Threading the fine line between glory and a trip to the hay bales, the Rimac Nevera has etched its name on another high-octane record, further cementing its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the electric vehicle circuit. Already holding the crown as the fastest accelerating production car and the EV with the top speed, the Nevera added another feather to its cap at the illustrious 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Power Beneath the Wheel
At the Supercar Shootout, the Nevera clocked a jaw-dropping time of 49.32 seconds, setting the fastest record for an EV in the history of Goodwood Hillclimb, as well as claiming the title of the fastest overall production car of the year. Equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and driven by Miroslav Zrnčević, Bugatti Rimac’s Chief Test and Development Driver, the Nevera dominated the weekend, drawing a clear line between the spectacle of smoky drifts and the precision of record-setting performance.
Under the Bonnet
Central to the Nevera’s remarkable performance is its state-of-the-art battery system, powertrain, and software, all designed and produced internally at the Rimac Group. The vehicle’s front and rear powertrains, each consisting of two individual motors, allow for an individualised power supply to each wheel. The rear powertrain, equipped with a 1MW dual inverter, enables 900Nm and 470kW per motor, while a custom-designed front powertrain ensures optimal power and control. Overseeing all these components is an intricate network of in-house developed electronic control units, in synergy with an NVIDIA Pegasus supercomputer, facilitating output to the four powertrain systems 100 times per second. Collectively, these components constitute the Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2 system.
The Nevera’s Legacy and Future
The Nevera’s astounding coup at the Goodwood Festival of Speed offers a glimpse of the cutting-edge advancements in EV technology and the potential of EVs in a high-performance setting. From being named Top Gear’s Best Electric Performance car to winning a Robb Report Best of the Best Award and a GQ Hypercar of the Year, the Nevera has beautifully demonstrated its impressive speed and ability. Furthermore, the significance of its livery, inspired by the Rimac BMW e-M3 – the car that catapulted Rimac into the limelight with its set of speed records, is a testament to Rimac’s continuous strive for innovation and excellence.
While the Nevera’s achievements are nothing short of spectacular, it is essential to keep in mind the broader context of the automotive industry. It is not just about setting records but about how EV technology can push the boundaries of performance in a sustainable manner. The Nevera is indeed a bold and ambitious step in this direction, but the road ahead is long and winding.
