Kalashnikov, the Russian manufacturing giant best known for its AK47 assault rifle, has unveiled the CV-1, a retro-styled electric car that it claimed offers Tesla-rivalling performance.
The prototype CV-1 was launched at the Army 2018 International Military Technical Forum in Kubinka, Russia. The car’s styling is based on the 1970s Izh 2125 Combi. The CV-1 uses modular batteries, with a total capacity of 90kWh, which Kalashnikov says are powered through a “revolutionary inverter” that measures 50x50x100cm and propel the car a total of 354 kilometres.
While no specifics have been revealed about the CV-1’s motor, Kalashnikov cites an output of about 300hp, with a claimed 0-100kph time of around six seconds.
According to the RIA-Novosti news agency's press office, a Kalashnikov spokesperson said, “This technology will let us stand in the ranks of global electric car products such as Tesla and be their competitors.”
The original 2125 Kombi was produced by Izh, a subsidiary of Lada parent firm AvtoVaz, between 1973 and 1997. The hatchback, itself based on a Moskvitch 412, was initially powered by a 69bhp 1.5-litre engine. Best known for its guns, Kalashnikov produces a wide range of military and civilian weapons and other systems - these include several bikes and off-road vehicles. The firm recently unveiled a four-metre-tall, 4.5-tonne manned robot named Igorek.
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