Latest news with #Rimac
ArabGT
3 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
You Won't Believe What the Bugatti Rimac CEO Drives Every Day
In a move that defies expectations, the Bugatti Rimac CEO, