July 3, 2024

 

Croatian Startup Rimac Is Tackling Its Next Impossible Mission With The 2026 Rimac Verne.

Verne’s mission is to provide stylish, fully autonomous, electric ride-hailing cars with the comfort and cargo capacity of a Rolls-Royce or limo, all in the footprint of a subcompact SUV. The 2026 Rimac Verne is an electric robo-taxi designed to revolutionize mobility as a service (MaaS). While the exact pricing hasn’t been officially announced, here are some key details about Verne:

1. Platform and Autonomy:

• Verne is built on a new platform designed exclusively for autonomous driving using Mobileye’s level 4 autonomy system.
• It prioritizes safety, comfort, and passenger experience, free from compromises of legacy platforms designed for human driving.

2. Customization:

• Passengers can personalize their Verne experience via an app before ordering a ride.
• Settings include comfort, lighting, temperature, and even scent, tailored to feel like your own, even though you won’t own the vehicle.

3. Launch Plans:

• Verne will first launch in Zagreb in 2026, with plans to expand across Europe and the Middle East shortly after.
• The company claims to have deals with 11 cities already.

4. Performance:

• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 1.74 seconds
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph): 1.81 seconds
• Acceleration (0-300 km/h): 9.22 seconds
• 1/4 mile time (0-402 meters): 8.25 seconds
• Top speed: 412 km/h (258 mph)
• Power output: 1408 kW (1914 hp)
• Motor torque: 2340 Nm
• Wheel torque: 13430 Nm
• Range: Approximately 490 kilometers (WLTP range based on final testing)

5. Charging:

• On-board charging: 3-phase 22 kW
• Fast charging: 500 kW DC Combo (reaches 80% state of charge in 22 minutes)

6. Powertrain:

• Four independent surface-mounted, carbon-sleeve, permanent-magnet electric motors
• Four independent inverters and gearboxes
• Four-wheel drive with software-controlled torque vectoring

7. Safety and Features:

• Carbon fiber monocoque structure
• Active aerodynamics elements
• Holistic mobility experience via a smartphone app
• Customizable cabin features, including ambient lighting and even scents (Pine, Mango, Mint, and Ocean)

 

How does Rimac Verne compare to Tesla's robo-taxi plans?

There are some similarities but they also have key differences:

1. Purpose:

• Verne: Rimac’s Verne is designed exclusively for autonomous ride-hailing. It lacks a steering wheel or pedals, emphasizing passenger comfort and space.
• Tesla: Tesla aims to deploy a dedicated robotaxi based on existing vehicle models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, with full self-driving capabilities.

2. Design:

• Verne: Verne is a wedge-shaped two-seater with a giant 43-inch screen and reclining seats. It prioritizes user experience and customization.
• Tesla: Tesla’s robotaxi design remains speculative, but it’s expected to be based on existing Tesla models, possibly with modifications for autonomous operation.

3. Technology:

• Verne: Verne uses an array of cameras, radars, lidar, and Mobileye’s Drive software platform for autonomy.
• Tesla: Tesla’s robotaxi will likely rely on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which is still in development and faces regulatory challenges.

4. Timeline:

• Verne: Rimac plans to launch Verne’s ride-hailing service in 2026.
• Tesla: Elon Musk announced the Tesla robotaxi reveal for August 8, but actual deployment remains uncertain.

Both companies are pushing the boundaries of autonomous mobility, but Verne’s focus on a purpose-built, two-seater design sets it apart from Tesla’s approach. Time will tell which vision becomes reality!

 

 

A Stunning Cadillac Coupe, Which Was Initially Not Meant To Be Seen, Has Caught The Attention Of Auto Enthusiasts.

The stunning Cadillac Expressive Coupe was never meant to be seen, yet it captured the attention of car enthusiasts when General Motors Design revealed it on social media. Here is what we know:

General Motors Design created it as an internal exploration of Cadillac aesthetics. Although it shaped elements seen in the CT5 and CT5-V Blackwing, Cadillac ultimately focused on crossovers, sedans, and SUVs instead of bringing this coupe to market.

1. Background:

• The Cadillac Expressive Coupe concept was created by the GM Design team, fully aware that it would never go into production.
• It’s part of a series of concepts meant to inspire collaboration and discussion across teams, rather than for public reveal or specific vehicle programs.

2. Design and Features:

• The coupe boasts a handsome, sporty design with expressive lines.
• Its interior is a blend of leather and metal surfaces, featuring uniquely shaped seats and a center console reminiscent of older navigation dials.
• While it lacks practicality for production, the Expressive Coupe’s cabin would have made German luxury cars jealous.

Despite its fate, this concept remains a tantalizing glimpse into what a modern two-door Cadillac could have been. Perhaps someday demand will inspire a sophisticated two-door option from Cadillac!