Record Chaser - Renault has always been a brand known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. From practical city cars to high-performance race machines, the French automaker continues to surprise the world with bold ideas. The latest creation, the Filante Record 2025, is no exception. This futuristic single-seater electric vehicle is not just another concept car—it is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Unlike conventional EVs that focus on power and luxury, the Filante Record 2025 is built to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy consumption. Equipped with an 87-kWh battery pack, it aims to set new benchmarks for power efficiency and driving range. However, beneath its ultra-modern shell lies a deep connection to Renault's rich history of land speed record cars.
Here's the 3 legendary predecssors of the Renault Filante Record 2025, from left to right, the 1934 Renault Nervasport des Records, the 1925 Renault 40 CV des Records, and the 1956 Renault Etoile Filante. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
At first glance, the car’s design looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its sleek, elongated shape isn't just for show—it is crafted to cut through the air with minimal resistance. Measuring 201.5 inches (5.12 meters) in length, it is undeniably a large vehicle. Yet, despite its imposing size, it weighs only 2,204 pounds (1,000 kilograms). That’s a remarkable feat, considering that its battery alone contributes 1,322 lbs (600 kg) to the total weight. This lightweight construction plays a crucial role in achieving high efficiency, allowing the car to maximize every kilowatt-hour of energy.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 is built to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy consumption. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The inspiration behind the Filante Record 2025 isn’t random. Renault has drawn from three of its legendary record-breaking models. The round headlights echo the classic 40 CV des Records from the 1920s, while its unique wheel placement pays homage to the 1934 Nervasport des Records. Additionally, the flowing arches are a tribute to the 1956 Etoile Filante, a gas turbine-powered wonder that once attempted to break speed records.
The Renault Filante Record 2025's sleek, elongated shape isn't just for show—its 201.5-inch (5.12-meter) length is designed to minimize air resistance. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Efficiency isn’t just about lightweight materials; aerodynamics play an equally important role. Renault engineers designed every inch of the Filante Record 2025 to reduce air resistance. It is only 67.3 inches (1.71 meters) wide and sits at a mere 46.8 inches (1.19 meters) tall. This streamlined body allows the car to slice through the air effortlessly, helping it achieve greater range without consuming excessive energy.
The Renault Filante Record 2025, a futuristic single-seater EV, is more than just a concept—its lightweight design maximizes every kilowatt-hour of energy. (Picture from: Carscoops)
To achieve such an astonishingly low weight, Renault had to think outside the box. The chassis is built using a cutting-edge blend of aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel alloys. Engineers also leveraged 3D printing with high-strength aluminum, ensuring the structure remains both light and rigid. Additionally, advanced AI-driven simulations were used to identify unnecessary materials, allowing Renault to further refine the design without compromising strength.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 features a futuristic cockpit inspired by aviation and space travel, adopting an F1-style driving position. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)
One of the most impressive weight-saving techniques lies within the battery itself. Unlike traditional EVs, where cells are placed within bulky modules, Renault integrated the battery cells directly into the pack. This eliminates excess weight while maintaining structural integrity. The battery pack is encased in carbon fiber, ensuring both durability and reduced mass.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 features an unconventional, gaming controller-shaped steering wheel that integrates all essential functions, utilizing steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Tires also play a crucial role in an EV's efficiency, and Renault has left no stone unturned. The Filante Record 2025 rides on bespoke 19-inch Michelin tires, specifically designed to minimize energy dissipation. These specially developed tires flatten the contact patch, reducing rolling resistance and further enhancing range.
The Renault Filante Record 2025 maximizes EV efficiency with bespoke 19-inch Michelin tires, specifically designed to minimize energy dissipation. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The benchmark for efficiency in concept EVs has long been held by the Mercedes Vision EQXX, which achieved 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers) per kWh. However, with its radical weight reduction and superior aerodynamics, Renault's Filante Record 2025 is expected to outperform even the most advanced efficiency-focused cars. | Lv7ozWm7Nmg |
Renault is set to test the Filante Record 2025 in the first half of the year, and expectations are high. If all goes according to plan, it could set new records in the EV world, proving that efficiency and performance can go hand in hand. This car isn't just a glimpse into the future—it is a statement that innovation knows no limits. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RENAULT | CARSCOOPS | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOTOR1 | INSIDEEVS | AUTOCARINDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
Iconic and Divisive - Few cars in automotive history have sparked as much debate as the Buick Riviera Boattail. This car, introduced for the 1971 model year and continuing until 1973, has been a subject of both admiration and controversy. Some see its design as a bold statement, while others argue it lacked the finesse expected of a luxury vehicle. But what can’t be denied is its ability to stand out, much like other creations that bear the mark of a visionary—whether celebrated or criticized, the RivieraBoattail continues to evoke strong opinions to this day.
