It was late in 2018 when we brought you the first news of the Aviar R67 - a Russian remake of the classic Ford Mustang GT that boasted retro styling outside, a modern interior, and a cardinal sin in the muscle car world: an electric powertrain sourced from Tesla that gave it more power than a Mustang Shelby GT500. Details seemed sketchy at the time, but two years later and the Aviar R67 is still alive and well, and we've grown fonder of it as time has gone by.
But now, we've managed to get our first look at what goes into building one, thanks to some behind the scenes images and more details on the construction of the R67. Feast your eyes on the incredible bare carbon fiber body of the R67 in all its woven, lightweight glory!
The R67 utilizes a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber in the chassis, built around the styling of the original Ford Mustang fastback. By using carbon fiber in the chassis construction, not only is it immensely rigid, but the R67 is able to counteract the weight of the batteries and electric motors that have been transplanted from a Tesla Model S Performance. As for how that transplant works, the R67 uses both the front and rear subframes from the Model S, not only allowing all componentry to fit, but ensuring the safety of these components as well. The body is then crafted from woven carbon fiber, reducing weight and increasing rigidity even further. Aviar doesn't give a specified weight figure, but the performance figures speak for themselves.
With 840 horsepower courtesy of the Tesla Model S' electric motors and all-wheel-drive system, the Aviar R67 is capable of a 0-62 mph run of 2.2 seconds, making it even quicker than the Model S Performance which can only manage the 0-60 mph sprint in 2.4 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 155 mph, while the 100 kWh battery pack gives the R67 a claimed range of 315 miles, falling just 33 miles short of the Model S - likely as a result of the R67's less aerodynamic body.
Inside, you get a fully modern cabin with a Tesla Model S-derived portrait touchscreen, and all the mod-cons like auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, Wi-Fi, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. A fully digital instrument cluster is a wonderful touch, and five airbags make it safer than any original Mustang.