Rimac Nevera Sets Record Books On Fire By Touching 171 MPH In Reverse

Summary

• The Rimac Nevera sets a new record for the fastest speed achieved by a car in reverse at 171 mph, showcasing its revolutionary electric drivetrain.
• The Nevera’s four independent electric motors and unique gearbox eliminate traditional transmission limitations, delivering instant torque and unmatched agility.
• This record-breaking achievement demonstrates the potential of electric drivetrains in pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and sets the stage for even faster and more agile vehicles in the future.

The automotive landscape is no stranger to speed demons, but the Rimac Nevera isn’t just another record-chasing hypercar. It’s a Croatian-born electric beast that rewrites the rules of performance and pushes the boundaries of what a car can be. Its latest feat is ripping through the realm of reverse speed, setting a record of 171 mph – a feat that’s as mind-boggling as it is exhilarating.

But this record isn’t just a headline grabber. It’s a testament to the Nevera’s revolutionary electric drivetrain, showcasing its ability to deliver electrifying power in both forward and reverse directions. The journey began in 2018 with the C_Two concept, a sleek silhouette brimming with potential. For three years, Rimac meticulously sculpted this concept into the Nevera, crafting every component – from the battery system to the unique gearbox – with relentless pursuit of performance and innovation.

The result is a symphony of cutting-edge engineering. Four independent electric motors churn out a staggering 1,914 horsepower combined, each directly powering a wheel. This eliminates the limitations of traditional transmissions, unleashing instant torque, and unmatched agility, even at breakneck speeds in reverse.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Rimac, the Guinness World Records and other reliable sources.

Rimac Nevera Claims “Fastest Car In Reverse” Title With A 171 MPH Stunner

The Rimac Nevera, a Croatian electric hypercar, has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of speed. In 2022, it claimed the coveted title of “fastest electric car in the world,” clocking in at a staggering 258 MPH. However, the Nevera set its sights on a different kind of record: the fastest speed ever achieved by a car in reverse.

The stage was set at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where test driver Goran Drndak took the wheel of the Nevera. Facing backwards, Drndak expertly navigated the course, pushing the car to its limits. The speedometer steadily climbed, shattering the previous record of 102.58 MPH (165.08 km/h) set in 2001. When the dust settled, the Nevera had etched its name in history with a jaw-dropping reverse speed of 171.34 MPH (275.74 km/h).

The Nevera’s Unique Drivetrain Conquered Reverse Speeds

This record-breaking feat wasn’t simply a display of raw power; it highlighted the unique capabilities of the Nevera’s electric drivetrain. Unlike traditional cars with gearboxes, the Nevera employs four independent motors, each directly powering a wheel. This eliminates the limitations of a transmission, allowing the car to generate the same propulsive force in both forward and reverse directions.

Drndak described the experience as “unnatural,” noting the sensation of watching the scenery blur past while feeling pressed forward against the seat, the opposite of one’s usual experience under heavy braking.

Nevera’s Record Shows The Potential For EVs Performance

The Nevera’s record-breaking achievement is not just about bragging rights. It demonstrates the potential of electric drivetrains in pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. With their inherent flexibility and ability to deliver instant torque, electric motors could pave the way for even faster and more agile vehicles in the future.

While the practical applications of driving at 171 MPH in reverse are limited, beyond perhaps joining the Fast & Furious crew or a Tom Cruise/James Bond-style mission impossible, the Nevera’s feat underscores its innovative engineering and serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

A Quest For Electric Hypercar Perfection

Born from a Croatian vision of an ultimate electric hypercar experience, the Rimac Nevera isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to innovation, performance, and the relentless pursuit of automotive boundaries. This sleek, electric beast didn’t emerge overnight; its journey began in 2018, christened as the C_Two at the Geneva Motor Show. Over the next three years, Rimac meticulously sculpted the C_Two into the Nevera. This development phase wasn’t simply about adding horsepower; it was about creating a symphony of cutting-edge technology and driving exhilaration.

