World's fastest accelerating road car takes to the streets of London: Rimac's £2m electric Nevera on the capital's roads - and is of course ULEZ compliant
- The 258mph Rimac Nevera costs £2million and can blast from zero to 62mph in less than two seconds
- It is the first time the planet's fastest-accelerating road legal car has hit roads outside of its native Croatia
- Rimac is sending the Nevera on an 8-month whistle-stop tour, taking in 20 locations in Europe, Asia and US
- Because it emits zero emissions, the Rimac avoids both the £15 daily Congestion Charge and £12.50 ULEZ fee
Rimac's £2million electric Nevera - the fastest-accelerating vehicle you can legally drive on the road - has made its first appearance outside of its native Croatia, taking to the streets of London.
The 258mph vehicle, which can blast to 62mph in less than two seconds, has been pictured in the capital on the first leg of a world tour which, over the next eight months, will take in nearly 20 stops in mainland Europe, Asia, the US and beyond.
And because the electric hypercar runs on 1.4-megawatt lithium-manganese-nickel batteries, it is both Congestion Charge Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone exempt, avoiding a daily fee of £27.50 to drive in Central London.
World's fastest road car hits London: The 258mph Rimac Nevera, which can blast to 62mph in less than two seconds, has been pictured in the capital as it makes its debut to fans outside of its native Croatia
The 1,914-horsepower hypercar was spotted travelling through Piccadilly Circus, heading to the London Eye and the exclusive boutiques of Mayfair as part of its London tour courtesy of H.R. Owen - the luxury motor dealers that is the only official retailer of Rimac Automobili vehicles in the country.
It silently roamed some of the most famous London streets before it heads to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, where it'll be tackling the hillclimb in the Supercar Run.
The brief venture across London was - of course - without any emission charges, with the battery-powered £2million hypercar escaping both the £15 Congestion Charge and £12.50 ULEZ daily fee.
Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO, said: 'Since meeting Mate Rimac and the whole Rimac Automobili team two years ago, we have believed wholeheartedly in their vision. To finally now see the culmination of years of development, with the Nevera finally in our showroom and on the streets of London, is a very special moment.'
The 1,914-horsepower hypercar was spotted travelling through Piccadilly Circus, heading to the London Eye and the exclusive boutiques of Mayfair as part of its London tour courtesy of H.R. Owen - the luxury motor dealers that is the only official retailer of Rimac Automobili vehicles in the country
The brief venture across London was - of course - without any emission charges, with the battery-powered £2million hypercar escaping both the £15 Congestion Charge and £12.50 ULEZ daily fee
It silently roamed some of the most famous London streets before it heads to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, where it'll be tackling the hillclimb in the Supercar Run
Earlier this week, Rimac hit motoring headlines as it announced a new partnership with iconic French car maker, Bugatti.
The new deal - confirmed on Monday - came as Rimac Automobili and Bugatti Automobiles announced the creation of new company called 'Bugatti Rimac' to combine their expertise in design, innovation and technology: with Porsche – part of the giant Volkswagen Group - having a significant holding and oversight.
It will start trading as an independent group from the final quarter of 2021.
Although the Rimac Group will be majority shareholder with 55 per cent stake, German giant Porsche is keeping its existing 24 per cent shareholding in the Rimac Group and is acquiring a 45 per cent stake in new company which will be led by Rimac founder Mate Rimac as chief executive officer.
Uniting the Croatian start-up's technical expertise and lean operations with Bugatti's 110-year heritage of design and engineering prowess, represents a fusion of leading automotive minds.
The brief London appearance is the first leg of a world tour which, over the next eight months, will take in nearly 20 stops in mainland Europe, Asia, the US and beyond
Just 150 of the ultra-exclusive hypercars are going to be produced - and London's H.R. Owen will be the only UK dealer where orders can be placed
The partners said Rimac and Bugatti were combining forces in 'a historic new venture' noting: 'Rimac Automobili announces another major milestone in its history, as it combines forces with iconic automotive brand, Bugatti Automobiles, to create a new automotive and technological powerhouse.
'In just 10 years, Rimac Automobili has progressed from one man garage start-up, to announcing a new company with one of the world's most iconic car brands to create Bugatti Rimac LLC.'
In March Rimac also announced it is setting up a UK research and development base in Warwickshire - right next door to Jaguar Land Rover – which is also electrifying its range - and Aston Martin.
