The Rétromobile show opens today and runs until Sunday, February 9th, welcoming the public. As in 2023, Renault makes a strong impression this year at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles with a stand shaped like a luminous metallic arch. Connecting past, present, and future, Renault bridges the gap between its popular historic models and their modern 100% electric versions, the Renault 5 and Renault 4 electric cars. The “four-wheeled star” of the Renault stand at Rétromobile is the Renault Filante Record 2025 concept car, which will soon follow in the footsteps of its “ancestors” to set new electric range records.
In recent years, electric cars have increasingly been present at Rétromobile. However, it is worth noting that this show is dedicated to classic and collectible cars and vehicles from the past. In 2023, Renault paid a remarkable tribute to its past with an incredible exhibition. In 2024, the 100% electric Renault 5 and Renault 4 took center stage at Rétromobile.
This year, due to marketing and communication needs, the new Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Renault 4 E-Tech electric face off against the original Renault 5 and Renault 4.
As mentioned in the introduction, the Renault Filante Record 2025 is making waves at Rétromobile 2025, being prominently displayed at the Renault stand, close to the record-breaking Renault 40CV single-seater from 1925 and 1926.
Let’s not hide our joy, as at Rétromobile, we were delighted to see the Renault R17 electric restomod again—a concept car we find particularly successful. This Renault R17 electric restomod was unveiled in 2024 during the Chantilly Arts and Elegance event before being exhibited at the Paris Motor Show 2024.
Returning to the Renault Filante Record 2025 at Rétromobile. 100 years after the 40 CV single-seater, like an anniversary, Renault aims to chase new records with this concept car, or demo-car, featuring a futuristic design that reminds us of the Hot Wheels universe.
The body of the Renault Filante Record 2025 stretches almost like an airplane, measuring 5.12 m in length. The height of this single-seater is only 1.19 m. Once again, the lines and curves of this Renault Filante Record 2025 are designed with the extreme goal of cutting through the air, optimizing aerodynamics to the fullest.
Additionally, the Filante Record 2025 demo-car weighs in at a rather reduced 1,000 kg, developed to be as light as possible. The color on the body of the Renault Filante Record 2025 is a blue with violet hues, depending on the viewing angle and light.
Among the numerous “aerodynamic” elements that make up the open and streamlined body of the 2025 Rétromobile concept car, the wheel fairings, taken from the 1956 Etoile Filante, stand out, always aimed at achieving the best drag coefficient (Cx) possible. High-performance 19-inch tires, specifically created by Michelin, are also part of the Renault Filante Record 2025. From their material to their high and narrow shape and structure, these Michelin tires offer minimal energy dissipation. Before setting out to break new records, Renault engineers have reduced weight primarily by using carbon fiber and 3D-printed aluminum alloy parts for the concept car’s body.
We now come to the minimalist and ultra-modern cockpit of the Renault Filante Record 2025. A hammock-like principle, with stretched fabric, has been preferred for the interior. Additionally, there are two controls on either side of the steering wheel for acceleration and braking. Moreover, to minimize the number of mechanical parts, the “steer by wire” and “brake by wire” systems contribute to the Filante Record 2025‘s 1,000 kg weight.
At Rétromobile 2025, Renault does not disclose details about the 100% electric motorization of its new concept car, or rolling laboratory. However, two electric motors for the front and rear axles are expected to equip the Renault Filante Record 2025. Alternatively, a small electric motor per wheel might be possible, which would be logical in terms of weight optimization for the Filante Record 2025. What is known is the battery of the concept car in question. This same battery has a capacity of 87 kWh, similar to that of the Renault Scénic E-Tech electric. In terms of structure, the battery of the Filante Record 2025 is, however, quite different from that of the 100% electric Scénic SUV, as it follows the “cell-to-pack” technology to maximize energy efficiency, with a more compact and lighter battery.
In conclusion, the next development step for the Renault Filante Record 2025 will take place in a wind tunnel. The French automaker aims to break electric range records in 2025, similar to the one set by Mercedes-Benz with the EQXX, which covered 1,202 km from Stuttgart (Germany) to Silverstone (UK) in 2022 on a single charge. Until then, Rétromobile 2025 is not to be missed, unless, perhaps, you are against electric cars.
The editorial team
Photos: LesVoitures.com / The CarsNews.com (Mathieu Langlais)
