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Croatian electric car maker teams up with Porsche, Seat

Renowned for producing the world’s fastest electric car, the Concept One, in 2013, Croatia’s Rimac Automobile is making headlines once again.

So far in 2018 they have showcased their new Rimac C Two at the Geneva Motor Show, sold a ten per cent share in the company to Porsche AG and are now teaming up with Seat to manufacture the Cupra e-Racer.

The new C Two is reported to produce 2000 horsepower and can reach an estimated speed of 412kph. In addition, it has a range of 650 kilometres, and can achieve an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes through a 250 kilowatt fast-charging system, as well as a whole host of various infotainment and tech-based systems that provide a full systems analysis to the driver.

Rimac and Porsche

“In less than a decade, we have built up comprehensive know-how in developing high-performance electric powertrain and battery technology, innovative infotainment and telemetry systems and many other core vehicle systems. Our hypercars are at the pinnacle of technology, redefining the idea of the super-car,” says Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac Automobile.

Porsche are looking to the future, and investment in electric vehicles is the next obvious step, therefore why not invest in a company that is excelling in its field.

“By developing the purely electric two-seater super sports cars, like the Concept One and C Two, as well as core vehicle systems, Rimac has impressively demonstrated its credentials in the field of electromobility,” added Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman of the executive board and member of the executive board for finance and IT.

“We feel that Rimac’s ideas and approaches are extremely promising, which is why we hope to enter into close collaboration with the company in the form of a development partnership,” said Mr Meschke.

Seat

The Spanish car manufacture recently announced the standalone Cupra performance brand, part of its move into electric vehicles.

“With the Cupra e-Racer we want to bring racing to the next level. We believe we can help reinvent motorsport and achieve success. Motorsport is one of the pillars of Cupra, and we are proud of the team that is making this electric touring race car possible,” announced Dr Matthias Rabe, Seat vice-president for research and development,

The new Cupra e-Racer is to take part in the new Electric Touring Car Races (E-TCR).

Rimac will supply the technology behind the new e-Racer, and according to Mate Rimac, will introduce “a whole new E-TCR category.”

“Entering the collaborative partnership with Porsche AG is an important step in our strategy to become a leading EV technology supplier to the global OEMs. We are delighted to have gained a high level of trust from our investors, partners and customers and are looking forward to continue working on exciting projects with our clients across the automotive industry,” said Mr Rimac.