Taking its name from a powerful and sudden Mediterranean storm that races across the sea off Croatia, Rimac has unveiled the Nevera, its new electric hypercar.
Nevera is an evolution from the Rimac C_Two, although the company says every component has been “improved and enhanced.” Among the enhancements are 1,914 horsepower and more than 1,740 pound-feet of torque, a 0-to-60 mph sprint in 1.85 seconds, a top speed of 258 mph and as much as 340 miles of range, with a 19-minute recharge time to 80 percent of battery capacity.
Rimac Automobili says it plans 150 units, each priced at €2 million ($2.449 million).
“This is it. This is the car I had in mind when I embarked on the ‘impossible’ journey ten years ago,” Rimac founder Mate Rimac is quoted in the company’s announcement. “All our hard work has resulted in the the Nevera — our record-breaking hypercar. 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.
“When we first revealed the C_Two, we set our targets extremely high. There was nothing else that could even come close to matching the car’s cutting-edge electric powertrain and extreme performance. But for us, that was only the starting.”
Inspired by the legacy of fellow Croatian engineer Nikola Tesla, Rimac founded his company as a 20-year-old in 2009. In addition to producing vehicles, the company has developed electric battery and drivetrain systems for companies such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Renault, Hyundai and others. Rimac Automobili employs more than 1,000 people and recently announced plans for a new 2,500-employee campus on the outskirts of Zabreb.
In addition to other advanced technologies, Rimac says Nevera will be the first car offering an onboard AI Driver Coach, AI short for Artificial Intelligence.
“To enable drivers of all abilities to extract maximum performance from the Nevera and help them further develop their track driving skills, Rimac has developed the world’s first AI (Artificial Intelligence) Driver Coach,” the company said. “Adding a new, immersive dimension to the driving experience, Nevera’s Driver Coach evaluates performance and provides guidance to optimize and enhance the driver’s on-track performance.
“By accessing 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 cameras, 6 radars, and the very latest NVIDIA Pegasus operating system, the Rimac Driving Coach adds an additional, immersive experience behind the wheel. The system overlays selected race circuits in real-time, offering clear and precise audio and visual guidance, to enable drivers to perfect their racing lines, braking and acceleration points and steering inputs.”
While the car is designed to excel at the extreme, Rimac says it also will be content for long-range cruising and will offer seven driving modes: Sport, Drift, Comfort, Range, Track and two Custom settings.
For more information, visit the Rimac Automobili website.
Funny! In Spanish Nevera means fridge. Not a particular hot name for a supposedly hot car, here. Anyway, it looks great!