Rimac Concept One

Rimac Concept One
Overview
Manufacturer Rimac Automobili
Also called Concept_One
Production January 2013–November 2014
(8 produced) (Concept One)[1]
2016
(2 produced) (Concept S)
Assembly Sveta Nedelja, Croatia
Designer Adriano Mudri (exterior)[2]
Goran Popović (interior)
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
electric car
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Individual-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motor 4 liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous electric motors placed at each wheel
Battery 90 kWh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry
Range 330 km (210 miles)[3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,750 mm (108.3 in)[3]
Length 4,548 mm (179.1 in)[3]
Width 1,854 mm (73.0 in)[3]
Height 1,198 mm (47.2 in)[3]
Curb weight 1,850 kg (4,080 lb)[3]
Chronology
Successor Rimac Concept Two[4]

The Rimac Concept One (sometimes stylized as Concept_One) is a two-seat high-performance electric car designed and manufactured in Croatia by Rimac Automobili. With a total output of 913 kW (1,241 PS; 1,224 hp) and an acceleration time from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, the Concept One has been described as the world's first electric sports car.[5][1]

The Rimac Concept One was claimed to be the world's fastest accelerating electric vehicle in 2013.[6] The company chose to manufacture and sell an exclusive volume of 8 cars.

To advertise both Rimac Automobili and Formula E, the Concept One was used as the official zero-emission race director's car during the first season of Formula E championship in 2014.[7]

History

Rimac Concept One at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Rimac Automobili, an automobile manufacturing company established in 2009 in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia, grew out of its founder Mate Rimac's garage hobby.[8] The company's primary objective was to build the world's first electric sports car,[8] starting, as Rimac put it, "with a blank sheet of paper".[9] Since electric systems for high-performance electric cars were not available on the market, the company developed the necessary parts in-house and patented 24 innovations.[5]

When Mate Rimac's 1984 BMW 3 series blew its internal combustion engine while participating in a race, the opportunity was taken to convert it into an electric car. Working on his own, Rimac managed to fit a 442 kW (601 PS; 593 hp) electric powertrain in his 3 series,[10] which would soon become the company's first test mule. The car, now called the "Green Monster", set five Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)-sanctioned acceleration records in April 2011.[10][11] This attracted the attention of the media and potential investors.[8] Rimac also converted several other BMW 3 series (E30) cars into electric cars after some customers expressed interest in having such a car seeing the success of Rimac's car, and after some success, he moved to the more ambitious project of developing a car of his own. As a result, the electric sports car named the Concept One was born.

The Concept One was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and afterwards shown at the 2012 Paris Concours d'Elegance, where it received a positive response by the general public and potential customers. The car was set to cost US$ 980,000 once the serial production started in 2013.[12] A limited production of 88 units was to be offered.[13][14][15][16][17] The first car was delivered to an anonymous Spanish customer in January 2013.[18]

Rimac participated at the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a 1,100 kW (1,500 PS; 1,500 hp) highly customised version called the E-Runner Concept_One. The vehicle took second place overall competing against ICE vehicles. The driver was the multiple Pikes Peak winner Nobuhiro Tajima.[19]

After a series of incremental improvements, the final version of the car was presented at the March 2016 Geneva Motor Show.[20] In 2017, the Concept One participated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first time, breaking the EV speed record on a timed track.[21]

Specifications

Rimac Concept One pace car at the 2014 Punta del Este ePrix in Uruguay.

With a total output of 913 kW (1,241 PS; 1,224 hp)[1] and 1,600 N⋅m (1,180 lb⋅ft) of torque, the Concept One accelerates from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h).[22][12] Each wheel is powered by a separate liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous electric motor[23] and controlled by the so-called "All Wheel Torque Vectoring System" that distributes the power to the wheels in accordance with user setup and driving conditions. The car featured carbon ceramic brakes for improved stopping power.[20][24][25] Also, the car has the ability to switch the power from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive or to equally distribute the power between all wheels.

The motors are powered by a 90 kWh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO₂ chemistry) battery,[3] giving the car a range of 310 mi (499 km) per charge.[9] The car's body is made of carbon fibre.[12] The interior features custom leatherwork and hand-made dashboard components.[12][26]

In the subsequent version presented at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, some performance figures were further optimized: the acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) was achieved in 2.6 seconds, from 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) in 6.2 seconds, and from 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) in 14.2 seconds. The best 402 metres (1⁄4 mi) time recorded was 9.9 seconds.[27] The electronically limited top speed was increased to 221 mph (356 km/h).

