Renault Filante Recorde 2025, a concept car and a laboratory on wheels dedicated to energy efficiency

The Renault Filante Recorde 2020 is an electric concept car developed to maximize energy efficiency and aims to set a new record for consumption and autonomy, with an 87 kWh battery, that is, the same capacity as the electric Scenic E-Tech.

A single-seater with an aerodynamic body, the Renault Filante Recorde 2020 is a car of exceptional dimensions: 5.12 meters long and 1.19 meters high, weighing just 1,000 kg.

A laboratory on wheels for testing new technologies, materials and innovations, the Renault Filante Record 2025 is equipped with unique tyres that reduce friction, as well as steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies.

The Renault Filante Recorde 2025 was inspired by the 40 CV des Records and the Étoile Filante, built in 1925 and 1956 respectively, which set new historical records for the brand. It will be presented at the Rétromobile Motor Show in Paris from 5 to 9 February 2025, before setting a new efficiency record in the first half of the year.

The 2021 Renault Filante Recorde is no ordinary concept car. It is an electric showcase car, designed to be bold and innovative, fusing Renault’s rich heritage with a futuristic vision of electric mobility. It is also a tribute to the history and heritage of the brand, which has always viewed motorsport and records as a way of validating its innovations, before applying them to production models.

Inspired by the legendary 40 CV des Records (1925-1926), Nervasport des Records (1934) and Etoile Filante (1956), this single-seater seems to have been sculpted by the air. It is not just an exercise in style, but also a demonstration of exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and cutting-edge technology, underlining Renault’s commitment to innovation and more sustainable and efficient mobility.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 demonstration car will be presented at the Rétromobile Motor Show in Paris from 5 to 9 February 2025, before setting a new efficiency record in the first half of the year.

A design that seeks new levels of efficiency, inspired by aeronautics and the brand’s historic models
The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a feat of engineering and design. Developed to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy efficiency, it aims to break new records. Its bold look is inspired by aeronautical design and the brand’s history.

The designers set out to create a monolithic sculpture of clean, fluid lines that could even be described as organic.

We designed this car as a moving sculpture. Inspired by 19th century fighter planes and speed records, it simultaneously reflects performance and timeless elegance. Every inch of the surface has been crafted to capture the light and highlight the lines of the bodywork, which appear to melt into the air. The blue glass and color palette further emphasize this impression of lightness and air. The design as a whole seeks to convey an impression of fluidity and lightness.

Sandeep Bhambra, Director of Advanced Design, Renault and Ampere

Historical influences revisited

The 2021 Renault Filante Recorde features a body in Ultraviolet Blue, a new hue that appears blue or violet depending on light reflections and viewing angle. This colour, reminiscent of the 40 CV des Records, was recreated especially for the Filante Recorde 2025. Many other details also recall the iconic models that inspired the design of this concept car: the round headlights, the wheels separated from the bodywork (40 CV des Records and Nervasport des Records), but also the wheel fairings (Etoile Filante), the pointed grille, the position of the passenger compartment and the seat adjustment strap (40 CV des Records). All these shapes and pieces remind us of the past while blending perfectly with the contemporary appearance of the Filante Recorde 2025. Integrating smoothly and harmoniously with the futuristic vision of the car, they create a natural dialogue between the past and the present. future.

However, it is the world of aeronautics that provides the main inspiration for the design of this demonstration concept car. With its protective aerodynamic bubble, the cabin is reminiscent of a fighter jet. At the same time, every detail of the bodywork has been optimized to reduce drag, with features that recall the curves and shapes of high-performance aircraft.

The front and rear wheel fairings are another eye-catching detail, contributing to the car’s style and playing a key role in its aerodynamic performance. The fairings reinforce the concept car’s monolithic appearance while simultaneously improving air penetration. Together with the wide side wings of the wheels, they contribute to the uninterrupted fluidity of the bodywork and the absence of visible breaks.

In search of efficiency and performance

Weight was also a priority when designing the 2020 Renault Filante Recorde. This is evident in every detail, right down to the finishes. The screws visible on the body are inspired by aircraft construction techniques. The aim is not only to make the car lighter but also to give it a contemporary, high-tech look. Along with the other design features inspired by the world of aeronautics, these visible screws underline the brand’s commitment to innovative and more sustainable design.

The design of this concept car is much more than just looks: it is part of an approach that aims to push the boundaries of efficiency and performance. From the aerodynamic fairings to the lightweight chassis, every element has been designed to maximize energy efficiency. At the same time, historical and aeronautical inspiration gives this car a unique personality, with its eyes on the future.

