlines, Renault’s experiment quietly suggests a different path—one where efficiency, not excess, defines the next chapter of electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]
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Unlikely Supremacy- Extreme performance has always reflected its era. In the past, the pursuit of massive horsepower was almost exclusively tied to exotic hypercars and ambitious combustion-fueled dreams. Projects like the Trion Nemesis, with its promised 2,000-horsepower output, captured that mindset—where pushing numbers to the limit was the ultimate symbol of progress. As the industry shifts toward electrification, that same obsession with extremes hasn’t disappeared; it has simply taken on more unexpected forms.
The latest Ford SuperVan represents the most dramatic shift yet, developed by Ford Pro, the company’s commercial-focused division. (Picture from: MotorBiscuit)
One of the most surprising expressions of that evolution is the Ford SuperVan, a vehicle that challenges assumptions by pairing outrageous performance with a familiar commercial-vehicle shape. Rather than wearing a low, dramatic body, it hides its intent beneath the unmistakable silhouette of a Ford Transit. This contrast is precisely what gives the SuperVan its impact, turning something ordinary into a statement about how performance can exist outside traditional supercar boundaries.
The latest Ford SuperVan built a fully electric performance vehicle from the ground up, signaling a deliberate look toward the future rather than a tribute to the past. (Picture from: EVStories)
The Ford SuperVan’s story began in 1971, rooted in Ford’s motorsport momentum from the Le Mans era. Ford engineers wrapped a Transit van body around the racing underpinnings ofthe legendary GT40, creating a machine that delivered 435 horsepower and defied logic by design. It was never meant to be practical or production-ready; its purpose was to explore ideas freely and challenge expectations.
The latest Ford SuperVan powered by a 50-kWh battery paired with four electric motors—one at each wheel—producing a combined 1,973 horsepower.(Picture from: MotorBiscuit)
That philosophy continued as technology advanced. More than a decade later, the second SuperVan emerged with a Cosworth DFL engine mounted to a Group C–derived Ford C100 chassis, enabling it to reach an astonishing 174 mph. In 1994, the third SuperVantook inspiration from Formula 1, using a Cosworth-built engine producing 641 horsepower. Each version reflected the cutting-edge engineering of its time while preserving the project’s experimental spirit. | V_9s5V42jx4 |
The latest and fourth-generation SuperVan represents the most dramatic shift yet. Developed by Ford Pro, the company’s commercial-focused division, this fourth generation abandons internal combustion entirely. Instead of borrowing hardware from an existing race car, Ford built a fully electric performance vehicle from the ground up, signaling a deliberate look toward the future rather than a tribute to the past.
The 1994 Ford Supervan 3 took inspiration from Formula 1, using a Cosworth-built engine producing 641 horsepower.(Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
At the heart of the electric SuperVan is a 50-kWh battery paired with four electric motors—one at each wheel—producing a combined 1,973 horsepower. This setup delivers instant torque and control that far surpassany previous SuperVan, transforming it from a novelty experiment into a genuinely competitive performance machine by modern standards.
The 1994 Ford Supervan 2 emerged with a Cosworth DFL engine mounted to a Group C–derived Ford C100 chassis, enabling it to reach an astonishing 174 mph.(Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)
Visually, the latest SuperVan reinforces its intent. The exterior is aggressively sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency, while the interior is stripped and functional, prioritizing driver focus over comfort. Despite its minivan proportions, nothing about its design suggests utility; every element serves performance and stability at speed.
The 1971 Ford Supervan 1 wrapped a Transit van body around the racing underpinnings of the legendary GT40, creating a machine that delivered 435 horsepower and defied logic by design.(Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
In today’s automotive landscape, where many high-horsepower projects struggle to stay relevant, the Ford SuperVan stands out by adapting rather than fading away. While concepts like the Trion Nemesis symbolize a past era of combustion-driven ambition, the SuperVan translates that same hunger for extremes into electric form. It proves that innovation doesn’t need to abandon emotion or boldness—and sometimes, the future of performance arrives in the most unlikely shape. *** [EKA [01042014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR | MOTORBISCUIT | EVSTORIES | WEIRDWHEELS IN REDDIT ]
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💥HAPPY NEW YEAR💥 - For years, cars have been designed around performance numbers and digital features, often forgetting their role as shared living spaces. As urban life becomes more fluid and mobility needs grow more diverse, the idea of a vehicle that adapts to people—not the opposite—feels increasingly relevant. Citroën taps into this shift with the ELO Concept, a forward-looking electric vehicle that revisits the spirit of the minivan through a modern, human-centered approach.
