The Rimac Nevera R Is A 1,989-HP, Track-Focused Hyper EV

The limited-edition Rimac Nevera R breaks cover as a track-focused hyper EV with up to 1,989 HP of system output.

The Rimac Nevera has already broken so many world records, so much so that when it comes to straight-line performance (forwards or backwards), this hyper EV is the undisputed king of acceleration. And just like a certain smartphone brand, Rimac has never settled, as the Croatian automaker unveiled a more potent variant of its hyper EV, known as the Rimac Nevera R.

Unveiled at the Monterey Car Week last weekend, the Nevera R is a track-focused version of the standard Nevera that is now more lightweight and laden with track-specific upgrades. Take it as Rimac’s way to prove that the Nevera, or hyper EVs in general, are more than just a one-trick pony, as they too can dance around the track as swiftly as their ICE-powered counterparts.

The Nevera R's quad-motor setup has been upgraded to now deliver a total system output of 1,989 HP

For starters, the Nevera R gets an enhanced version of the Nevera’s quad-motor powertrain setup, which now outputs 1,989 HP over the standard version’s 1,889 HP total system output. To shed some extra weight out of this track-focused hypercar, Rimac has opted to use a smaller 108-kWh battery pack that is 35 KG lighter than the standard 120-kWh unit, bringing the car to 2,277 KG, which is still plenty heavy for a track-focused car’s standards.

This miniscule diet plan sees no changes in the Nevera R’s century sprint performance, as this track-focused EV still goes from 0-100 KM/H in 1.81 seconds like its standard twin. Beyond the century mark, however, the Nevera R pulls itself ahead of the standard model, as its 0-200 KM/H reads faster at 4.38 seconds (4.42 seconds on the standard model), while a longer 0-300 KM/H sprint has been shortened from 9.22 seconds to 8.66 seconds.

Flat out, the Nevera R can reach a limited V-Max of 350 KM/H, but once the limiter is off, this track-focused hyper EV can reach its standard twin’s maximum speed of 412 KM/H.

To go with the increased total system output, the Nevera R also gets beffier carbok brakes setup and larger 21-inch rear wheels with 10% more negative camber.

Beyond the improved acceleration performance, the manic Nevera R also benefits from a host of other track-focused upgrades. For example, this limited-edition model rolls on sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that wrap around its 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Beneath those wheels lies an upgraded carbon brake system with a silicone matrix layer for better braking performance, while the negative camber of the wheels has been increased by 10% to combat any understeers.

Several aerodynamic improvements have also been made to the Nevera R, with the model featuring a fixed rear wing and a new diffuser. While it seems pale in comparison to other more extreme track-oriented cars, Rimac claims these ‘miniscule’ improvements help to add 15% more downforce (or 400 KG) to the Nevera R at 350 KM/H, 10% more aerodynamic efficiency, and a 5% increase in lateral grip.

The result? The Rimac Nevera R is able to outpace the standard model by a healthy margin of 3.8 seconds around Porsche’s Nardo test track. Given the short distance of 6.22 KM of said race track, we are certain that the time gap would be more extreme if the test took place at the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife, where the standard Nevera previously set the record for fastest production EV at 7:05:298.

With all the aforementioned aerodynamics and track-focused upgrades, the Nevera R is visually a sportier car than its standard twin. Besides the new massive rear wing and bigger rear wheels, the Nevera R also gets a whole new front end, featuring a bigger clamshell hood and a redesigned front bumper that features wider and larger air intakes.

Rimac only plans to produce 40 examples of the Nevera R, making it one of the rarest hypercars in the world.

While the standard Nevera is already scarce with only 150 units produced so far, the new Rimac Nevera R is going to be a real-life unicorn, as the automaker only plans to produce 40 examples of this track-focused hyper EV. Although no official price was announced by the automaker, Carscoops reported that each example of the Nevera R will set buyers a healthy €2.3 million (RM11.1 million), but we’re certain said figure will shoot up immediately in years’ time.