There are tons of small automotive manufacturers all over the world that might not be as well-known or prevalent as brands like Lamborghini or Ferrari, but they’re creating some really fantastic stuff. For example, Rimac Automobili is an automaker based out of Sveta Nedlja, Croatia, that was founded back in 2009. They specialize in developing electric powertrains and battery systems but have made some of their own electric sports cars as well. We recently had one of their first models pass through our showroom and we’re stoked to hopefully see more of them in our inventory here in North Miami Beach FL in the future.
The company traces its roots back to its founder, Mate Rimac, converting an old 1984 BMW E30 into an electric vehicle after its engine blew up. The vehicle set all sorts of records in 2011, including fastest-accelerating electric vehicle in Category A, Group V888 and Class 3, by accelerating from 0-62 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds. The vehicle has been nicknamed the Green Monster and it generates 593 horsepower alongside 664 pound-feet of torque.
This was followed up by the brand’s first true production vehicle, the Concept One. It’s an all-electric sports car capable of generating a staggering 1,287 horsepower. It can accelerate to 62 mph from a complete stop in just 2.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 221 miles per hour, yet it still has a driving range of nearly 375 miles. This is the vehicle that we had in our showroom, which we’re honored to say considering only 8 units of the model exist.
Taking everything up a notch, the company unveiled the Concept Two in 2018. This model is powered by four electric motors, creating a net power output of 1,914 horsepower and 1,696 pound-feet of torque. Despite the fact that it weighs 4,300 pounds, all of that power enables it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 1.85 seconds before pressing onto a top speed of 258 mph. While only one exists now, the company plans to build 150 units.