The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1971 model, was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell, General Motors' Design Chief in the early 1970s. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
🍻Brewed Icons - The history of innovation often leads us to stories that blend creativity, engineering, and resilience. One of the most unique examples of this is the Labatt Streamliner, a striking and futuristic delivery vehicle that doubled as a moving advertisement. Born out of necessity during a time of strict advertising restrictions, the Streamliner is not just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of ingenuity and timeless design. Its creation and eventual preservation tell a remarkable story of vision, artistry, and dedication.
When a sip of beer evokes a taste of history, the Labatt
Streamliner—created out of necessity during a time of strict advertising
restrictions—comes to mind, designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a
Russian-born automotive designer. (Picture from: Forum.AACA.org)
After Ontario’s Prohibition ended in 1927, the Labatt Brewing Company faced a unique challenge. Despite the legalization of alcohol, advertising beer in traditional media was still prohibited. Instead of being stymied by these restrictions, Labatt found a groundbreaking solution. They envisioned a fleet of delivery trucks that would serve as mobile advertisements, combining practical beer transport with stunning visual appeal.
The
Labatt Streamliner’s cab-over-engine tractor featured a beautifully
curvaceous shape, with the rear sweeping down in a steep, unbroken line
to fully skirted dual wheels, and one restored 1947 model still exists,
owned by Labatt Brewing Co.(Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
To realize this ambitious idea, Labatt enlisted Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian-born designer renowned for his expertise in automotive and industrial design. In 1935, de Sakhnoffsky created the first generation of the Labatt Streamliner. The bodywork of each Streamliner was fabricated by Smith Bros. of Toronto, with aluminum sheathing tacked to a wooden superstructure. Beneath this were a White Motor powerplant and Fruehauf drop frame chassis.
The Labatt Streamliner’s first model from 1937 featured rather conventional cabs, with the exception of the distinctive running boards and fender skirts, which added a unique touch to its design.(Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Streamliner was a technical marvel. Powered by a 6.3-liter six-cylinder engine, it could carry up to 8.5 tonnes of beer and reach speeds of 80 km/h, outperforming the average trucks of the era. It was also one of the first Canadian vehicles to feature advanced safety innovations, such as air brakes and a fifth-wheel anti-jackknifing system. These features highlighted Labatt’s commitment to combining style with functionality.
One of the Labatt Streamliner’s second-generation models won a prestigious design award at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, highlighting its innovative and forward-thinking design.(Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
These
vehicles were revolutionary in appearance and function, featuring
smooth, aerodynamic lines that were unprecedented for trucks of the
time. Vibrant red paint, accented with genuine gold-leaf lettering, made the Streamliner stand out on the road, turning heads wherever it went.
The trailer of a Labatt’s Streamliner enclosed a volume of approximately 825 cu. ft. or 8 1/2 tons of beer. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
The Labatt Streamliner wasn’t just about beer delivery—it also reflected the company’s focus on community engagement. Labatt trained its drivers to act as Good Samaritans on the road, assisting stranded motorists with tasks like changing tires or handling minor accidents. This “Highway Courtesy Program” earned the company widespread goodwill, making the Streamlinernot only a marketing tool but also a symbol of kindness and service.
The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners, featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show circuit. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
Total 18 units of the Streamliner ever crafted, and evolved through several iterations, with the most iconic being the 1947 model. This version featured bold curves of Art-deco style, fully skirted wheels, and a signature dorsal fin, embodying the height of mid-century automotive design. However, by the mid-1950s, the era of the Streamliner came to an end. Advances in logistics and advertising rendered the vehicles less practical. Their limited cargo space, side-opening doors, and high production costs were no longer viable in a changing industry. By 1955, the Streamliners were retired, fading into obscurity.