A cockpit that was also designed for performance

The interior design of the 2021 Renault Filante Recorde follows the same approach as the exterior, with a cockpit inspired by the worlds of aviation and space travel, where every detail is designed to maximize performance, comfort and efficiency. In this reduced environment, each component or system (safety and opening functions, cruise control, accelerator, braking, etc.) is within the driver’s reach, with a design focused on ergonomics and weight reduction. The choice of materials also reflects this thinking. The driver’s seat, for example, is made of stretched, hammock-like canvas for a lightweight design and great support.

The seat adapts to the shape of the driver’s body, who feels in tune with the car. The seat is supported by thin carbon sheets covered in a technical fabric, a choice again inspired by the aeronautical and aerospace industries, where every gram counts to maximize performance.

The integration of controls and instruments reflects a fluid and minimalist approach. Each function is displayed on an ultra-thin digital screen.

The steering wheel is the visible component of an innovative control architecture: its levers control acceleration, braking and steering functions using fully electronic steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies, discreetly integrated into a 3D printed structure made of Scalmolloy. This approach is inspired by aeronautical technologies, in which controls must be ergonomic and quickly accessible. In the centre of the steering wheel, a flexible widescreen display wrapped around a cylinder allows clear and immediate visualization of essential data such as speed, range and driving parameters. Finally, the steering wheel is connected to the cockpit’s protective bubble, rising when it is opened to facilitate the driver’s entry and exit.

An ingenious air circulation system allows the cockpit to be ventilated without the need for more technical parts, once again to save weight and energy.

The F1-inspired driving position was designed to be ergonomic and visible. The driver’s legs are positioned over the batteries, for a better architectural result.

Aerodynamics and weight control, the keys to energy efficiency

The result of a collaboration between the engineering and design teams at Renault and Ligier Automotive, the Filante Recorde 2025 concept car features an exceptional ultra-aerodynamic design, optimized for performance.

The ambitious goal of this project required special attention to styling to achieve the highest level of aerodynamic performance.

To do this, aerodynamic engineers sought to optimize airflow around the car, with particular emphasis on the transition between different parts. The elongated shape of the single-seater played a key role here, as longer cars allow better control of the aerodynamic flow, thus reducing interference.

Rims are normally a major source of aerodynamic interference, but in this case, they have been carefully tuned to minimize their impact on performance. Engineers initially used simplified shapes, before refining the design to achieve the best compromise between styling intent and aerodynamic performance.

At the same time, the suspension arms were also reshaped, with design lines that reflect aerodynamic logic.

Simulation and validation in wind tunnels

The project involved close collaboration between the design and aerodynamics teams to find a balance between performance and appearance. Although some choices required compromise, respecting the styling intent while ensuring exceptional aerodynamic performance was considered a priority. This fusion of style and performance translates into flowing lines and a sculptural body style that makes no concessions to energy efficiency.

While the aerodynamic development process has so far been guided by state-of-the-art numerical simulations, engineers plan to conduct wind tunnel testing in spring 2025. These tests will serve to confirm the simulation results and to make adjustments. necessary to perfect the car’s design to obtain optimum aerodynamic performance.

Weight savings through optimized materials and advanced technologies

One of the main objectives of the development of the Renault Filante Recorde 2025 was to make the car lighter to maximize energy efficiency and, consequently, autonomy. To achieve this, the project used an innovative combination of ultra-light materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. Each component of the concept car was studied, analyzed and optimized to reduce weight while maintaining the solidity needed to set new records.

By maximizing the use of carbon fibre, a material of fundamental importance for reducing the weight of chassis and body components, without compromising their structural strength, engineers have managed to keep the weight of the Renault Filante Recorde 2025 below 1000 kilos, optimizing rigidity. and security.

The chassis was optimized through calculations and detailed studies on possible material combinations. Aluminium, carbon and steel alloys were combined to reduce the cross-sections of the components to the minimum necessary to withstand mechanical stresses while maintaining maximum resistance.

These materials made the vehicle lighter, without compromising the strength of the chassis, which is essential to guarantee stability on the track.

To further reduce the vehicle’s weight, the engineering team used Scalmalloy, a high-strength aluminum alloy specially designed for 3D printing. In this way, engineers were able to manufacture complex parts with extreme precision, while simultaneously reducing the vehicle’s overall weight. The 3D printing process also minimized material waste by optimizing the structure of the parts to be manufactured. The components produced are light, resistant and perfectly adapt to performance requirements.

