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.

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.