In 2017, the 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time was improved to 2.4 seconds. 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) took 2.5 seconds, 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) took 6 seconds, and 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) took 14 seconds. The range was increased from 205 to 217 mi (330 to 350 kilometres).[28]

Sales

In 2017, Rimac Automobili established official dealerships with PACE Germany, Manhattan Motorcars and Al Marooni Group for the regions of Europe, North America and the Middle East.[28]

Concept S

Rimac Concept S at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show

The Concept S is a lighter, more powerful, more aerodynamic and track-oriented iteration of the Concept One. The electric motors in the Concept S can generate 1,384 hp (1,032 kW), enabling the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 2.5 seconds and attain a top speed of 227 mph (365 km/h). By making modifications to produce the carbon fibre shell of the car, Rimac has reduced the weight of the Concept S by 50 kg (110 lb). The car also receives a full aerodynamic package which includes a large carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, racing slicks and a large rear wing that generates 34% more downforce than the Concept One. On the interior, the car features racing bucket seats with 4-point racing harness, a new steering wheel, a driver focused infotainment system that projects only the most important information on the central display and alcantara trim. Production was limited to two cars.[29]

Derived vehicles

At the end of 2014 the Volar-e was put on the market. The company Applus+ IDIADA built this vehicle based on the Rimac Concept One, however, the battery size was reduced in order to save weight (38 kWh). The car had a range of 200 km (120 miles). The battery could be recharged in 15 minutes. [30]

Reception

Dan Prosser, in a 2016 review for the British magazine EVO, praised the vehicle's performance, styling, and torque vectoring system, but criticized its small cabin size and the brake pedal feel, giving it 3½ out of 5 stars. He nonetheless stated "The Concept One does lack the soundtrack and the dramatic power delivery of a conventional supercar, but in the way it accelerates and in the way its torque vectoring system picks apart a corner it is enormously entertaining to drive quickly" and concluded that the car "proves EVs can be spectacular to drive".[31]

Richard Meaden wrote in EVO "Of all the emerging players, Croatian-based Rimac Automobili is by far the most interesting, the most authentic and, to my mind, the most evo. A leader in battery and electric-motor technology, its Concept One hypercar impressively showcases the fruits of its labours, with a huge amount of the car done in-house. ... If Rimac's own Concept One becomes a production reality it could well be a game-changer – the Tesla of the hypercar world."[32]

In 2017, Road and Track tested the car on city streets and described it as an "electric techno extravaganza" and claimed that "the carbon tub you sit in is rigid as a nuclear bunker". It described the feeling of taking off in traffic as "utterly impressive" and noticed its quietness by stating that "Rimac's hypercar only makes a sound when its inverters kick in, as a gentle reminder that you're sitting in the automotive equivalent of a small power station. A sexy, clean, fast and driftable power station."[33]

The crew of Amazon Prime show The Grand Tour talked about the car in 2017 shortly after Richard Hammond's crash. Jeremy Clarkson, in a column for The Times, called it "amazing" and "brilliant", and stated that during his brief time behind the wheel he "couldn't believe how fast it accelerated", adding "we're not talking here about something that's as fast as Lamborghini Aventador. It is massively faster than that; it is faster than anything else I've ever driven by a huge, huge margin."[34][35] Richard Hammond, when asked for his take on the car during an interview session for DriveTribe, said he "loved it; it was astonishing", maintaining it had "proper ambition in terms of range" and describing its all-wheel torque vectoring system as "breathtaking". He further commented that it "felt genuinely futuristic and modern" and that "we are going to have to invent a whole new vocabulary ... for the sounds these things make".[36] James May described it as an "exquisite pearl white electrical delicacy".[37]

Alex Roy tested the car in an episode for the NBC Sports programme /Drive that aired on October 26, 2017 and gave positive impressions.[38] He stated "I haven’t driven anything this fast in my life. Absolutely changes the game." on Twitter.[39]

