Screenshot AFP
The infamous Russian arms manufacturer, Kalashnikov, has rolled out its concept for an ‘electric supercar’ to rival Elon Musk’s Tesla. The image has caused quite a stir on social media worldwide.
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The brand, best known for the AK-47 machine gun, presented the decidedly retro-looking pale blue prototype, the CV-1, at a defense expo outside Moscow. The look was inspired by a Soviet hatchback model developed in the 1970s called “Izh-Kombi,” a statement on the Kalashnikov website said. Holding company Kalashnikov Concern said it has developed some cutting-edge elements for the “electric supercar”, including a “revolutionary” inverter. The vehicle can travel 350 kilometres on one charge, reported AFP.
“We are developing our own concept of an electric supercar, which is based on several original systems developed by the concern,” the firm said.
“This technology will let us stand in the ranks of global electric car producers such as Tesla and be their competitor,” RIA-Novosti further quoted the Kalashnikov press-service as saying.
“We were inspired by the experience of global market leaders in developing our concept.”
The reaction to the design was less than complimentary…Here are some of the more humorous social media posts…
“Wow, I like it, because it’s very stylish. Especially taking into account its retro vintage and Russia is the first one in the world in the 21st century to go back to the future.”
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“Your tanks are great, but it would be better if you stayed away from cars.”
“Somebody had watched too much ‘Robocop'”
“Maybe next years model can look like a 1975 AMC Pacer.”
“I saw the picture and thought Yugo was back in business.”
“Do you get a free AK with every car purchased?”
“And you think these guys hacked the election?”
“Because who doesn’t want to drive around in something that looks like an Eastern European car from 1973?”
“After this is it safe to say socialism kills innovation?”