Topology Optimization: Further Performance Improvements

Topology optimization is another key innovation that has significantly reduced vehicle weight. This method optimizes the arrangement of the material so that it is only used where it is needed, i.e. in areas subject to specific mechanical stresses. Using advanced computer calculations, engineers were able to establish the areas where material was needed to ensure the strength of the demonstration car and the areas where it could be removed to make the structure lighter without affecting performance. Using artificial intelligence-enhanced simulation software, this approach made it possible to create lightweight, robust parts to be used exactly where they were needed.

Renault Filante Recorde 2025, a laboratory on wheels for future automotive technologies

Innovative even in its tyres, and in the historic tradition of the brand’s record-breaking vehicles and concept cars, the Renault Filante Recorde 2025 previews a series of technologies that will be studied for use in tomorrow’s production vehicles.

Lack of mechanical connection between the driver and the brake and steering systems

Renault Filante Recorde 2025 replaces conventional mechanical systems with electronic steering and braking-by-wire technologies, offering a more complete driving experience by reducing the number of mechanical components. This frees up space to rethink vehicle architecture and optimize weight.

Steer-by-wire technology represents a major step forward in steering control. Unlike conventional systems, which use a mechanical steering column to connect the steering wheel to the wheels, steer-by-wire technology is based on an electronic connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack motors.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the system sends electrical signals to a central ECU that determines the best way to turn the car, not just with the front wheels, but also with other components such as the engine, brakes and suspension. The entire platform can be put to work.

This technology also provides greater flexibility, as steering components – including the steering wheel – can be positioned wherever needed. This makes it possible to overcome a whole series of architectural and standardization constraints to optimize the cockpit layout.

Brake-by-wire technology works on a similar principle. The 2021 Renault Filante Recorde does not have a conventional pedal set. Instead, braking effort is managed by an electronic control system. When the driver applies the brakes, an electrical signal is sent to the braking system, which distributes the force applied to the wheels for optimum effect. In this case, too, this technology opens up new possibilities in the architecture of the platform and cockpit.

Optimized battery integration using cell-to-pack technology

Supplied by Ampere, the cell-to-pack technology maximizes the car’s energy efficiency while saving space and weight.

The cells are integrated directly into the battery pack without intermediate modules. This technique reduces the weight of the battery pack while simultaneously optimizing its shape and available space. This was a big challenge for the 2025 Record Filante, which is only 1.71 meters wide.

This new architecture also reduced the overall weight of the concept car to 1000 kg, with a 600 kg battery. The carbon battery casing also contributes to weight reduction while providing greater strength and protection.

Innovative tyres

The 2020 Renault Filante Recorder is equipped with 19-inch Michelin tyres, specially designed to offer pure performance while maximizing autonomy. Tyres influence autonomy by around 20%, so they play a fundamental role in this type of project. The engineers at Michelin’s technology centre worked on several parameters:

• materials to reduce tire-related energy dissipation;
• architecture to better flatten the contact surface;
• tyre design: a slender shape, i.e. tall and narrow, has the dual advantage of limiting energy dissipation at each turn of the wheel, also contributing positively to the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

In this search for efficiency, these tyres once again exceed the limits of rolling resistance. Its coefficient is around 40% lower, at around 4 kg/ton in car usage conditions, compared to around 6.5 kg/ton for a conventional car tyre.

Renault Filante Recorde 2025, a name inspired by the brand’s DNA and heritage for a new approach to the future of electric cars

The name Filante Recorde 2025 is a direct reference to two of the brand’s iconic historical models:

• The name Filante refers to the Étoile Filante, a single-seater aeronautically inspired car built in 1956 to set new speed records. On September 5, 1956, the Étoile Filante simultaneously broke several speed records at Bonneville Salt Lake Flats in the United States, including the 1 and 5-kilometre distance records, with speeds of 306.9 km/h and 308. ,85 km/h, respectively.
• The word Record is a direct reference to the 40 CV des Records, single-seaters with aerodynamic bodies, narrower than the Renault 40 CV, which set a series of speed and endurance records from 1925 onwards. The first records were set in 1925 with engineers Garfield and Plessier at the wheel: 3-hour world record, 500 km world record and 500-mile world record. We can also add the 24-hour record, with 4,167.578 km driven, at an average speed of 173.649 km/h, the following year. The 2025 date in the Z41’s name marks the centenary of those 1925 records.

The Nervasport des Records is another of the lesser-known Renault cars that have contributed to setting new records. On April 4th and 5th, 1934, this car broke no less than nine international records and three world records, including the 48-hour record, with 8,037 km driven, at an average speed of 167.445 km/h.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.