The Citroën ELO, a forward-looking electric vehicle that revisits the spirit of the minivan through a modern, human-centered approach. (Picture from: QuirkyRides in X)
The Citroën ELO is a conceptual evolution of the OLI project introduced in 2022. While OLIfocused on radical efficiency and reducing environmental impact, ELO expands the idea into everyday usability. It explores how an electric vehicle can function as a flexible environment for travel, rest, work, and social interaction. Rather than being a technical experiment, the ELO positions itself as a realistic response to how people live and move today.
The Citroën ELO Concept features a compact, city-friendly 4.1-meter van-like form with rectangular LED lights, a bold illuminated logo, and a clean, approachable silhouette.(Picture from: VOI.id)
From the outside, the ELOpresents a compact yet purposeful form. At 4.1 meters long, it remains city-friendly while offering the proportions of a classic van. Rectangular LED lights at the front and rear, a large illuminated Citroën logo, and a clean silhouette give it a confident but approachable presence. Large sliding doors with a wide opening improve accessibility, while 21-inch wheels with futuristic covers reinforce its modern, efficient character.
The Citroën ELO Concept offers wide-opening sliding doors for easy access and 21-inch futuristic wheels that highlight its modern, efficient design.(Picture from: VOI.id)
The true strength of the ELO emerges inside. Built on a fully electric platform, it benefits from a flat floor that unlocks a spacious and highly modular cabin. Citroën collaborated with Decathlon and Goodyear to shape this interior, combining practical materials, outdoor-oriented design thinking, and smart tires capable of handling varied conditions. The result is a bright, colorful, and welcoming space that feels more like a shared room than a conventional car interior.
The Citroën ELO Concept, designed as a “mobile living space,” carries up to six passengers and can transform for rest, work, or play with sleeping, workspace, or social zones.(Picture from: ArenaEV)
Designed as a “mobile living space,”the ELOcan carry up to six passengers and be reconfigured depending on needs. Its layout follows the rEst, pLay, and wOrk philosophy—also the meaning behind its name. The cabin can transform into a sleeping area for two, a mobile workspace with swivel chairs, or a social zone complete with a home cinema. It can even supply power for outdoor activities, extending its usefulness beyond the road.
The The Citroën ELO Concept, built on a fully electric platform, features a flat, modular cabin designed with Decathlon and Goodyear, creating a bright, practical, and welcoming space.(Picture from: TopGear)
Citroën’s leadership frames the ELO as a practical vision rather than a distant fantasy. CEO Xavier Chardon describes it as a clear expression of the brand’s creative, accessible, and comfort-focused DNA, aimed at solving present and future mobility challenges. Design Director Pierre Leclercq highlights its balance of form and function, emphasizing that the ELO is meant to enrich daily life through intelligent design, not excess technology. | sV_7Nu4GLa0 |
By revisiting the versatility that once defined the minivan era, the Citroën ELO shows how that concept can thrive again in an electric format. It challenges current automotive priorities by placing adaptability and shared experience at the center of mobility. In doing so, the ELO quietly suggests that the future of electric vehicles may not be about going faster, but about living better along the way. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROEN | ARENAEV | TOPGEAR | AUTONETMAGZ | VOI.ID | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]
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Elegant Revival - Some automotive names refuse to fade quietly, and Jaguar remains one of them. As the brand navigates an uncertain phase in the mid-2020s, a virtual revival of the 2027 Jaguar S-Type has captured attention by offering a calmer, more grounded alternative to Jaguar’s recent design direction. Rather than chasing extremes, this retro-modern sedan reconnects the marque with its heritage while acknowledging the realities of the modern automotive landscape.
