Rimac Nevera Secures Backward Speed World Record (171.34 mph!)

The Rimac Nevera electric hypercar, verified by Guinness World Records, has set a new world record for the fastest speed achieved in reverse.

• The Rimac Nevera reached a backward speed of 171.34 mph (275.74 km/h) at the Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany, claiming the title for the fastest speed in reverse.

• The achievement adds to the Nevera’s year of record-breaking performances, including over 20 acceleration and braking records and a Nürburgring lap record.

• This record was completed in the Nevera’s Time Attack Edition livery, a limited edition with only 12 units available globally, showcasing the brand’s innovation and engineering prowess.

The Rimac Nevera has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the highest reverse speed, reaching 171.34 mph (275.74 km/h), as confirmed by the observation of Guinness World Records and the measurement data from Dewesoft. This feat was achieved at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, a site familiar to the Nevera for its previous records, including an impressive top speed run of 256 mph (412 km/h).

Unlike conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines, the Nevera’s electric drivetrain allows it to accelerate in reverse with the same intensity as going forward, owing to its gearless, four-motor system. This unique capability was demonstrated earlier in the year through various performance records and a significant win at the Nürburgring lap, establishing the Nevera’s dominance in both conventional and innovative driving challenges.

Matija Renić, the Nevera’s Chief Program Engineer from Bugatti Rimac, shared insights into the development phase, where the team humorously contemplated the car’s potential in reverse. The simulation predicted speeds exceeding 150 mph, but the real-world stability was a venture into the unknown. Test driver Goran Drndak recounted the surreal experience of the record-setting run, highlighting the delicate handling and reversed sensations compared to normal driving.

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Moreover, the Nevera has had a year full of accomplishments, including a groundbreaking 49.32-second run at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed and shattering the previous electric vehicle lap record at the Nordschleife by 20 seconds, verified by TÜV SÜD and on-board telemetry.

This latest record was performed in the Nevera’s Time Attack Edition, an exclusive version with only 12 units produced, featuring a custom Squadron Black and Lightning Green paint scheme. This special edition, revealed at The Quail earlier this year, pays tribute to Rimac’s legacy of record-breaking electric vehicles and the company’s dedication to advancing electric mobility.