In pictures: the new Rimac Nevara R is the fastest road car ever

Billed as the “alter ego” to the standard 1888bhp Nevera – the former fastest accelerating car – the R’s new monstrous power figure is only surpassed by the Koenigsegg Gemera which will arrive early next year powered by a 2268bhp hybridised V8.

All-out speed wasn’t the overall goal, Rimac said, instead more focus was placed on designing the R to be a better handling and more agile proposition than its grand tourer sibling.

Combined with a new sleeker front end, a lower stance, and stacks of aero, the R is launched to temp buyers back to electric hypercars after boss Mate Rimac revealed the brand had yet to sell all 150 examples of Nevera three years on from its launch.

He said this slump was down to “the top end of the sector wanting to differentiate themselves” with combustion powered cars as electrification becomes more mainstream.

Built as an electric “hyper sports car”, the R is fitted with next-generation all-wheel torque vectoring tech, tuned for its new Michelin Cup 2 tyres, and a re-tuned steering rack for sharper response and crisper feedback.

This is claimed to reduce understeer by 10% and increase lateral grip by 5%, while a new fixed rear wing combined with a new large diffuser boosts downforce by 15% and aerodynamic efficiency by 10% allowing for sharper, tighter cornering.

Coupled with the extra 190bhp and carbon ceramic EVO2 brakes, Rimac says the R “sets a new benchmark” for “driving excitement” on twisting B roads.

The R retains the same 120kWh battery as its sibling, which was good for as much as 250 miles in the standard Nevera.

The Croatian brand has yet to confirm official range figures for the R.

Mate Rimac said: “When we developed the Nevera, an important part of the brief was that it should be a Grand Tourer. We made sure it was spacious, comfortable and finely balanced between thrilling and accessible.”

“Ultimately what we achieved struck that balance perfectly. But we’re relentlessly tweaking to customers’ desires, and many were looking for a car that really emphasised the Nevera’s cornering ability, using all the advanced technology on-board.”

“We responded with the Nevera R: all the DNA of the record-breaking Nevera, but
lighter, faster and more focused.”

Launched exclusively in Nebula green, the limited production run of the R is due to start later this year. It will likely hold a lofty premium on the standard car’s £1.72m price tag.