The 2027 Jaguar S-Type Concept designed by Giorgi Tedoradze, known online as tedoradze.giorgi, a Georgia-based industrial designer. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Jaguar’s struggles form the backdrop to this digital concept. Now operating under Tata as part of JLR, the company has faced financial pressure, a shrinking lineup, and growing criticism following its bold pivot toward ultra-luxury EVs. The controversial Type 00 concept and the abrupt departure of design chief, Gerry McGovern reinforced the sense that Jaguar had drifted away from the elegance and restraint that once defined its identity.
The 2027 Jaguar S-Type Concept proposed as an unofficial revival of the S-Type as a way to re-anchor Jaguar’s design language. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The unofficial 2027 S-Type, envisioned by Georgia-based industrial designer Giorgi Tedoradze, proposes a different path. Inspired by both historic S-Type generations, the design blends classic proportions with contemporary refinement. Its long hood, balanced stance, and subtle detailing evoke traditional Jaguar character without leaning into nostalgia or exaggerated futurism, presenting a sedan that feels relevant rather than retro.
The 2005 Jaguar S-Type R . (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Beyond its styling, the concept stands out for its pragmatic philosophy. A proposed hybrid V6 powertrain offers a bridge between combustion heritage and modern efficiency, sidestepping the limitations and anxieties still associated with full electrification. Even as a purely digital creation, the 2027 Jaguar S-Type reframes the conversation around Jaguar’s future, suggesting that progress can coexist with identity instead of replacing it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TEDORADZE.GIORGI IN INSTAGRAM | AUTOEVOLUTION | BRINGATRAILER ]
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Speedcraft Legends - Speed is not just about numbers; it is about vision, courage, and the pursuit of something greater than ordinary limits. For more than a century, Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah has been the playground for those chasing speed records, a stage where the bravest engineers and riders write their names in history. From this same spirit comes Record Motor Cycles (RMC), a modern Italian initiative led by Roberto Crepaldi, determined to bring two radical V8-powered machines to the salt.
The Tribute to John Britten, one of Record Motor Cycles’ twin V8 machines built for land speed records, carries a unique dual-sided livery. (Picture from: GIVEN.it)
Crepaldi is no stranger to innovation. In the 1990s, he worked closely with John Britten, the legendary New Zealander whose hand-built Britten V1000 shook the racing world and even captured the 1995 B.E.A.R.S.. That collaboration left a lasting impression, and decades later Crepaldi has revived the same restless energy with Record Motor Cycles (RMC). This time, the mission is crystal clear: create motorcycles capable of surpassing 400 km/h, and do it in a way that honors Britten’s spirit of invention.
One side of Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten is finished in black and yellow, echoing the iconic VR&S V1000 livery. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
To achieve this, Crepaldi teamed up with Giulio Bernardelle, an engineer with a remarkable résumé that includes shapingAprilia’s RS125andRS250during the Valentino Rossi era, as well as serving as technical director in MotoGP with Honda’s Pramac and Konica Minolta teams. On the design side, Donato Cannatello of Given Design took the lead in crafting the bodywork, aerodynamics, and final styling. And at the heart of it all, professional rider Dario Marchetti—whose career spans more than three decades with races in Daytona and Macau—lent not only his name but also his body, which was digitally scanned to ensure a seamless fit into the aerodynamic shell. Together, they formed a team that dares to push beyond traditional thinking. The project has produced two motorcycles: the Tribute to John Britten and the Pride of Italy.
The opposite side of Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten is finished in metallic red, gold, and white. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
The first, Tribute to John Britten, is the flagship—a machine with a 2500cc longitudinal V8 producing around 294 kW, or well over 400 horsepower. It is intended to take on the FIM partially streamlined category at full tilt, aiming for about 423 km/h. Its most distinctive trait lies in its visual concept: one side dressed in black and yellow, echoing Britten’s iconic VR&S V1000 colors, while the opposite side is finished in metallic red, gold, and white. This asymmetrical design is not a second bike, but a symbolic gesture that fuses two identities within one sculptural prototype. Alongside it is the Pride of Italy, smaller but still ferocious, with a 2000cc V8 designed to compete in a different displacement class. While its technical details are documented, no official imagery of this model has ever been made public.
Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten rider’s body was digitally reconstructed to ensure a perfect fit within the motorcycle’s aerodynamic shell, creating a seamless blend of human and machine. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
What makes these machines remarkable is not just their engines. Every line of their frames and fairings was born from a partnership with GIVEN design and In-Motion. The process was meticulous: from early sketches to full body modeling, through to advanced 3D scanning of the rider. The rider’s body was digitally reconstructed to ensure a perfect fit within the motorcycle’s aerodynamic shell, creating a seamless blend of human and machine. Every curve, every contour was adjusted not only to reduce drag but also to remain compliant with FIA’s strict regulations. This pursuit of harmony between rider and bike echoes John Britten’s obsession with perfection, and was later enriched with contributions from designer Rodolfo Frascoli, who joined the project to refine its stylistic vision.
Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten powered by a 2500cc longitudinal V8 producing around 294 kW, or well over 400 horsepower. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
What makes these machines remarkable is not just their engines. Every line of their frames and fairings was born from a partnership with GIVEN design and In-Motion. The process was meticulous: from early sketches to full body modeling, through to advanced 3D scanning of the rider. The rider’s body was digitally reconstructed to ensure a perfect fit within the motorcycle’s aerodynamic shell, creating a seamless blend of human and machine. Every curve, every contour was adjusted not only to reduce drag but also to remain compliant with FIA’s strict regulations. This pursuit of harmony between rider and bike echoes John Britten’s obsession with perfection.
Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten is intended to take on the FIM partially streamlined category at full tilt, aiming for about 423 km/h. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
And yet, despite the breathtaking specifications and all the innovation behind them, the project still sits at the stage of ambition and preparation. As of now, there has been no confirmed record run at Bonneville. What exists is a pair of extraordinary machines, fully realized, fully capable, but waiting for their moment to roar across the salt. That gap between concept and reality makes them even more intriguing—proof of how much passion and planning go into every attempt at the world’s fastest stage.
Every curve, every contour of Record Motor Cycles’ Tribute to John Britten was adjusted not only to reduce drag but also to remain compliant with FIA’s strict regulations. (Picture from: Rocket-Garage)
The Tribute to John Britten and the Pride of Italy stand as modern sculptures of speed, but unlike museum pieces, they are meant to be alive, functional, and fierce. They celebrate not only the dream of breaking records but also the legacy of thinkers and builders who never accepted limits. When their wheels finally touch the white desert of Utah, they will carry with them not just Italian engineering, but also the timeless message that true innovation is born from daring to imagine more.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIVEN.IT | ROCKET-GARAGE | AMCN.COM.AU | TOPSPEED ]
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Stylized Reverie - There’s something magical about concept cars — those rare moments when designers let imagination drive faster than practicality. Every now and then, one of these dream machines gets so close to reality that car lovers can almost hear the engine roar. The MINI Superleggerais one of those near-mythical creations. Often nicknamed the “MINI Ferrari,” this striking roadster stood as proof that even a brand known for its cute, city-friendly cars could flirt with the spirit of Italian performance and style.
The MINI Superleggera was an all-electric, open-top two-seater that broke away from MINI tradition, trading boxy charm for sculpted aluminum curves, a long bonnet, a swept tail, and subtle fins that echoed classic roadster elegance. (Picture from: Carbuzz)
Back in 2006, Anders Warming, then BMW Group’s creative lead, had an idea that would simmer for years before taking form. MINI, by then firmly under BMW’s wing, had built its reputation on small, playful hatchbacks. But Warming thought it was time to give the brand a new kind of sparkle — something that could sit beside the greats and show that MINI could be sexy, too. Inspired bythe BMW Z8, he imagined a smaller, more charming counterpart that carried the same emotional punch. That idea eventually evolved intothe MINI Superleggera, though it wouldn’t make its public debut until nearly a decade later.
The MINI Superleggera blended a futuristic electric core with classic MINI DNA, retaining the signature hexagonal grille and circular F56 headlights that honored its heritage. (Picture from: BMWBlog)
Fast forward to 2014, at the elegant Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza — the perfect stage for a design masterpiece. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s design boss, reached out to the legendary Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera, a name synonymous with timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Together, they envisioned something that would merge British character with Italian artistry. The result was breathtaking: an all-electric, open-top two-seater that looked nothing like any MINI before it. Smooth, sculpted aluminum curves replaced the brand’s usual boxy charm, while details like the long bonnet, swept tail, and subtle fins gave it the elegance of a classic roadster.
