Kalashnikov has Tesla in its sights with retro-futuristic CV-1 electric car

What better place to showcase the future of electric Russian cars than a military expo?

At least, that’s what infamous weapon manufacturer, Kalashnikov has done with its latest creation, the CV-1 retro electric car.

The behemoth manufacturer, most famous for creating the world’s most prolific assault rifle, the AK-47, reckons the CV-1 premiers "supercar" performance with "cutting edge" technology.

Dat panel gap.

Though, at this stage, the brand’s crack at mass-market automotive looks a bit like a kit car cooked up in someone’s garage. The Lada-esque styling is cool, it even packs ‘70s chrome doorhandles… but I can’t get past the dodgy looking body panels.

There’s also a slightly off-putting feel about it sitting right next to racks of assault weaponry…

Imagine you're just at the arms bazaar hoping to pick up a few machine guns, when you see this.

Kalashnikov reckons it can take on Tesla with the car’s specs. It packs a competitive 90kW/h battery pack which has a power output of 220kW. Range is a claimed 350km/h and it’ll do 0-100km/h in six seconds.

Not bad figures, although they aren’t exactly stellar for a car that looks like it doesn’t weigh much more than a tonne.

I think there's a reason they don't put these on cars anymore...

What’s the world’s biggest murder weapon manufacturer doing in automotive, anyway? Surprisingly, a lot lately.

Kalasnikov also manufactures a series of electric off-road motorbikes and ATVs as well as the UV-4 electric vehicle aimed at the ‘civilian market’ which looks a bit like a Renault Twizy.

Doors are clearly optional...

Neat. If you can get past the whole ‘It’s manufactured by one of the world’s biggest war machines’ thing.

What do you think of the CV-1 - retro slick or lame garage project come to life? Tell us in the comments.