The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947 was restored by Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, with the help of his brother, Bob Scott, and financial support from Labatt Brewing Company.(Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
That obscurity, however, did not last forever. In 1977, Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, decided to preserve this unique piece of Canadian history. With financial support from Labatt Brewing Company and the help of his brother, Bob Scott, Joe began the painstaking process of restoring a 1947 Streamliner. The restoration effort was monumental. While six trailers were located in Ontario, they were in poor condition, including one that had been repurposed as a construction site office.
The
Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de
Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners,
featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since
been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show
circuit.(Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
The tractor portion of the vehicle posed an even greater challenge—it was missing entirely. Undeterred, the Scott brothers used vintage photographs and technical blueprints to recreate the tractor cab with precision. They sourced aluminum sheets from England and applied traditional metal-shaping techniques to ensure the restoration stayed true to the original design. After years of dedication and meticulous craftsmanship, the project was finally completed in 1983, bringing the 1947 Labatt Streamliner back to life.
The Labatt Streamliner’s legacy was further cemented in 1996 when it was prominently featured on a Canadian postage stamp, celebrating its historical significance and lasting impact on Canadian culture. (Picture from: PostageStampGuide)
The restored Streamliner became an instant icon once more. It made appearances at fairs, exhibitions, and public events, where it was celebrated as a piece of Canada’s industrial and cultural heritage. In 1996, its legacy was further cemented when it was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. To this day, the restored Streamliner serves as a roving ambassador for Labatt, delighting audiences with its retro charm and its horn, which amusingly plays the tune “How Dry I Am.”
The Labatt Streamliner’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and determination. What began as a clever solution to advertising restrictions evolved into a timeless symbol of innovation. Its restoration completion in 1983 ensured that this piece of Canadian history would continue to inspire future generations. From its early days as a stylish delivery truck to its current role as a celebrated artifact, the Labatt Streamliner remains a shining example of how imagination and dedication can leave an enduring legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIMESCOLONIST | SIMANAITISSAYS | FORUM.AACA.ORG | WEIRDWHELLS | HOTTEST MACINES ON FACEBOOK | ICONICRIDES ON FACEBOOK | POSTAGESTAMPGUIDE | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
F1 Heritage - This is one of the unique cars crafted by Aston Martin, which I first came across through CarMan's post on X. Aston Martin has long been associated with cutting-edge automotive engineering, blending unmatched luxury with exhilarating performance. For those who appreciate both speed and style, the British automaker has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of luxury sports cars. With the release of the Aston Martin Valiant, the automaker set a new milestone in June 2024, debuting an extraordinarily limited-edition hypercar designed for extreme customization. Its origins trace back to a collaboration with the legendary Formula 1 driver, Fernando Alonso.
One of the 38 Aston Martin Valiant units, valued at around £2 million, is owned by Gordon Ramsay, a renowned British chef and car enthusiast. (Picture from: CarMan on X)
Garage Genius - In the world of automotive engineering, where creativity meets precision, there exists a unique niche for custom car projects that challenge the norm. Among these ambitious ventures, one particularly captivating creation has emerged: the Volgatti. A blend of historical charm and modern extravagance, the Volgatti is a testament to the imagination and craftsmanship of its creators, Axes: Garage—a team of Russian automotive enthusiasts. This car stands as a fusion of iconic designs from different eras, showcasing what happens when tradition and innovation collide in a most unexpected way.
The Volgatti, built by Axes: Garage, embodies a vision that fuses the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the striking aesthetics of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The story of the Volgatti begins with a vision to merge the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the sheer performance and aesthetic allure of the Bugatti Chiron, one of the most luxurious hypercars ever made. However, the base for this marvel wasn’t a Bugatti, as one might expect, but a BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63). By using the BMW as the foundation, the Axes: Garage team transformed the shell of an ordinary car into something extraordinary. Over the course of three painstaking years, they turned this idea into reality, crafting a car that is both a tribute to the past and a reimagining of the future.
