Rimac resets hypercar benchmark with Nevera

ELECTRIC hypercar specialist Rimac has launched its latest and most potent vehicle to date in the form of the Nevera; a €2 million ($A3.15 million) speed machine capable of an 8.6-second quarter mile time and a top speed of 412km/h.

With a claimed 0-100km/h time of 1.85 seconds, it should hardly come as a surprise to find the Nevera is powered by four electric motors which generate a combined 1427kW and a monstrous 2360Nm of torque.

Once away, the Nevera will push on to a top speed of 412km/h, making it not only one of the quickest cars in the world off the mark but also one of the fastest.

Described by the brand as the “production-ready iteration of the Rimac C_Two concept car” seen at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the secret to the Nevera’s outrageous performance is its 120kW/h battery pack developed entirely in-house by the Croation brand with its huge capacity also lending itself to a 550km claimed WLTP range.

Underpinned by a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque weighing “less than” 200kg, the Nevera’s battery has been integrated into its platform as a structural component, helping to up its rigidity by an extra 37 per cent.

The shell is then wrapped in a carbon-fibre body boasting a drag coefficient of 0.3 and a heap of active aero features which can increase downforce by as much as 326 per cent.

Underneath the slippery skin, the Nevera rides on double-wishbone suspension front and rear with electronically controlled dampers and active ride-height adjustment to help it both be as agile and comfortable as possible.

Despite the insane performance, Rimac describes the Nevera as a “relaxed grand tourer with track attack precision” thanks in part to the standard fitment of seven drive modes – Sport, Drift, Comfort, Range, Track and two Custom modes (configurable).

Inside the cabin, almost all of the key functions traditionally controlled via switches, dials and buttons are contained within a myriad of different screens – the fully configurable digital cockpit alone has three different TFT screens.

When the battery eventually goes flat, Rimac says it can be charged at a rate of up to 500kW, resulting in just a 19-minute wait time for it to go from zero-80 per cent.

According to brand founder and CEO Mate Rimac, the Nevera is the car he had in mind when he embarked on the “impossible” journey 10 years ago and started Rimac Automobiles.

“This car was born to outperform, and to raise the bar, redefining the norm for performance cars. And not only in performance – but as an all-around package,” he said.

“With its combination of everyday use and 1914hp performance, the Nevera proves what is possible when there are no restraints placed on technology, development, or ambition. 

“We have now unveiled a car that pushes the hypercar market to a higher level, we have utilised the full potential of the electric powertrain today, proving what we’ve always been saying – that electric hypercar, in the form of the Nevera, is beyond exciting, and that is as thrilling on the track, as it is crossing continents.”

Just 150 Neveras will be made, each one tailor made to match the personal tastes of the customers, but it remains to be seen if any will make it Down Under.