Four Prototypes, Rigorous Testing, And Croatian Passion

Almost every crucial component, from the battery system to the gearbox, was meticulously crafted within Rimac’s headquarters near Zagreb, Croatia. Four dedicated prototypes emerged during this rigorous development process, each tackling specific challenges in the quest for global homologation. In 2020, a brand new facility in Veliko Trgovišće sprung up, ready to breathe life into these prototypes and future customer cars. At its peak, the facility aimed to produce four Neveras per month, alongside pre-production and homologation vehicles.

From European Crash Tests To A Playful Nod To The Past

Safety remained paramount throughout the journey. After undergoing European crash testing in 2021, the Nevera tackled its final hurdle in February 2022 – U.S. safety tests. With this, the crash test program was complete, paving the way for official deliveries.

As a cheeky safety nod to a past mishap, the fire extinguisher in the back of the Rimac Nevera sports a leather strap emblazoned with “In case of hill climb, extinguish fire,” a playful reference to when Richard Hammond, the Grand Tour presenter, crashed a Rimac Concept One during a hill climb, setting it ablaze.

August 2022 marked the occasion – the first production-spec Nevera rolled off the line, landing in the hands of none other than 2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg. This marked the beginning of a limited production run of 150 vehicles, each destined to carve its own path in the annals of automotive history.

From Garage To Giants

But the Nevera’s story extends beyond its own sleek body. The company behind it, Rimac Automobili, boasts a legacy of innovation that transcends mere car manufacturing.

Founded in 2009 by the then-21-year-old Mate Rimac, Rimac has grown into a powerhouse, supplying high-performance batteries and components to giants like Porsche, Jaguar, and Aston Martin. Mate’s journey embodies the very spirit of the Nevera. From winning electronics and innovation awards in high school to converting a BMW 3 Series into a record-breaking electric car in his garage, his passion for pushing boundaries fuels Rimac’s every endeavor.

A Legacy Of Breaking Boundaries

The Nevera’s performance speaks volumes, etched in the annals of automotive history. In November 2022, it claimed the title of “fastest electric car in the world,” blitzing across the Automotive Testing Papenburg track at a blistering 258 MPH. But that wasn’t enough. In May 2023, it shattered 23 performance records in a single day, including a 0-60 MPH sprint in a mere 1.74 seconds and a scorching 402-meter (1/4 mile) dash in 8.25 seconds.

Dominating The Track, From Goodwood To The Nürburgring

The Nevera’s prowess isn’t confined to straight-line speed. It carves corners with the grace of a ballerina and the ferocity of a cheetah. In July 2023, it etched its name as the fastest production EV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, conquering the legendary course in a record-breaking 49.32 seconds. And if that wasn’t enough, it claimed another crown in August 2023, tearing through the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a mind-bending 7:05.298 minutes, the fastest lap ever recorded by a production electric car.

A Symphony Of Electrifying Performance

The Rimac Nevera is more than just a sleek silhouette and an electric thunderous roar. It’s a symphony of cutting-edge engineering, unleashing electrifying performance that redefines the boundaries of automotive possibility. At the heart of the Nevera lies a formidable powertrain.

Four individually-driven, surface-mounted magnet motors churn out a staggering 1,914 horsepower, channeling that raw power through each wheel with a ferocious 1,741 pound-feet of torque. This isn’t just about horsepower; it’s about precision. Each set of wheels boasts a single-speed gearbox, allowing for instant torque delivery in either direction, left or right, for agility and control.

Rimac Nevera Powertrain Specs

(Specs sourced from Rimac)

But the Nevera doesn’t just crave the thrill of speed; it also knows the value of endurance. Thanks to its 120 kWh battery pack, it boasts a WLTP range of a respectable 300 miles (490 km), enough for even the most adventurous of drives. And when the hunger for electrons strikes, a fast charger can replenish the Nevera’s energy reserves to 80-percent in just 30 minutes, keeping you fueled recharged for the next adrenaline rush.

Nevera Boasts Level 4 Autonomy And Advanced Safety Features

Beyond the raw power, the Nevera is packed with cutting-edge technology. It possesses Level 4 autonomous driving capability, meaning it can handle most driving situations with minimal intervention. However, keep your hands on the wheel for now, as full autonomy is still on the horizon. Additionally, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring ensures everyone in the car stays safe and sound