Rimac C-Two Croatian supercar makes incredible performance claims

AN ELECTRIC Croatian supercar led the way as the weird and the wonderful took centre stage at the Geneva motor show.

The Rimac C_Two claimed blistering performance numbers at the 2018 Geneva motor show. Pic: Supplied.

THE UPSTAIRS hall of the Geneva motor show is a walk on the wild side.

While the mainstream car makers strut their stuff downstairs, the fast and the curious niche carmakers try to outdo each other with outlandish concept cars.

This year was no exception. Among the hypercars and gorgeous styling concepts were two flying cars and a range of over-the-top people movers that wouldn’t look out of place in a rapper’s driveway.

The Rimac C_Two is an EV that offers blistering performance. Pic: Supplied.

There was even a stand that offered refurbished 1960s Minis complete with updated satnav screens and all the mod cons.

Here are some that caught the eye:

Rimac C-Two

The numbers this Croatian-designed electric hypercar produces are simply stunning. It is claimed to reach 100km/h in 1.8 seconds and 300km/h in 11.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 412km/h.

The Rimac has eight on-board cameras. Pic: Supplied.

Its four electric motors — one at each wheel — produce 1408kW of power and 2300Nm of torque, while the maker claims range of 650km/h.

Inside, there are eight on-board cameras, a lidar, six radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors to help it achieve a range of automated driving functions.

A special feature allows the driver to load racetracks into the computer so the car can suggest the ideal line through corners.

Only 150 will be built.

The Zenvo TSR-S is track-focused but driver-friendly around town. Pic: Supplied.

Zenvo TSR-S

If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, Danish supercar maker Zenvo will build only five of its TSR-S models each year.

The TSR-S’s twin supercharged V8 can make up to 878kW of power, although it can be tuned to produce less if necessary. The maker says it is capable of a 2.8 second run to 100km/h.

A trick rear wing adjusts itself on the run, lifting to provide more downforce when entering a corner and tilting to give more grip through the apex.

Elsewhere, extensive use of carbon fibre and other hybrid composites keep the weight down, while there are two settings in the gearbox to provide smooth shifts in traffic and lightning quick responses on the racetrack. The price tag is likely to be more than $2 million.

The Fenyr Supersport at the 2018 Geneva motor show. Pic: Supplied.

Fenyr Supersport

The Fenyr is the United Nations effort of the supercar world. Made by W Motors, which had its origins in Lebanon before setting up shop in Dubai, it features a version of the flat-six engine in a range of Porsches and has a body made by Magna Steyr in Italy.

The mid-engined, rear-drive Fenyr turns up the wick on Porsche’s flat six, extracting 588kW of power and 980Nm of torque.

W Motors plans to start delivering the Fenyr early next year and is aiming for annual sales of 25 cars, at roughly $1.6 million per car.

The Hennessey Venom GT 5 has been built to break speed records. Pic: Supplied.

Hennessey Venom 5

This American-built supercar has been built with one goal in mind — to break the 300mph barrier and become the world’s fastest car.

The record at the moment is held by Koenigsegg’s Agera RS, which toppled the Bugatti Veyron with a top speed of 278mph, or 447km/h.

The US company says its $2 million supercar is more than capable of the feat. Only 24 cars will be built and ten of them are already spoken for.

Italdesign’s drop-top Duerte was popular at the 2018 Geneva motor show. Pic: Supplied.

Italdesign Duerte

Famed Italian styling house Italdesign has pulled the roof off its Zerouno coupe to create the Targa-topped Duerte.

The open-air supercar is powered by the same 5.2-litre V10 as the Zerouno, although it is down a little on top speed against the coupe. Despite this it will still nail the 0-100km/h dash in 3.2 seconds.

The company plans to build five of the convertibles by the end of the year. The car’s bodywork is carbon fibre, while the underpinnings are a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium to reduce weight. The engine is borrowed from Audi thanks to a tie-up with Volkswagen.

The company didn’t release pricing for the car but it is believed to be more than $2.5 million.

Italdesign is also responsible for one of the whackier exhibits at Frankfurt — a half-car, half plane designed jointly with Audi and Airbus. A passenger module can be attached either to a set of wheels or a drone that can avoid traffic snarls.

The Pal-V flying car has high hopes. Pic: Supplied.

PAL-V

The PAL-V continues on a similar vein, combining land and air capability. The car can be driven on the road or converted to a small helicopter — the changeover takes about five minutes.

In helicopter mode it can travel at roughly 180km/h at a height of about 4000ft. The company plans to sell about 90 units but the price will be a sticking point with potential customers. The pioneer edition will start from roughly $890,000.