The Volgatti wasn’t built on a Bugatti, as one might expect, but rather on a repurposed BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63), transformed over three years. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The project’s roots lie in the cultural and automotive landscapes of Belarus and Russia, where enthusiasm for rebuilding and reimagining vehicles has steadily grown. The Volga, produced between the 1950s and 1970s in the Soviet Union, was a symbol of practicality and mass production, with over 600,000 units made. It boasted a modest 80-horsepower engine and was never intended to be a sports car. Meanwhile, the Bugatti Chiron, with its W16 engine producing 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 380 km/h, represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. Combining these two vastly different vehicles might seem like an impossible dream, but for Axes: Garage, it was an irresistible challenge.
The Volgatti boasts a strikingly unique look, featuring the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga at the front, seamlessly merged with the rear of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The creation process involved intricate planning and design work. The team carefully replicated the rear end of the Bugatti Chiron, crafting custom fiberglass molds and components to achieve the car’s distinctive shape. The front end retained the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. Every detail was meticulously designed, from the sleek paintwork and chrome finishes to the modified cooling and suspension systems. The transformation also required significant structural modifications to the BMW base, ensuring it could support the weight and design of the Volgatti’s unique frame.
The Volgatti’s transformation required extensive structural modifications to the BMW base to support its weight and uniquely crafted design. (Picture from: ГАЗ-21-is Gijebi Group on Facebook)
Building the Volgatti wasn’t just a test of skill but also a financial challenge. As quoted of The Supercar Blondie, the project’s total cost reached an estimated $106,995, including materials, labor, and workshop expenses. Among these costs were the $1,000 BMW donor car, a $400 Volga shell, and countless custom parts, such as wide wheels, air suspension, and fiberglass molds. Despite the high price tag, the team’s dedication and resourcefulness made the dream a reality.
The Volgatti defies categorization, with a Bugatti-inspired rear and a front that pays homage to Soviet automotive history.(Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The end result is a car that defies categorization. From the rear, the Volgatti is unmistakably Bugatti-inspired, while the front pays homage to Soviet automotive history. Yet, the foundation of the BMW ensures that this hybrid creation offers reliable performance and a solid driving experience. The Volgatti’s bold design even evokes the spirit of American muscle cars from the 1950s, creating a strange but captivating blend of cultural influences.
The Volgatti’s bold design echoes the spirit of 1950s American muscle cars, resulting in a striking yet unconventional fusion of automotive cultures. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
Though the Volgatti is a finished masterpiece in many respects, its journey isn’t over. The creators are still refining elements such as the custom suspension, wheels, and other features, appealing for support from the automotive community to bring their vision to full fruition. As it stands, the Volgatti has already captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, drawing attention for its daring design and the story behind its creation.
Amazing Concept - It’s amazing how the automotive industry continues to evolve, embracing innovation that defies expectations. As technology advances, the concept of what a car can be has shifted dramatically. Yet, beyond horsepower and sleek aesthetics, some designs challenge the very fabric of conventional thinking—literally. The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is one such groundbreaking creation. A car that isn’t just a vehicle but a vision of the future, GINA represents a bold leap into unexplored territory, reshaping our understanding of movement, adaptability, and design.
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model represents a bold leap into unexplored territory, reshaping our understanding of movement, adaptability, and design. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
At first glance, the BMW GINA seems almost surreal. Unlike any car you’ve ever seen, it doesn’t rely on traditional materials like steel or aluminum for its body. Instead, it’s made of a high-tech, silver-textile fabric stretched over a moveable metal frame. The chassis and engine were shared with the now-defunct BMW Z8 Roadster, but that was as far as it shared bits with cars of the time
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is made of a high-tech, silver-textile fabric stretched over a moveable metal frame. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
This fabric isn’t just for show—it’s an expansion-resistant, flexible material that can stretch and contract without tearing. When you interact with GINA, the car responds in ways that feel almost alive. For example, opening its doors causes the fabric to lift and ripple like skin, creating an organic movement that feels more human than mechanical.
