Kalashnikov CV-1 electric car

Range 218 miles

0-62mph 6 seconds

Production date and price unconfirmed

For almost 70 years, Kalashnikov has been associated with only one thing: its fearsome AK-47 assault rifle. But that might be about to change. Last month, at a trade fair outside Moscow, the arms manufacturer unveiled the CV-1: an ‘electric super car’ with which it intends to compete with Elon Musk’s Tesla – or even Nissan’s world-beating Leaf.

The car is based on an old model, the IZH 2126 Kombi, which was mass produced in the Soviet Union in the 70s. The gunmaker may have been trying to reference that era’s retro chic, but to western eyes the CV-1 just looks like an end-of-term project made by cash-strapped 6th form engineering students.

The ‘super car’ is fitted with a 90kW battery which, we are told, will give the CV-1 a range of more than 200 miles. According to Kalashnikov, the car also features ‘complex systems’ and ‘revolutionary technology’ which will help it compete at the highest level – though what these are is anyone’s guess.

The arms manufacturer has been diversifying in recent years. It’s launched a clothing line and started making drones. If these don’t take your fancy, you might like its 13ft gold robot which was also at the trade show.

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166