Rimac Nevera storms hypercar market

Rimac Automobili has launched the all-electric Nevera hypercar.

It’s a production version of the C Two concept car revealed at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2018, Nevera meaning a powerful Mediterranean storm off Croatia where the car has been developed and built.

Production is limited to 150 units, the Nevera having a two million euros price tag, 550km range, a 412km/h top speed, and 1427kW of power and 2360Nm of torque from its four electric motors which Rimac says are 97% efficient and “maintenance-free”.

It can get to 96.5km/h in 1.85 seconds and can recharge to 80% in 19 minutes.

Each Nevera will be personally signed off by Rimac Automobili founder and chief executive Mate Rimac.

“This is the car I had in mind when I embarked on the ‘impossible’ journey 10 years ago,” he says.

“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 the electric hypercar, in the form of the Nevera, is beyond exciting, and that is as thrilling on the track as it is crossing continents.”

The company recently announced plans for a 200 million euro, 200,000 square metre home – Rimac Campus – which will house 2500 employees on Zagreb’s outskirts, producing hypercars and research and development on electric technology.

Comprehensive changes to the Nevera’s bodywork, air diffusers and intakes has delivered a 34% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over early prototypes.

Rimac has also created numerous innovative active aerodynamic elements to elevate the Nevera’s cooling, performance, stability, and efficiency abilities. The front bonnet profile, underbody flap, rear diffuser and rear wing can each move independently.

Switching from ‘high downforce’ to ‘low drag’ mode reduces aerodynamic drag by 17.5% to create a 0.3 drag coefficient. Changing back into ‘high downforce’ mode increases downforce by 326%.

Rimac has developed what it says is the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) Driver Coach which will be available in 2022 and included in over-the-air upgrades.

It evaluates performance and provides guidance to optimise and enhance the driver’s on-track driving – accessing 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 cameras, six radars, and the latest NVIDIA Pegasus operating system.

 Butterfly doors allowing easy entry and egress.

The Nevera has advanced monocoque construction and includes a bonded carbon roof, integrated structural battery pack and rear carbon subframe.

Weighing less than 200kg, the monocoque encases the car’s battery to form a compact yet incredibly strong structure, allowing the Nevera to meet strict global homologation standards.

The H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell lithium/manganese/nickel battery was designed by Rimac and can produce 1.4MW of power.

Advanced battery cooling system developments have improved efficiency, enabling more power to be delivered for greater periods.

Front and rear wheels are each connected to a pair of single-speed gearboxes.

Rimac’s All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2 (R-AWTV 2) system replaces traditional Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control systems to further bolster grip and traction while enabling infinitely variable dynamic responses to road and track conditions by calibrating the amount of torque supplied to each wheel.

The Nevera has cutting-edge braking technology and double wishbone suspension with electronically controlled dampers and active ride height adjustment.

It uses steer-by-wire, enabling adaptive driver-feedback, depending on the drive mode. Additionally, it works as a drive-by-wire system when in Driver Coach mode to demonstrate optimum racing lines and vehicle control to the driver.

SPORT mode sharpens the response of the throttle, brakes, suspension and steering, while DRIFT mode supplies more torque to the rear wheels to accentuate oversteer and help hold the car in a controlled power slide on the track. COMFORT mode strikes a balance between a relaxing ride, efficiency and driving pleasure, while RANGE mode enables the Nevera to achieve maximum mileage from each battery charge.

In expert hands, TRACK mode sets the Nevera to full, unrestrained configuration and two CUSTOM modes enable drivers to access their personal, pre-selected performance characteristics.

With space for two occupants in full race regalia and their luggage, Nevera’s digital screens soak up needless toggles and switches, leaving only essential tactile controls, to provide more space.

The cockpit features a trio of high-definition TFT screens, which present as much or as little information as the user requires. It’s divided into two zones, the top segment entirely placed on driving pleasure and performance, while the lower part houses the infotainment system, comfort controls and driving data.

The Rimac M2M system delivers real-time data to the manufacturer as well as the owner.

Customers can choose from a range of bespoke trims and material options. In addition to the company’s premium individual personalisation program, Rimac will offer its flagship in various editions – GT, Signature, Timeless or Bespoke.

Each Nevera owner will be invited to Croatia to design his or her car to their requirements.

The Nevera will be available through Rimac’s global dealer partners’ network.