Breaking Records Backwards: The Rimac Nevera's Impressive Feat
The Record-Setting Reversal
The Rimac Nevera, an electrifying hypercar, stunned the automotive world by setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest reverse drive. With an astonishing speed of 275.74 km/h, this feat is more remarkable when you consider that very few cars can manage this velocity in a forward direction.
The Ideal Testing Ground
The "Automotive Testing Papenburg" (ATP) in Lower Saxony served as the perfect venue for this record-breaking attempt. This test area, filled with long straights and a large oval, is a dream come true for high-performance cars.
Faster Reversals of the Past
In a surprising twist, the record-breaking feat by the Rimac Nevera even surpassed the feat achieved by the Lamborghini Miura back in 1967. At that time, the Miura became the fastest production car in the world, breaking the 270 km/h sound barrier - but in a forward direction. Even today, even the sportiest car models often see their progress limited to 250 km/h.
The Unfamiliar Reversal Ride
Record-breaking driver Goran Drndak shared his own experiences of adapting to the peculiar challenge of driving backwards at such high speeds. He explained, "It took some getting used to during the journey itself. You look straight ahead to the rear and watch the landscape pass by faster and faster, feeling the pull of your neck forward, similar to emergency braking."
Electric Power at Play
The incredible reversal speed of the Rimac Nevera can be attributed to its innovative electric powertrain. Unlike traditional combustion engines with multiple gears, the Nevera boasts a single-gear setup, akin to most electric vehicles.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its impressive performance, the Nevera encountered certain challenges during its attempt to break the record. Cars are typically optimized for speed in the forward direction, and reversing introduces new challenges. Moreover, steering becomes much more sensitive at high reverse speeds, making it essential for the pilot to rely on their judgment from the wing mirrors.
A Wacky Idea Turns into a World Record
Matija Renić, the Chief Engineer of the 2.4 million euro speedster, revealed that the initial concept of achieving such high-speed reversal was met with skepticism. Despite the initial doubt, the team discovered that their simulations showed the car could easily surpass 240 km/h in reverse. While they were unsure about the car's stability, their efforts ultimately paid off, surpassing expectations and breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest reverse drive.
Consecutive Records
On top of the reverse drive record, the Rimac Nevera has also secured the Guinness World Record for being the fastest production electric car in forward motion. In December 2022, the Nevera reached a top speed of 412 km/h at the very same ATP test area, further cementing its place in the record books.
Enrichment Data Integration: The Rimac Nevera's impressive reverse-drive record can be attributed to several technical factors. Key among these are its massive power output (1,914 horsepower) and torque (1,180 lb-ft), which make it capable of accelerating rapidly and maintaining high speeds both forwards and in reverse. Additionally, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, advanced chassis design, and electronic stability control contribute to its exceptional stability and control at high speeds. Together, these factors make the Rimac Nevera one of the most technologically advanced and versatile sports cars in the world.
External References
- "E-Auto Fährt 275 km/h Rückwarts: Rimac Nevera Terettelt Weltrekord" (Article from Aussiedlerbote.de, published on 16 November 2023).
- "Rimac Nevera Smashes Guinness World Record For Fastest Reverse Drive" (Article from CarScoops, published on 20 November 2023).
- "The Rimac Nevera Just Set the World Record for the Fastest Reverse Drive" (Article from Jalopnik, published on 17 November 2023).
- "Rimac Nevera 2.4 Million Euro Electric Hypercar Sets Reverse Driving Speed World Record" (Article from Forbes, published on 16 November 2023).
