Rimac Automobili’s Nevera electric hypercar is currently on its world debut tour, going from one country to the other since July. Rimac brought the Nevera first-production cars to the United States earlier this month to show off the car in different enthusiast events.
Utilizing the full potential of this opportunity, the YouTube channel Drag Times took it to the dragstrip against none other than the silent ICE-slayer electric sedan, the Tesla Model S Plaid. Now Plaid meets a worthy contender for the first time.
This is by far the world’s fastest drag race between any production cars either from the internal combustion engine (ICE) or EV universe. Model S Plaid held the crown for the quickest 0-60 mph production car with 1.99 seconds time before Rimac unveiled the Nevera electric hypercar with a 1.85 seconds 0-60.
But is Rimac Nevera a true production car? According to the Croatian automaker, there will be only 150 units ever produced of this limited-edition two-seat electric hypercar. In contrast, the Tesla Model S and its Plaid variant will be in production in an infinite number of units. Tesla Model S has been in production since 2012 and it’s here to stay in the foreseeable future.
Tesla Model S Plaid vs. Rimac Nevera specs comparison
| Tesla Model S Plaid | Rimac Nevera | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine / Drivetrain | Tri-Motor (AC permanent magnet synchronous motor, carbon-fiber-wrapped rotor, liquid-cooled, with variable frequency drive (1x motor in the front, 2x motors in the rear) | Quad-Motor, All-Wheel Drive (one motor for each wheel) |
| Transmission | Front: Single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1. Enhanced lubrication, Rear: Independent single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1. Dry sump lubrication | Front: Two single-speed gearboxes (two independent gearboxes – one at each outer end of the axle, Rear: Double single-speed gearbox (two gearboxes in one housing between the motors) |
| 0-60 mph | 1.99 seconds | 1.85 seconds |
| Top speed | 200 mph (322 km/h)* | 258 mph (412 km/h) |
| Power | 1,020 hp | 1,914 hp |
| Torque | 1,050 lb-ft (Motor Trend) | 1,740 lb-ft (2,360 Nm) |
| 1/4 mile time | 9.247 seconds | 8.6 seconds (Manufacturer spec), 8.582 seconds (World record by Drag Times) |
| Range | 348 miles (560 km) with 21″ wheels / 396 miles (637 km) with 19″ wheels. EPA estimated. | 342 miles (550 km) WLTP estimated. |
| Active aerodynamics | front bonnet profile, front underbody flap, rear diffuser, rear wing spoiler | Cheetah Stance |
| Drag coefficient | 0.208 Cd | 0.3 Cd |
| Weight | 4,828 lbs (2,190 kg) | 4,740 lbs (2,150 kg) |
| Seating capacity | 5 persons | 2 persons |
| Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) | 8 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors | 13 cameras, 6 radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors |
| Starting Price (USD) | $129,990 | $2.4M |
That’s correct, the limited-production Rimac Nevera costs $2.4 million USD — a price tag at which you can buy 18 Model S Plaid + a Tesla Model 3. The extra goodies and a better performance come at a hefty price tag most can’t afford.
Looking at the above specs comparison, it is interesting to know that the Rimac Nevera with all its active aerodynamics has a drag coefficient of (Cd) is 0.3 — less than the Tesla Model S 5-seater family sedan’s significantly better 0.23 Cd. The Tesla design team should be proud of creating this ultra-aerodynamic design for a large luxury car.
Related: Porsche Taycan Turbo S owner orders a Tesla Model S Plaid after getting defeated at the dragstrip
The drag race battle
This first-ever drag race encounter between the Tesla Model S Plaid vs. Rimac Nevera took place at the Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield, California. This is the same dragstrip where Jay Leno set the previous quarter-mile world record of 9.247 with the Model S Plaid.
This best of 3 race battle was won by the Rimac Nevera by 3-0 against the Model S Plaid. The result was pretty much imminent before the race looking at the performance specs (above).
Both cars were consistent in delivering performance at the dragstrip with the following results:
| Attempt # | Model S Plaid | Rimac Nevera |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9.272 s @152.68 mph | 8.655 s @166.66 mph |
| 2 | 9.312 s @151.34 mph | 8.641 s @166.44 mph |
| 3 | 9.294 s @151.75 mph | 8.615 s @166.39 mph |
Perhaps, the Rimac Nevera needs to face the Tesla Roadster with the 1.1 seconds 0-60 acceleration in the future.
Related: Tesla Model S Plaid crashes at Nurburgring during testing | Model S Plaid vs. Lucid Air Dream Performance drag racing battle
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