World's fastest accelerating road car: Rimac's new £2m Nevera can accelerate from rest to 60mph in a staggering 1.85 seconds - hitting 100mph from a standstill in a mere 4.3 seconds and 186mph (or 300km/hr) in 9.3 seconds - all while producing zero tailpipe emissions
Rimac Nevera is the fastest accelerating road-legal car in the world
The scintillating new £2million, 258mph Nevera - formerly known as the C_Two concept - is designed, engineered and by Rimac - the brand famed by Richard Hammond's fiery crash in 2017 that catapulted the manufacturer into the headlines.
It can accelerate from rest to 60mph in a staggering 1.85 seconds - hitting 100mph from a standstill in a mere 4.3 seconds and 186mph (or 300km/hr) in 9.3 seconds - while producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Although its ultimate top speed is less than the 'unofficial' record of 304.77mph achieved by the 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 gas-guzzling petrol-powered Bugatti Chiron SuperSport 300+, the all-electric Nevera outpaces and out-accelerates the Bugatti at every level - says the firm - making it the fastest accelerating car on the planet.
There will be a limited run of 150 Neveras, each one personally signed off by Rimac Automobili founder and CEO Mate Rimac - some of which can be ordered via H.R. Owen in the UK.
The scintillating new two-seater 258mph battery-powered model was officially revealed at the beginning of June but until now has not ventured outside of its native Croatia
There will be a limited run of 150 Neveras, each one personally signed off by Rimac Automobili founder and CEO Mate Rimac
Porsche recently increased its stake in Rimac to 24% amid speculation that it is also poised also to help transform super-luxury Bugatti into a green electric-only brand
Will it fit in my garage? New Rimac Nevera
Price: £2million
Built: Sveta Nedelja, near Zagreb, Croatia
Production volume: 150 (each personally signed off by founder and CEO Mate Rimac)
Seats: 2
Dimensions - Length: 4750mm Width: 1986mm Height: 1208mm Wheelbase: 2745mm
Weight: 2150kg
Power: 1,914 horsepower Torque: 2360 Nm
Electric motors: 4 independent motors – one for each wheel
Batteries: lithium-manganese-nickel batteries producing 1.4mega-Watts of power (reside in an H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell)
Emissions: Zero
Acceleration - 0-60mph: 1.85 sec 0-62mph: 1.97 sec 0-100mph: 4.3 sec 0-124mph: 4.7 sec 0-186mph: 9.3 sec
Quarter-mile: 8.6 seconds (official)
Top speed: 258mph
Range: 340-miles (WLTP) Fast charger: 80 per cent in 19-minutes
Brakes: Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs and six-piston callipers.
Construction: Carbon-fibre single cell chassis, carbon fibre roof, carbon-fibre and aluminium crash structures.
Driver assistance technology: 13 cameras, 6 radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
The new Nevera is named after a mighty and unexpected Mediterranean storm that arrives suddenly and races across the open sea off Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian coast – a popular holiday destination for seekers of sun and unspoiled surroundings - accompanied by thunder and lightning, before disappearing just as quickly.
The new Nevera hypercar has four independent electric motors which together develop a massive 1,914 horsepower.
It promises a range of 340-miles with an 80 per cent battery recharge in just 19 minutes.
The new Nevera is named after a mighty and unexpected Mediterranean storm that arrives suddenly and races across the open sea off Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian coast
CEO Mate Rimac said the car will 'raise the bar' and 'redefine the norm for performance cars' as an all-round package
A sneak look inside shows the incredibly detailed cabin, with a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel and a relatively small infotainment panel in the centre console
The company stresses: 'Every major component designed and built in-house at Rimac. Nothing is borrowed, everything is bespoke'.
By way of like-for-like comparison for acceleration with the Bugatti, the new Rimac Nevera accelerates from 0-to-62mph (100km/hr) in 1.97 seconds, 0-to-124mph (200km/hr) in 4.7 seconds, 0-to-186mph (300km/hr) in 9.3 seconds and covers a quarter mile in 8.6 seconds.
The Bugatti Chiron is slightly slower. It sprints from to 62mph in 2.4 seconds, 124mph in 6.5 seconds 186mph in 13.6 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in 9.4 seconds (as measured by Car & Driver).
CEO Mate Rimac managed the quarter mile acceleration in 8.94 seconds during a recent unofficial run on an airfield in a prototype car, which, although slower than the final production car, was still faster than the Bugatti.
However the ultimate 304.77mph top speed of the Bugatti Chiron SuperSport 300+ - and the officially recognised (by Guinness World Records) highest top speed for a production car, the 277.9mph set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS in 2017 - is significantly higher than that of the 258mph Rimac Nevera.
