The latest chapter in the intense rivalry between Rimac and Koenigsegg in the pursuit of ultimate speed has been decisively written by the Rimac Nevera R electric hypercar. This highly evolved iteration of the standard Nevera, itself a record-setter in 2023, has triumphantly reclaimed the arduous 0-400-0 km/h challenge from the formidable Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. This demanding test, which involves accelerating from a standstill to 249 mph and returning to zero, was conquered by the Nevera R in an astounding 25.79 seconds, eclipsing the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut's previous best by a significant 2.04 seconds. This monumental accomplishment merely scratches the surface of the Nevera R's capabilities, as it also surpassed many of its predecessor's impressive feats.
The sheer scale of the Nevera R's achievements is truly staggering, demanding careful consideration to fully appreciate. A primary point of reference for many car enthusiasts is the 0-60 mph acceleration time. While any vehicle achieving this in under three seconds is noteworthy, the Nevera R achieved it in an astonishing 1.66 seconds, improving upon the regular Nevera's time of 1.74 seconds. As the speeds escalated, the Nevera R continued to exhibit its formidable prowess. It sprinted from 0 to 100 mph in a mere 2.96 seconds, completed the quarter-mile in 7.9 seconds, and reached 200 mph from a standstill in just 9.25 seconds. Capping these incredible performances, the Nevera R recorded a top speed of 268.2 mph, setting a new record for electric vehicles—a category traditionally at a disadvantage in ultra-high-speed scenarios.
Mate Rimac, the visionary founder and president of the Rimac Group, underscored the continuous drive for innovation within the company. He remarked that the initial introduction of the Nevera seemed to represent the pinnacle of hypercar performance, marking a generational leap that typically takes decades to achieve. Yet, through relentless dedication to innovation, the Nevera R pushes boundaries even further, achieving greater speeds while remarkably retaining the comfort and everyday practicality that define the original Nevera. For Rimac, breaking records is an inherent part of their identity, and this latest triumph signifies that their relentless pursuit of automotive perfection is far from over.
With an astounding 2,078 horsepower delivered by its four electric motors, the Nevera R stands as one of the most powerful automobiles globally. This immense power output, combined with meticulously optimized aerodynamics and a reduced overall weight, unequivocally explains its ability to secure a host of new speed records. Its victory over the Jesko Absolut in the 0-279-0 mph challenge is particularly significant, although the extraordinary accomplishments of the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, the undisputed monarch of gasoline-powered hypercars, should not be overlooked.
Operating on E85 fuel, the Jesko's 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, featuring the world's lightest V8 crankshaft, generates an impressive 1,600 horsepower. Its remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd and its revolutionary Light Speed Transmission, capable of executing lightning-fast gear changes, are pivotal to its performance. The fact that the Jesko can rival the electric Nevera R so closely is a testament to Koenigsegg's profound engineering prowess and should not be underestimated in the slightest. The ongoing question remains whether Koenigsegg can further refine its masterpiece to reclaim the 0-279-0 record from Rimac, a formidable challenge given that the Jesko Absolut already pushes the very limits of what is conceivable with internal combustion technology.