Akmal Azhar
On August 18, 2023, the Croatian-built Rimac Nevera stunned the automotive world by setting a new record for production electric vehicles at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Clocking in at 7 minutes 5.298 seconds, the Nevera dominated the 12.8-mile track, beating the previous record with impressive authority. Behind the wheel was Croatian racing driver Martin Kodrić, and the lap was validated by TÜV SÜD timing systems, as well as data from the onboard telemetry.
Record Set in Sweltering Summer Conditions
Martin Kodrić revealed that the record-breaking lap was completed under some of the hottest weather of the season. Despite the extreme heat, which typically affects performance and tire grip, the Nevera maintained optimum pace throughout its lap, further proving the reliability and consistency of its engineering.
Outperforming the Tesla Model S Plaid
The Nevera’s lap time effectively outclassed the Tesla Model S Plaid Track Pack, which had previously held the record with a time of 7 minutes 25.231 seconds. Rimac’s electric hypercar crossed the finish line 20 seconds faster, solidifying its dominance in the realm of electric performance vehicles.
Launch of the Nevera Time Attack Edition
To coincide with this milestone, Rimac unveiled a special edition of the vehicle at Monterey Car Week. Dubbed the Nevera Time Attack, the model will be limited to just 12 units globally. This collector’s edition pays homage to the multiple records the Nevera has claimed in 2023, serving both as a celebration and a marketing statement of elite engineering.
Technical Performance: Electric Power Unleashed
Underneath its sculpted carbon fiber shell, the Nevera is armed with four independent electric motors producing a combined 1,914 horsepower and 1,740 lb-ft of torque, all powered by a 120 kWh battery. This setup enables stunning numbers: 0–60 mph in 1.74 seconds, a quarter-mile in 8.25 seconds, and a top speed of 258 mph. These figures make it not only one of the fastest EVs ever made but one of the fastest cars in the world—full stop.
Mate Rimac’s Vision: Records Speak Louder Than Words
Rimac’s CEO, Mate Rimac, emphasized that while the Nevera was engineered as a luxurious grand tourer, it was also built to perform under extreme conditions. In his words, track records remain the most powerful way to showcase the car’s technological superiority. With several records already under its belt in 2023, Rimac is showing that electric cars can deliver more than just sustainability—they can dominate.
Still Short of the All-Time Production Lap King
Although the Nevera’s lap was monumental, it does not dethrone the all-time production car lap record at the Nürburgring. That title remains with the Mercedes-AMG One, which completed the circuit in 6 minutes 35.183 seconds in November 2022. Nevertheless, the Nevera now holds the crown as the fastest production EV ever at the Nürburgring, marking a historic achievement in the evolution of electric performance.
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