The new Nevera hypercar has four independent electric motors which together develop a massive 1,914 horsepower
Inside, the cockpit features a trio of high-definition digital screens, which present as much, or as little, information as the user requires
It promises a range of 340-miles with an 80 per cent battery recharge in just 19 minutes
What else do you need to know about the ridiculously fast Rimac Nevera?
The new Nevera has super-strong but lightweight construction using a carbon-fibre single-cell chassis, a bonded carbon-fibre roof, and carbon-fibre and aluminium which keeps the weight down to around two tonnes.
The safety and advanced driver assistance technology uses 13 cameras, 6 radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Thanks to its 'eye-widening acceleration' the firm says: 'It achieves a record-breaking 8.6 seconds quarter-mile time'.
Stopping power is via Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs and six-piston callipers.
The cabin features tactile aluminium rotary controls and switches - including three displays with rotating control – to provide a traditional analogue feel
This is just one of the high-definition screens that provide information to the driver and passenger in the Rimac Nevera
Near-unlimited personalization means each Nevera owner will be invited to Croatia to design his or her car to their exacting requirements and 'no two Neveras will leave the Rimac factory looking the same
The new Nevera is a production development Rimac C_Two prototype concept car shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Bosses say every component 'improved and enhanced' and the car homologated or passed fit for global use
The firm said it aimed to take the hypercar market 'by storm' with a car that was also fine for 'everyday use' stressing: 'With space for two occupants in full race regalia and their luggage, Nevera is as much a capable grand tourer as it is a performance hypercar.'
Inside, the cockpit features a trio of high-definition digital screens, which present as much, or as little, information as the user requires: 'They soak up needless toggles and switches, leaving only essential tactile controls, giving more space to enjoy Nevera's carefully designed interior.'
But there are also tactile aluminium rotary controls and switches - including three displays with rotating control – to provide a traditional analogue feel.
Near-unlimited personalization means each Nevera owner will be invited to Croatia to design his or her car to their exacting requirements and 'no two Neveras will leave the Rimac factory looking the same.
A flagship version will be available in various editions: GT, Signature, Timeless or fully Bespoke.
The new Nevera is a production development Rimac C_Two prototype concept car shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show but with every component 'improved and enhanced' and the car homologated or passed fit for global use.
The hypercar's lithium-manganese-nickel batteries reside in an H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell capable of producing 1.4mega-Watts of power
The new Nevera has super-strong but lightweight construction using a carbon-fibre single-cell chassis, a bonded carbon-fibre roof, and carbon-fibre and aluminium which keeps the weight down to around two tonnes
Four bespoke surface-mounted permanent magnet motors drive the Nevera's wheels individually. Together, they enable 1914hp and 2360Nm of torque – which Rimac says is triple the output of a 'conventional–engined' supercar
The Rimac is now officially the fastest accelerating car you can buy and drive legally on the road, dethroning the Bugatti Chiron SuperSport 300+ pictured
The hypercar's lithium-manganese-nickel batteries reside in an H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell capable of producing 1.4mega-Watts of power.
The battery system also forms an integral part of the car's core, adding 37 per cent structural stiffness to the carbon fibre single-cell monocoque. It also contributes to an ultra-low centre of gravity which helps handling and balance (with a 48/52 front to rear weight distribution).
Four bespoke surface-mounted permanent magnet motors drive the Nevera's wheels individually. Together, they enable 1914hp and 2360Nm of torque – which Rimac says is triple the output of a 'conventional–engined' supercar. The front and rear wheels are each connected to a pair of single-speed gearboxes.
The car also features the world's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driver Coach which provides guidance to optimise and enhance the driver's on-track performance.
The firm says: 'Capable of instantly summoning maximum torque from the first moment, the Nevera's electric motors are 97 per cent efficient – compared with 40 per cent for the most effective internal combustion engines – and completely maintenance-free throughout their operating life.'
Rimac Nevera VS Bugatti Chiron SuperSport 300+
Rimac Nevera
Price: £2million
Number built: 150
Seats: 2
Length: 4750mm
Width: 1986mm
Height: 1208mm
0-62mph: 1.97 seconds
0-124mph: 4.7 seconds
0-186mph: 9.3 seconds
Quarter-mile: 8.6 seconds (official)
Top speed: 258mph
Powertrain: 4 independent electric motors and lithium-manganese-nickel batteries
Power: 1,888bhp
CO2 emissions: 0g/km (tailpipe)
Bugatti Chiron SuperSport 300+
Price: circa £4.2million
Number built: 30
Seats: 2
Length: 4420mm
Width: 1990mm
Height: 1212mm
0-62mph: 2.4 seconds
0-124mph: 6.5 seconds
0-186mph: 13.6 seconds
Quarter-mile: 9.4 seconds (measured by Car & Driver)
Top speed: 304.77mph
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbochaged W16 petrol
Power: 1,578bhp
CO2 Emissions: 516g/Km
Nevera will 'redefine the norm for performance cars', says Mr Rimac
Rimac Automobili founder and chief executive Mate Rimac said: 'This is it. This is the car I had in mind when I embarked on the 'impossible' journey ten years ago. 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-round package.'