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept responds almost like a living being, with its fabric doors lifting and rippling organically like skin. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
One of the most striking features of the GINA is how it invites a sense of curiosity. Peek under the hood—or rather, through a fabric seam that opens like a vintage doctor’s bag—and you’ll find a marvel of engineering. There’s no traditional hood to lift. Instead, the fabric splits, revealing the engine with a dramatic flair reminiscent of a magician unveiling their trick. The headlights, too, are hidden beneath the fabric, only emerging when activated, much like a pair of watchful eyes coming to life. It’s an experience that transforms mundane functions into moments of delight.
The
BMW GINA Light Visionary Model’s substructure can shift, enhancing
airflow across the body and even deploying a spoiler when needed.(Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The car’s ability to adapt doesn’t stop at aesthetics. BMW has designed the GINA to optimize performance dynamically. Need better aerodynamics? The car’s substructure can shift, enhancing airflow across the body and even deploying a spoiler when needed. This interplay of form and function sets GINA apart as a vehicle that isn’t just designed to be driven but to evolve in real time based on the demands of the road. The flexibility of its fabric and the ingenuity of its hydraulic and electro-mechanical frame offer a glimpse into a future where cars can transform themselves to suit their environment.
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept features an interior where fabric seamlessly extends from the exterior, covering the seats elegantly. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
While the GINA may sound like a concept rooted in fantasy, it’s very real. Though you won’t find it in showrooms, it resides as a proud exhibit at the BMW Museum in Munich. This concept car has influenced the design language of many BMW models that followed, demonstrating that even the boldest ideas can have a lasting impact. The GINA’s philosophy—“Geometry and Functions in ‘N’ Adaptations”—embodies BMW’s belief in creating vehicles that adapt to human needs rather than forcing drivers to conform to the limitations of their machines.
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept showcases fabric flexibility and a hydraulic-electro-mechanical frame, hinting at shape-shifting cars of the future. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
Behind this revolutionary project is Chris Bangle, a designer known for his unorthodox approach to automotive design. With the GINA, Bangle pushed the boundaries of what a car could be, not just in appearance but in how it interacts with its owner. His vision challenges traditional assumptions: Does a car really need a rigid steel body? Must every feature remain visible at all times? What if a car could change shape, responding to its owner’s whims or driving conditions? These questions drive the innovation that makes the GINA so remarkable.
The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept, though seemingly fantastical, is a real innovation proudly displayed at the BMW Museum in Munich. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
Even the interior of the GINA is a departure from the norm. The fabric extends inside, covering the seats and creating a seamless flow from the exterior. When you sit in the driver’s seat, the headrest rises, and the steering wheel and instruments move into position as if the car is waking up, ready to serve. This dynamic adaptability isn’t just functional—it forges a deeper emotional connection between the car and its driver, making it feel less like a machine and more like a companion.
The
BMW GINA Light Visionary Model, led by designer Chris Bangle, redefines
automotive design by revolutionizing both form and interaction. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The GINA concept also has practical implications for the automotive industry. Its flexible design reduces the need for complex tooling and model-specific hardware, potentially simplifying manufacturing processes. This aligns with BMW’s forward-thinking approach, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand with innovation. Yet, beyond the pragmatics, GINA embodies the spirit of creativity and imagination that defined the golden age of concept cars—an era when designers dared to dream of the impossible.
Ultimately, the BMW GINA Light Visionary Model isn’t just a car; it’s a bold statement about the future of mobility. It challenges us to rethink what a vehicle can be, blending art, science, and emotion in a way that’s as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. By pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, BMW has created a concept that reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place: their ability to transport not just our bodies but our imaginations. And while GINA may remain a concept, its impact on the world of automotive design is very real, leaving us to wonder what other extraordinary ideas the future might hold. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | CARANDDRIVER | HOTCARS ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
Unlike conventional EVs that focus on power and luxury, the Filante Record 2025 is built to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy consumption. Equipped with an 87-kWh battery pack, it aims to set new benchmarks for power efficiency and driving range. However, beneath its ultra-modern shell lies a deep connection to Renault's rich history of land speed record cars.
Renault is set to test the Filante Record 2025 in the first half of the year, and expectations are high. If all goes according to plan, it could set new records in the EV world, proving that efficiency and performance can go hand in hand. This car isn't just a glimpse into the future—it is a statement that innovation knows no limits. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RENAULT | CARSCOOPS | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOTOR1 | INSIDEEVS | AUTOCARINDIA ]