Incidents

On June 10, 2017, during filming of the second season of The Grand Tour, Richard Hammond crashed a Rimac Concept One during the Hemberg Hill Climb in Switzerland. The car flew off the road on a hill, rolled down the hill, flipped over, and caught fire shortly afterwards. Hammond survived the accident with a fractured knee, and was hospitalized.[40] The car continued to self-combust for five days due to thermal runaway caused by the batteries.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Petrány, Máté (April 14, 2017). "The 1224 Horsepower Rimac Concept One Is the Perfect Hypercar for the City". Road and Track. US. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  2. ↑ Stevens, Tim (September 13, 2011). "Rimac Automobili unveils 1,088 horsepower Concept One electric supercar". Engadget. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Concept_One – Tech Specs – Performance". Rimac Automobili. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  4. ↑ Steve Dent (6 March 2018). "Rimac unveils the 1900 hp Concept Two hypercar". Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  5. 1 2 Johnson, Bailey (September 4, 2012). "World's first million-dollar electric supercar". cbsnews.com. CBS News. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  6. ↑ Isaacson, Andy (November 7, 2013). "Engineer Mate Rimac Revolutionizes Electric Cars". online.wsj.com. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Rimac Automobili to Supply Concept One Supercar for Formula E" (Press release). FIA Formula E. July 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 Wittenberg, Simon (October–November 2012). "$1 Million Rimac Concept". Luxurious Magazine. pp. 89–91. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Tamblyn, Thomas (July 20, 2012). "Rimac Concept One electric hypercar to debut this September". t3.com. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  10. 1 2 "Rimac Automobili test mule breaks world records" (Press release). Rimac Automobili. October 12, 2012. Archived from the original on November 16, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  11. ↑ George, Alexander (October 22, 2012). "Croatia Breaks EV Speed Records With 1984 BMW". Wired. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "2011 Rimac Concept One". topspeed.com. July 5, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  13. ↑ Cvetković, Ivan (May 9, 2012). "Rimac Concept One za svega 740.000 eura" [Rimac Concept One for just 740,000 euros]. Automotorisport (in Croatian). Croatia. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  14. ↑ NOkru, Piše (September 15, 2011). "Rimac u Frankfurtu predstavio fenomenalni Concept One" [Rimac presented the phenomenal Concept One in Frankfurt]. Dnevnik (in Croatian). Croatia. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  15. ↑ Rimac, Mate; Galoić, Jurica (November 18, 2014). "Investitorima sam se obvezao do 2020. ostati u tvrtki i zadržati 50% vlasništva" [Investors have committed themselves by 2020 to stay in the company and keep 50% of ownership]. Poslovni dnevnik (in Croatian). Croatia. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  16. ↑ https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/rimac-concept-one-open-for-order-production-limited-to-88.html
  17. ↑ https://www.topspeed.com/cars/rimac-automobile/2011-rimac-concept-one-ar114155.html
  18. ↑ "Domaći uspjeh: Hrvatska izvozi prvi automobil u povijesti". Večernji list (in Croatian). January 6, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  19. ↑ Cobb, Jeff (June 29, 2015). "1,300-Horsepower Electric Racers Dominate at Pike's Peak". Hybrid Cars. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  20. 1 2 "Rimac zeigt finale Version des Elektroauto-Sportwagens Concept One" [Rimac shows the final version of the electric car Concept One] (in German). Germany: ecomento.tv. February 24, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Concept_One at Goodwood Festival of speed" (Press release). Rimac Automobili. June 30, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Rimac Automobili and Vredestein at Top Marques Monaco". Rimac Automobili (Press release). 12 April 2012.
  23. ↑ "Motors & Powertrain". Rimac Automobili. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  24. ↑ Barry, Keith (April 19, 2012). "Rimac Concept One Ready for Buyers, Gets New Tires". Wired. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Torque Vectoring". rimac-automobili.com. Rimac Automobili. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  26. ↑ "History of the Rimac Automobili Concept One". gtspirit.com. December 1, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  27. ↑ Salomondrin (October 9, 2016). Rimac Concept One vs Porsche 918 Spyder Drag Race! Bangin' Gears - Ep. 4 Part 3 of 3. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  28. 1 2 "Rimac Automobili at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show" (Press release). Rimac Automobili. March 7, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Rimac Concept_S is One amped up supercar". Autoblog.
  30. ↑ "Elektroauto mit 1088 PS entwickelt" [Electric car with 1088 PS]. Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten (in German). October 24, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  31. ↑ Prosser, Dan (June 12, 2017). "Rimac Automobili Concept One review - prices, specs and 0-60 time". EVO. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  32. ↑ Meaden, Richard (February 6, 2018). "The speed at which electric hypercars are appearing is turning me off". EVO. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  33. ↑ Petrány, Máté (April 15, 2017). "The 1224 Horsepower Rimac Concept One Is the Perfect Hypercar for the City". Car and Driver. US. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  34. ↑ Clarkson, Jeremy (June 25, 2017). "Jeremy Clarkson: Well, we did tell Richard Hammond to fire it up". The Sunday Times Magazine. UK. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  35. ↑ http://www.bug.hr/vijesti/jeremy-clarkson-unatoc-nesreci-nahvalio-concept_on/160971.aspx
  36. ↑ Beech, Richard (2017). "I'm going to die: watch Richard Hammond explain how his crash happen". DriveTribe. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  37. ↑ May, James (2017). "Hammond bins it". DriveTribe. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  38. ↑ Roy, Alex (October 26, 2017). "Does The Future Belong To Rimac or Koenigsegg?". The Drive. US. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  39. ↑ Roy, Alex (October 26, 2017). "The @AutomobiliRimac concept_one is next on @NBCSports - I haven't driven anything this fast in my life. Absolutely changes the game". Retrieved 31 October 2017 – via Twitter.
  40. ↑ "Richard Hammond in hospital after car crash". Sky News. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
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