Rimac Concept One Gen 1

Overview

The 2016 Rimac Concept One Gen 1 is an all-electric Croatian hypercar that truly re-wrote the rulebook for EV performance. As a discontinued model, produced between 2013 and 2016, it's now a rare collector's gem. It stunned the world with its four electric motors and pioneering torque vectoring. New prices were deep into seven figures, and used examples command serious money, reflecting their exclusivity and historical significance in the EV world. This machine was, and remains, an absolute game-changer, showing what electric power could truly achieve on the bleeding edge.

What's New for 2016?

The 2016 model year marked the culmination of the Gen 1 Concept One's groundbreaking journey, solidifying its status as a hyper-exclusive electric pioneer. While not a year of radical redesigns, 2016 models benefited from continuous refinement and software updates honed since its 2013 debut. Think of it as the most polished version of the original beast, incorporating all the learnings from its limited production run. Each of the handful built was practically bespoke, so later cars often featured subtle enhancements based on owner feedback and Rimac’s ongoing R&D, pushing the envelope even further.

Design & Exterior

This Croatian rocket ship looks every bit as fast as it is! The Concept One Gen 1 boasts a stunning, low-slung coupe silhouette crafted extensively from carbon fibre for that ultimate lightweight strength. Its dimensions scream hypercar: 4187 mm long, a purposeful 1842 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and an incredibly sleek 1070 mm tall. With its aggressive aero, signature lighting, and bespoke wheels, it's pure automotive theatre. This isn't just a car; it's a sculpted masterpiece designed to slice through the air with brutal efficiency and turn every head.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Concept One, and you're greeted by a cockpit that's pure bespoke luxury mixed with high-tech. As a strict two-seater, it's all about the driver and their very lucky passenger. Expect a symphony of leather, Alcantara, and exposed carbon fibre, meticulously crafted. Tech-wise, it featured custom digital displays providing a wealth of performance data, rather than your typical infotainment. Cargo space? Let's be honest, you're not buying this for a tip run! There's minimal luggage space, as is typical for hypercars; specific capacities aren't usually quoted.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Concept One Gen 1 delivers a gut-punching 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 2.5 seconds. This electrifying performance comes from four potent Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors – two at the front, two at the rear – unleashing a colossal 913 kW and 1600 Nm of torque through an advanced AWD system. Rimac’s genius All-Wheel Torque Vectoring system means this thing corners like it's on rails, offering a truly mind-bending driving experience. Expect firm, race-car-like responses, with powerful regenerative braking complementing its massive stoppers.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice for this Croatian missile comes from a 78 kWh usable battery pack, giving a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 297 km – enough for some serious B-road blasts. Efficiency is rated at a respectable 3.81 km/kWh. For charging, its 650V architecture allows a stonking 120 kW DC fast charge via its European-standard CCS Type 2 port, getting you back on the road quickly. At home or the office, the standard 22 kW AC on-board charger can replenish the battery in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When you're talking about a hyper-exclusive machine like the Concept One, official Euro NCAP crash test ratings are pretty much non-existent – these cars are too rare and valuable. Safety focus is on its incredibly strong carbon-fibre monocoque and advanced chassis dynamics, including the sophisticated torque vectoring system which massively enhances active safety and control. You won't find a suite of common ADAS features like adaptive cruise; the primary driver aid here is the car’s inherent stability and the driver's skill, backed by essentials like ABS and traction control.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For a hypercar as exclusive as the 2016 Rimac Concept One, standard warranty terms are a bit different. Owners typically received bespoke support packages directly from Rimac Automobili in Croatia. Given its discontinued status and rarity, ongoing maintenance is a highly specialized affair, likely handled by Rimac or certified partners. Think of it like owning a priceless piece of art that also happens to do 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds – care is paramount and tailored. Specific battery degradation warranties for these early models aren't widely publicised.