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Rimac Nevera R is 2,078bhp corner-chasing electric hypercar

Rimac has revealed an even more extreme take on its all-electric hypercar with the unveiling of the Nevera R.

The R is the ‘aggressive alterego’ to the already pretty punchy Nevera. It takes the standard car’s 1,888bhp and dials it up to a ridiculous 2,078bhp. That hasn’t actually cut the car’s 0-62mph time – it’s still an near-inconceivable 1.81 seconds – but it does mean the R reaches 186mph (300kph) in 8.66 seconds instead of 9.22 and runs on to a top speed of 256mph.

The extra power and pace is courtesy of some tuning to the Nevera’s four motors and a new, lighter next-gen 108kWh battery. Thankfully, Rimac has also upgraded the R’s carbon ceramic brakes to help haul everything to an equally quick stop.

However, Rimac says that the point of the R is not just to produce more power but to be a more driver-focused and dynamically engaging car than the standard Nevera. The R sits lower to the ground, with restyled front and rear areas and bespoke 21- and 20-inch alloy wheels for a front/rear offset.

More importantly, it features significant aerodynamic upgrades that help with on-the-edge handling. A more aggressive aero pack includes a new rear diffuser and huge fixed rear wing as well as the reshaped front end. Rimac says the new aero boosts downforce by 15% and aerodynamic efficiency by 10%, and helps shave off 3.8 seconds a lap around the Nardo test circuit.

rimac-nevera-r

The car’s four-motor torque vectoring and steering system have also been recalibrated to offer more feedback and sharper cornering as well as better stability in corners. And there are new Michelin Cup 2 tyres and a revised traction control system to help the Nevera R grip even more keenly through those corners.

Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac, explained the thinking behind the new model: “When we developed the Nevera, an important part of the brief was that it should be a grand tourer. We made sure it was spacious, comfortable and finely balanced between thrilling and accessible.

“But we’re relentlessly tweaking to customers’ desires, and many were looking for a car that really emphasised the Nevera’s cornering ability, using all the advanced technology on-board. We responded with the Nevera R: all the DNA of the record-breaking Nevera, but lighter, faster and more focused.”

Just 40 examples of the Nevera R are being built and Rimac hasn’t mentioned prices. It’s safe to assume that if you have to ask, you can’t afford it, but with the standard Nevera priced at around £1.7 million, don’t expect much change out of £2m.

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Matt Allan

Matt is Editor of EV Powered. He has worked in journalism for more than 20 years and been an automotive journalist for the last decade, covering every aspect of the industry, from new model reveals and reviews to consumer and driving advice. The former motoring editor of inews.co.uk, The Scotsman and National World, Matt has watched the EV landscape transform beyond recognition over the last 10 years and developed a passion for electric vehicles and what they mean for the future of transport - from the smallest city cars to the biggest battery-powered trucks. When he’s not driving or writing about electric cars, he’s figuring out how to convert his classic VW camper to electric power.