The MINI Superleggera is a near-mythical creation, often dubbed the “MINI Ferrari,” proving that a brand known for city-friendly charm could also embrace Italian-inspired performance and style.(Picture from: BMWBlog)
Despite its futuristic electric heart, the Superleggeracarried the DNA of MINI’s heritage. The front grille kept its signature hexagonal shape, and the circular F56 headlights proudly reminded everyone where it came from. The rear lights, designed in the shape of the Union Jack, would later become a signature feature on production MINIs — a small reminder that the concept left a lasting mark even without a production run.
The MINI Superleggera showcases a minimalist yet elegant interior, blending brushed aluminum surfaces, warm leather tones, and a modern circular digital display in an open-top cockpit.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
Interestingly, the Superleggerawas born under the code name “i4,” not to be confused with BMW’s later electric sedan. The name reflected how it was designed to parallel the relationship between Porsche’s 911 and Boxster — with BMW’s i8 playing the role of the 911, and the MINI Superleggeraserving as the smaller, equally thrilling sibling. The car combined the spirit of grand touring with electric innovation, long before such a mix became mainstream.
The MINI Superleggera was developed under the “i4” code name to mirror the 911–Boxster dynamic with the BMW i8, blending grand touring character and electric innovation well before it became mainstream.(Picture from: BMWBlog)
BMW was serious about making it happen. A second prototype was even built, and discussions were held with motorcycle manufacturers to explore limited production possibilities. Everything seemed lined up for this little “MINI Ferrari” to make its way to the streets. Yet, fate — and timing — had other plans. When the Superleggera was ready, BMW’s electric roadmap wasn’t. The company’s EV strategy was still in its infancy, and MINI’s lineup was already crowded with multiple variants of the classic hatchback. Adding a hand-built, low-volume roadster didn’t fit into the business equation.
The MINI Superleggera introduced Union Jack–shaped rear lights that later became a signature on production MINIs, leaving a lasting design legacy despite never reaching production.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
So, the dream was parked. The MINI Superleggera never went into production, and what could have been one of the most charming electric sports cars of its era became a symbol of what might have been. Today, looking back from an age where electric convertibles are finally starting to gain traction, the Superleggera feels like it was a decade too early — a vision ahead of its time. Its blend of British quirk, Italian elegance, and silent electric power would fit beautifully in the current era of stylish sustainability. | PdxXTddf5Y0 |
Maybe, just maybe, MINI will one day revive that spark. After all, the Superleggera wasn’t just a design study; it was a love letter to creativity, collaboration, and the idea that even the smallest carmakers can dream big. For now, it remains a legend — a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones that never quite reach the finish line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOURINGSUPERLEGGERA | BMWBLOG | CARBUZZ ]
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MonoStream - The late 2000s marked a moment when the automotive world began seriously questioning how performance, sustainability, and design heritage could coexist in a single vision. It was within this shifting landscape that the Italdesign-Giugiarro Quaranta emerged—not as a forecast of a production car, but as a deeply reflective concept. Revealed to the public at the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, the Quarantawas created to celebrate forty years of Italdesign Giugiaro’s work in automotive styling and technological research, distilling decades of experience across everything from compact city cars and MPVs to super sports cars, luxury flagships, SUVs, and even commercial vehicles developed alongside leading global manufacturers.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept was conceived as an extreme yet environmentally conscious super sports car, pairing four-wheel drive with an advanced hybrid system enhanced by solar energy. (Picture from: 7Christine in Facebook)
Conceived as an “extreme” yet environmentally conscious super sports car, the Quarantacombined four-wheel drive with an advanced hybrid system enhanced by solar energy. Its layout challenged convention by placing a central rear-mounted engine within a single-volume body, while still offering space for three adults and one child, plus a surprisingly generous luggage compartment. This unusual packaging echoed the spirit of the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta—one of the earliest single-volume, mid-engined concepts—reinterpreted through contemporary technology and enriched by Italdesign’s four decades of research and experimentation.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept used an unconventional cabin entry with a single large upper door integrating the sides, opening upward by button and aligning with a rear door for engine and luggage access.