"We are talking about competing precisely with Tesla, because at present it is a successful project in the field of electric vehicles," she said. "We expect to at least keep up with it."

Though it's known for its iconic weaponry, Kalashnikov has branched into other products, such as iPhone covers, umbrellas and a new four-metre-tall combat robot named "Little Igor," whose design appears to have been plucked from the Star Wars movie franchise. The company is also reportedly developing a hybrid buggy and an electric motorcycle.

Inspired by a Soviet hatchback developed in the 1970s called "Izh-Kombi," the contemporary CV-1 made its debut at a Russian arms show in Moscow called Army-2018. The CV-1′s body type looks nothing like a Tesla, whose sleek and simple design is often compared to an iPhone on wheels.

The boxy Russian vehicle has sharp lines, a steep windshield and — somewhat curiously — no side mirrors. Tesla models come standard with adjustable side mirrors.

The two cars also perform very differently as well.

In a statement published online, Kalashnikov referred to the CV-1 as an "electric supercar" and noted that it features a 90 kilowatt battery pack and can travel 220 miles (350 km) on a single charge. Tesla's Model S, by comparison, has a 335-mile range.

The CV-1 can break 60 miles per hour in just over six seconds, whereas the Model s can reach similar speeds in about 2.5 seconds.

Video footage released by Kalashnikov did not include images of the CV-1′s interior.

Observers said they're skeptical that the Russian company is ready to compete and some labelled the vehicle's unveiling a PR stunt.

Kalshnikov did not release information about the CV-1′s potential price tag.

"Releasing a concept is a far cry from being able to offer a viable product and producing it successfully," Christian Stadler, a professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom, told CNN Money. "I don't think the company has the technology or deep pockets it takes to make this a success."

Washington Post