The young Croatian company Rimac—manufacturers of super electric cars—presented its new sports model, the Concept S, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 2.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 365 km/h (227 mph) with an incredible force of 1,384 HP.
CEO Mate Rimac is an engineer who has drawn the attention of the automotive world since a young age. When he was only 18 years old, he built — in his garage— the BMW E30 electric, which became the fastest eco-car in the world.
A remarkable professional growth and invaluable experience led him to create his automotive company, and in 2011 he introduced the Concept One, which continues to amaze for its impressive performances and range of 600 km (372 m).
The Concept S weighs about 50 kilos (110 pounds) less than its predecessor, thanks to the use of lighter materials, predominantly carbon fiber panels, and a reduction in luxury details inside the cabin.
The light weight, combined with four electric motors, one for each wheel— totaling a staggering 1,384 horsepower—are managed by two automatic double clutch two-speed gearboxes that make possible the maximum torque in a broad range of 0-6500 revolutions per minute.
The interesting thing about this scheme, from the point of view of the user, is that this technology allows drivers to control and change the levels of acceleration, the hardness of the suspension, and the steering settings to customize the ride according to their preferences and experience.
The Concept S features an aggressive aerodynamic package that includes front and rear spoilers and diffusers, which improve performance by 30%. The automobile also comes with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, which offer greater grip and better acceleration records.
The interior of the Concept S is very sporty. It is lined almost exclusively with an elegant Alcantara fabric highlighting some details of carbon fiber, and the racing seats with four-point harness ensure a fixed driving position, recalling the sporting capabilities of the model.
The computer configurations and multimedia system are very similar to the previous model, but with the distinction of having interfaces to measure performance—a feature typical of racing cars.
Like all electric cars the Concept S doesn’t produce any pollution. ■
