Rimac, a name synonymous with high-performance hypercars, has unveiled a significant shift in its business strategy, positioning itself as a pivotal technology supplier for the electric vehicle sector. At the recent IAA Mobility exhibition, the Croatian company showcased cutting-edge solid-state battery technology and advanced e-axle systems, demonstrating its commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility beyond its exclusive vehicle lineup. These innovations underscore Rimac's ambition to influence the wider automotive landscape, providing crucial components that could redefine future electric vehicle design and performance across various segments.
This strategic evolution from an elite hypercar producer to a leading component provider highlights the company's profound engineering capabilities. The new product offerings, which include production-ready solid-state batteries and incredibly powerful e-axles, are not merely conceptual but represent tangible advancements ready for integration into the next generation of electric vehicles. Rimac's transition showcases its vision of driving industry-wide progress, building on its legacy of creating record-breaking vehicles like the Nevera, which stands as a testament to its innovative spirit and technical excellence.
Pioneering Battery Technology: Solid-State and Beyond
Rimac's collaboration with industry leaders ProLogium and Mitsubishi Chemical has resulted in the development of a solid-state battery system that promises significant improvements over current lithium-ion technology. This new system offers reduced weight, enhanced energy density, and superior safety characteristics, addressing key challenges in electric vehicle development. Unlike many theoretical concepts, Rimac emphasizes that this solid-state battery is ready for production, marking a major milestone in battery technology. Complementing this, the company also presented its Evo Battery, featuring advanced NMC 46XX cells, and a versatile Hybrid Battery platform designed for various hybrid applications, showcasing a comprehensive approach to energy storage solutions.
The readiness of Rimac's solid-state battery system for commercial production is a game-changer for the electric vehicle industry. Its lighter weight and higher energy density mean longer ranges and improved vehicle dynamics, while enhanced safety features offer greater peace of mind. This technology, developed in partnership with established players, solidifies Rimac's position as an innovator, moving beyond its hypercar roots to become a critical supplier of advanced components. By offering multiple battery solutions, including the NMC 46XX cell-based Evo Battery and the flexible Hybrid Battery, Rimac is catering to a broad spectrum of electric and hybrid vehicle needs, illustrating its commitment to practical, scalable solutions for the future of transportation.
Redefining Electric Power: Advanced E-Axles
Rimac's innovations extend to the powertrain with the introduction of its new SINTEG 300 and 550 e-axles. These compact yet powerful units deliver up to 360 kW and boast a torque density exceeding 90 Nm/kg, making them versatile enough for applications ranging from compact hatchbacks to larger SUVs. The highlight, however, is the XXL dual-motor e-axle, projected to enter series production in 2026, which promises an astonishing 11,000 Nm of torque. This level of power output is indicative of the technology that underpins high-performance electric vehicles, including Rimac's own Nevera hypercar, attracting considerable attention from collectors and the automotive industry alike.
The new SINTEG 300 and 550 e-axles are designed to be both compact and highly efficient, offering significant power output relative to their size. Their high torque density of over 90 Nm/kg makes them suitable for a diverse range of vehicles, from everyday cars to more robust utility vehicles. The forthcoming XXL dual-motor e-axle, with its projected 11,000 Nm of torque, represents a pinnacle of electric drivetrain engineering, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in terms of electric power and performance. This technological leap reinforces Rimac's expertise in developing components that enable extreme performance, and its ability to attract significant interest from both the automotive manufacturing sector and the high-end collector market.
Cadillac's CT5-V Blackwing, a beacon of automotive excellence, combines raw power with sophisticated design, making it a highly coveted vehicle. This September, the opportunity to experience this high-performance sedan has become more attainable through an enticing lease offer. With its formidable supercharged V8 engine and the rare inclusion of a manual transmission option, the Blackwing offers an unparalleled driving sensation that appeals to enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.
The current lease promotion for the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing features a monthly payment of $1,647 for a 48-month term, predicated on a down payment of $3,500 and an annual mileage allowance of 10,000 miles. Although some 2025 models may still be available with a slightly different monthly payment of $1,666 under similar terms, the emphasis is on making this elite sedan more accessible. It's important for interested parties to note that these figures exclude taxes and other potential fees, and regional variations may apply. Cadillac encourages prospective customers to verify offers by entering their zip code on the official website to receive the most precise payment estimations.
The CT5-V Blackwing, introduced in the 2022 model year as the successor to the esteemed Cadillac CTS-V, stands out with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can choose between a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powerhouse can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds with the automatic transmission, or 3.6 seconds with the manual. For the 2025 model year, the Blackwing received aesthetic enhancements, including a refreshed front fascia and a state-of-the-art 33-inch LED touchscreen display in the interior. The 2026 model further refines its offerings with a new Parking Package and the integration of blind-spot steering assist as a standard safety feature, alongside exclusive customized versions under the 'Curated by Cadillac' program.
Owning a vehicle of the Blackwing's caliber represents a significant investment, yet its distinctive blend of American muscle and refined handling offers exceptional value. It stands as one of the last remaining new cars to offer a manual transmission, a feature increasingly rare in today's market. This combination of robust power, sophisticated handling, and engagement through a manual gearbox makes the CT5-V Blackwing a unique proposition, embodying a legacy of automotive passion and precision that transcends mere transportation to become a profound driving experience.
For six remarkable years, a 51-year-old individual in the Czech Republic brazenly navigated public thoroughfares in a Formula One racing machine, an act that finally culminated in his arrest. This audacious motorist, whose identity remained elusive behind a racing helmet, became an enigmatic figure, captivating the public and earning him the moniker of a 'local legend' among automotive enthusiasts. His escapades, often involving high-speed chases with law enforcement, were chronicled and shared on a popular online video platform by him and his son, further amplifying his notoriety before authorities eventually tracked him down at his residence following a lead from a fuel station.
The vehicle at the heart of this saga, initially speculated to be a Formula Two car, was asserted by its owner to be a rare 2006 Ferrari-Dallara GPF1 prototype, purportedly one of only two in existence. He contended that this powerful machine, boasting a 2.4-liter Ferrari V8 engine with nearly 800 horsepower, was a discarded F1 re-entry venture by Dallara, subsequently forming the basis for their Formula 2 designs. Despite some inconsistencies regarding the car's precise lineage and previous ownership, the fact remains that this individual was operating a vehicle designed for elite competition on everyday streets, a dream for many car aficionados, albeit a highly illegal and dangerous one.
While his thrilling tenure as a highway racer has concluded, the Czech F1 phantom's audacious spirit left an indelible mark, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of a passion that defied conventional boundaries. Although his actions were undeniably unsafe and unlawful, his story resonates with anyone who has ever yearned to break free from the mundane constraints of daily life and embrace an exhilarating, albeit forbidden, fantasy. His legacy serves as a vivid reminder to those yearning for excitement amidst the daily grind, symbolizing the ultimate embodiment of living life on one's own terms, even if it means navigating a perilous path.