Breaking Speed Barriers: The Rimac Nevera's Journey to Automotive Greatness

The Rimac Nevera: Breaking Records in Reverse and Beyond

In the world of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs), the Rimac Nevera has emerged as a true marvel of engineering. Its recent accomplishment has made waves in the automotive industry, earning it the prestigious title of "The Fastest Car in Reverse" by Guinness World Records. In this article, we'll delve into the remarkable feat achieved by the Rimac Nevera and explore the technological prowess that powers this exceptional EV.

The Guinness World Record

Imagine a car hurtling backward at a mind-boggling speed of 171.34 miles per hour. That's precisely what the Rimac Nevera accomplished to secure its place in the record books. This remarkable achievement was officially recognized by Guinness World Records, dethroning a record that had stood unchallenged for over two decades—previously held by the Caterham 7 Fireblade, which reached a comparatively modest 102.58 mph.

The Unique Drivetrain

The Rimac Nevera's ability to shatter records can be attributed to its groundbreaking drivetrain. At its core are four bespoke permanent magnet, oil-cooled electric motors—one for each wheel. This unique setup grants the Nevera the power to move both forward and backward with equal vigor. To achieve this, Rimac ingeniously connects the front and rear wheels to a pair of single-speed gearboxes. Surprisingly, the Nevera even outpaces the Ford Mustang Dark Horse when it comes to reverse speed, despite the latter's impressive 161-mph top speed when moving forward.

Unleashing the Power

The true essence of the Rimac Nevera lies in its awe-inspiring powertrain, which churns out an astonishing 1,914 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 1,740 pound-feet of torque. This immense power translates into performance statistics that seem almost otherworldly. The Nevera can catapult itself from 0 to 60 mph in an eye-watering 1.74 seconds. It effortlessly conquers a quarter-mile race in just 8.25 seconds and attains an astounding top speed of 258 mph when moving forward.

The Vision Behind the Feat

Matija Renić, the Nevera's chief program engineer at Bugatti Rimac, revealed that the team had an inkling about the EV's potential to become the world's fastest car in reverse during its development phase. Surprisingly, the Nevera's aerodynamics, cooling, and stability weren't originally designed for this extraordinary feat. However, simulations hinted at the car's ability to achieve speeds exceeding 150 mph in reverse.

One major challenge lay in ensuring the car's stability during this audacious endeavor. Rimac's test driver, Goran Drndak, admitted that the experience "took some getting used to." He emphasized the need for delicate handling, with precise steering adjustments to maintain stability and a vigilant eye on braking points throughout the attempt.

The Record-Breaking Venue

The record-setting run took place at the well-known ATP proving grounds in Papenburg, Germany—a site where the Rimac Nevera had previously left its mark by setting 23 records earlier in the year. One of these records, the fastest 0-249-0-mile-per-hour run, was completed in an impressive 29.84 seconds. However, the Koenigsegg Regera managed to snatch this record away from Rimac a few months later, achieving it in a remarkable 28.82 seconds.

A Record-Breaking Streak

The Guinness World Record for the fastest car in reverse is just the latest achievement in the Rimac Nevera's stellar track record. Notably, it shattered the Nurburgring lap time for the fastest production EV, completing the renowned course in a mere 7 minutes and 5.298 seconds. To put this in perspective, the Tesla Model S Track Pack required 7 minutes and 25.231 seconds for its lap. Additionally, the Rimac Nevera also holds the record for the fastest production EV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, solidifying its status as an automotive icon in the making.

In conclusion, the Rimac Nevera has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles. Its record-breaking achievement in reverse driving showcases not only its power but also the ingenuity of its engineering team. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and rewriting the rules of what EVs can achieve, Rimac has set the stage for an electrifying future in the world of automotive excellence.