Rimac C_Two stuns Geneva with 1,914hp electric hypercar
Croatia’s Rimac Automobili unveils the C_Two at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, promising 1,914hp, 412km/h top speed and advanced autonomous features.
Rimac Automobili introduced its new C_Two electric hypercar at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, delivering headline figures that set a new pace for battery-powered performance. The Croatian manufacturer claims 1,914hp and 2,300Nm of torque from four electric motors, positioning the C_Two among the world’s most powerful production cars. The C_Two’s acceleration targets are as bold as its output. Rimac quotes 0–60mph in 1.85 seconds and 0–100km/h in 1.97 seconds, which would edge out the claimed time of the next-generation Tesla Roadster. The quarter mile is said to be dispatched in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is listed at 412km/h (258mph), putting it firmly in hypercar territory.
Introduction and Debut
Performance and Battery Technology
A 120kWh lithium manganese nickel battery underpins the C_Two’s performance and range claims. Rimac states a maximum range of 650km on the NEDC cycle, though real-world figures are likely to be lower. The battery system supports 250kW DC fast charging, with 80 percent capacity achievable in 30 minutes according to company figures. A single-speed gearbox on the front axle and a two-speed unit at the rear manage the power delivery. Rimac claims a wheel torque figure of 17,047Nm in first gear, a number that dwarfs most existing electric and combustion-engined supercars. The car’s carbon fibre monocoque and subframe help keep weight in check while providing the rigidity needed for such performance.
Autonomous Features and Design
Rimac says the C_Two will offer Level 4 autonomous driving capability, allowing hands-off operation in defined scenarios. The system is designed to handle all driving tasks without human intervention and includes driver aids such as navigation that can load racing circuits and suggest optimal racing lines and braking points. The car also features active aerodynamic elements at the front and rear, with the bodywork built around a carbon fibre structure.
Comparison with Key Rivals
| Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0–60mph (s) | Top Speed (km/h) | Range (km, NEDC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rimac C_Two | 1,914 | 2,300 | 1.85 | 412 | 650 |
| Tesla Roadster (2nd gen, claimed) | ~2,000 | 10,000 (wheel) | 1.9 | Over 400 | ~1,000 |
Production and Future Prospects
Rimac targets production for 2020, with the C_Two set to rival the Tesla Roadster and other electric hypercars. The company’s ambitions reflect a growing trend of high-performance electric vehicles emerging from Europe, challenging established manufacturers and bringing new technology to the fore. The C_Two’s combination of power, range, and advanced driver assistance features positions it as a noteworthy contender in the evolving electric hypercar segment. As production approaches, attention will focus on how closely Rimac can match these ambitious targets in real-world conditions and how the car is received by both enthusiasts and the broader automotive industry.