'The Nevera proves what is possible when there are no restraints placed on technology, development, or ambition.
'We will be making just 150 examples of the Nevera, every single unit crafted in Croatia from passion and admiration for cars.'
He said he will personally test and sign off each of the Neveras, before they are delivered to customers.
Mr Rimac revealed he had been inspired by the genius of fellow-Croatian, engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla, when at age 20 he converted his 1984 BMW 3 Series to battery power in his garage in 2008. He founded Rimac Automobili a year later 2009, and now, just 11 years later, has taken on his 1000th employee.
Who are Rimac - and why should we care?
Croatian-based Rimac Automobili is regarded by motor industry experts and manufacturers as one of the world's hottest electric drive-train specialists – though for now little known among the general motoring public other than for a crash involving one of Britain's best-known motoring correspondents.
The car maker hit headlines on 10 June 2017 when former Top Gear host Richard Hammond crashed one of its ultra-exclusive electric supercars while filming for the Amazon Prime motoring show, The Grand Tour, alongside long-running sidekicks Jeremy Clarkson and James May,
Hammond crashed the ultra-exclusive Rimac Concept One supercar while preparing for a hill-climb event being documented by The Grand Tour in 2017
While the crash itself wasn't captured by the film crew, it was videoed by an onlooker and footage showed the car ablaze. It reportedly took five days to fully extinguish the fire after the horror crash
The accident took place while participating in a hill-climb event in Switzerland.
Hammond was driving a Rimac Concept One supercar - a road-legal, fully electric hypercar producing 1,224bhp from four electric motors and costing around £880,000 from new. Just eight or nine were built, including the one written off by Hammond.
The car caught fire and reportedly took five days to fully extinguish.
The presenter was air-lifted to hospital with a fractured knee and remained there for six days before returning to the UK.
Organisers of the hill-climb were handed a fine of $5,000 and the event's director and three stewards were suspended for six months for violating international FIA rules and regulations.
Earlier this week, Rimac hit motoring headlines as it announced its new partnership with iconic French car maker, Bugatti
Uniting the Croatian start-up's technical expertise and lean operations with Bugatti's 110-year heritage of design and engineering prowess, represents a fusion of leading automotive minds
Croatian-based Rimac Automobili is seen as one of the world’s hottest electric drivetrain specialists
Since then, the car maker has hit headlines on motoring pages for different - and far less dramatic - reasons.
Rimac recently announced it is setting up its new UK research and development office at the University of Warwick's Warwick Enterprise Park campus in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.
Significantly, this is right next to Jaguar Land Rover's design and engineering centre at Gaydon. Aston Martin's boutique headquarters factory is also next door in Gaydon. Jaguar Land Rover already has a substantial amount of research development carried out at Warwick University's world-leading main campus and science park near Coventry.
New Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré confirmed recently that Jaguar is talking to external partners about co-operating on the brand's new all-electric platform for a completely new line-up of cars from 2025. He said Jaguar was talking with 'a selection of actors' to work with to create electric Jaguar cars to rival Tesla and Polestar. Currently the Jaguar I-Pace is the only all-electric vehicle in the JLR line up.
Rimac Automobili said it has already provided electrified technology to a number of British automotive brands ‘such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover’
The Croatian EV specialist is also a supplier to many of the world’s largest car makers, including Hyundai, Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg and others
Rimac says its new UK research base plans to employ 30 people by the end of 2021, closely collaborating with both the UK automotive industry and Rimac's Croatian headquarters. Rimac currently employs nearly 1,000 people and continues to rapidly expand.
Rimac Automobili said it has already provided electrified technology to a number of British automotive brands 'such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover' as well as being a supplier to many of the world's largest car makers, including Hyundai, Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg and others. It also has close ties to the UK, with H.R. Owen as a part of the global partners network.
A new £200million Rimac Campus with room for 2.500 employees is planned on the outskirts of Zagreb for hypercar production, research and development.
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