With a look worthy of a science fiction movie, the model carries the emblem of one of the oldest brands in the country and can be electric
An unusual sighting on the streets of Perm — a Russian city located about a thousand kilometers from Moscow — has reignited speculation about the return of one of the most traditional brands in the Eastern European automotive industry. Images circulating on social media show a van with a ‘futuristic’ design and angular lines, referring directly to the aesthetics of the Tesla Cybertruck, but bearing the emblem of the extinct Russo-Balt.
The vehicle, spotted on a flatbed truck and reported by the local Telegram channel Trucks and Everything, features a silver body that suggests the use of stainless steel or unpainted aluminum. Inscriptions on the side of the van indicate that the model uses electric propulsion, aligning the design with global mobility trends, although technical details about motorization or autonomy remain unknown.
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The appearance of the prototype does not seem to be the work of chance or just a customization of enthusiasts. In August this year, a businessman from the Perm region secured the rights to use the “Russo-Balt” brand, patenting the name for a new range of vehicles. The legal maneuver reinforces the thesis that the van can be the first concrete step towards the rebirth of the manufacturer.
Historically, Russo-Balt occupies a prominent place in the Russian imagination. Active between 1909 and 1923, the company was a pioneer in supplying automobiles to the Tsar’s court and developing the world’s first heavy bombers, such as the Ilya Muromets. Since the end of its operations, several attempts to revive the brand have failed. The most notorious case occurred in 2007, with the presentation of the Impression concept, a luxury coupe with a V12 engine that never made it to the production line.
Now, the bet on a cyberpunk design suggests a break with previous attempts to evoke classic luxury, focusing on utility and technology. It remains to be seen whether the “Russian Cybertruck” will go from a curiosity on the streets of Perm to a reality in dealerships.
