Rimac Nevera Is No Longer The World’s Fastest Electric Vehicle

Little-known automaker Aspark has shattered a speed record for electric vehicles with an SP600 prototype. The all-electric hypercar reached a speed of 272.59 mph (438.7 km/h) on a run at Automotive Testing Papenburg, a special facility in Germany. While still a prototype, the “production intent” SP600 has eclipsed segment stalwarts such as the Rimac Nevera (258 mph) and Pininfarina Battista (222 mph).

The run occurred on June 8, with the record-breaking speed achieved during Aspark’s second attempt. The vehicle was piloted by Marc Basseng, an acclaimed racing driver who has racked up multiple victories, including the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship. Aspark notes that the vehicle was able to reach 261 mph consistently. During the first attempt, the SP600 reached 261.4 mph and 267.19 mph before it hit 272.59 mph, as measured by a certified Racelogic V-Box.

Bridgestone Developed Special Tires For The SP600

To achieve this incredible feat, Aspark teamed up with Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) for assistance in building a car capable of breaking this record. MAT oversaw the development and manufacturing of the SP600. The vehicle was put through a series of evaluations (both virtual and physical), including stints in a wind tunnel and track testing. MAT is responsible for just about everything, from the chassis and suspension design to the powertrain, software integration, and even battery production.

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MAT tapped Bridgestone for assistance to achieve a 270+ mph speed. The company developed a custom tire that was well-suited to the SP600’s dynamics and weight and capable of managing such high speeds. Bridgestone responded with bespoke Potenza Race tires, which aided the electric hypercar in its record-breaking run.

Not The First Time Aspark Has Set World Records

Aspark is no stranger to breaking records. Last year, the Owl set two average speed records over a quarter-mile (198.12 mph) and an eighth of a mile (192.02 mph). The manufacturer also says the Owl is the fastest-accelerating electric vehicle in the world, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 1.72 seconds. It’s worth noting that it is slightly quicker than the Nevera (1.74 seconds), although the Rimac’s time has been verified independently. The Nevera also holds multiple world records for acceleration.

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There’s no denying that electric hypercars are incredibly quick. And not just in a straight line, either. In April, Lotus announced that the Evija X set a Nürburgring lap time of 6:24.047, the third-fastest lap ever set on the 12.9-mile course. While this – and Aspark’s latest achievement – is remarkable, impressive figures aren’t the be-all and end-all for hypercars. This is why Rimac CEO Mate Rimac is considering an alternative to battery-electric drivetrains for his next car. He said customers want “to feel emotions when driving; they don’t care about pure performance.” That said, we’re guessing monied customers will be knocking down Aspark’s door to get on the SP600 waiting list, just for the bragging rights and top speed alone.