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Visually, the Quarantastood out through its flat, compact proportions and a continuous body line stretching from its sharply cut nose to the tail, aided by an almost horizontal windscreen rake.Cabin access was equally unconventional: a large upper door incorporating the side sections opened upward at the press of a button, guided by proximity sensors, and aligned with a second upper rear door that provided access to both the engine bay and the boot. Integrated into the roof and front bodywork were solar panels forming a distinctive opaque central strip, capable of generating up to 250 watts—enough to power cockpit climate control and recharge the electric battery.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept stood out visually with flat, compact proportions and a continuous body line flowing from its sharp nose to the tail, emphasized by an almost horizontal windscreen rake.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Aerodynamics shaped nearly every surface. The absence of a traditional front grille made room for side air inlets positioned above the headlights, doubling as front stabilizers, while sharp rear edges enhanced airflow separation. At the back, a precisely molded spoiler worked in tandem with a lower wing inspired by modern Formula 1 solutions, compensating for the lack of a conventional upper stabilizer. Along the sides, expansive glazing ran from the front fenders to the tail, integrating air vents and water-cooling ducts into the sill area. One of the most radical details was the “negative” contour line along the shoulder—an unconventional feature rarely seen on super sports cars, even today.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept featured a flat-floor interior enabled by its electric four-wheel-drive system, allowing a central driving position and seating for two adults and a child behind the driver.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Inside, innovation was just as bold. The flat floor, made possible by the electric four-wheel-drive system and the absence of a traditional transmission tunnel, allowed a central driving position and flexible seating for two adults and a child behind the driver. The multi-control steering wheel eliminated traditional stalks, placing all driving functions on the spokes—an idea previously explored in Italdesign’s 1980 Medusa concept. The dashboard adopted a clean, modern sporting aesthetic with instruments arranged on two levels: upper screens for side and rear camera views, including a dedicated left-side overtaking aid, and a lower section for vehicle management, complemented by an X-ray night-driving visor. Dark leather and Alcantara upholstery underscored the refined Italian character of the cabin.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept combined a precisely molded rear spoiler and F1-inspired lower wing with expansive side glazing that integrated air vents and water-cooling ducts into the sills.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Technically, the Quarantawas built around a carbon-fiber monocoque frame combined with aluminum and special steel components, while the windscreen and roof used laminated glass with UVA filtering. Power came from an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system featuring a small electric motor at the front and a combined thermal-electric unit mounted centrally at the rear, with electronic management developed in cooperation with Toyota. Solar-powered batteries were positioned between the cockpit and engine bay, supported by a 60-liter double fuel tank integrated into the frame, enabling a potential driving range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Ride height was adjustable between sporty and raised settings, reaching an impressive 230 mm of ground clearance—exceptional for a super sports car and suitable for varied terrain.
The Italdesign-Giugiaro Quaranta concept was engineered with centralized mass between the axles, including forward-mounted mufflers, leaving only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment outside.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Weight distribution was carefully engineered so that nearly all mechanical mass sat between the axles, including mufflers placed ahead of the rear wheels, leaving only the radiator and a large overhanging luggage compartment—capable of holding two golf bags—outside the central zone. The suspension system reflected Italdesign’s fascination with motorsport engineering: front suspensions inspired by Formula 1 featured a central mono-shock and a sophisticated linkage system simulating a multilink setup, with components designed entirely in-house using special steel and Ergal. | mQbW0-ahDjs |
Entirely developed and built at Italdesign Giugiaro’s Moncalieri facilities, the Quarantaembodied the company’s full-service philosophy—uniting design, engineering, safety, ergonomics, and mechanical development into a single, forward-looking statement that still resonates in today’s conversations about performance, sustainability, and intelligent automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN.IT | GIORGETTOFABRIZIOGIUGIARO.IT | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE | 7CHRISTINE IN FACEBOOK ]
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Beyond the numbers, the Filante Record 2025 carries deeper meaning for Renault. Its design draws inspiration from historic record cars like the 1925 40 CV and the 1956 L’Étoile Filante, linking a century-old legacy to today’s electric era. More importantly, it serves as a testbed for ideas that could shape future production EVs, especially for long-distance travel. In a time when bigger batteries often dominate headlines, Renault’s experiment quietly suggests a different path—one where efficiency, not excess, defines the next chapter of electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]
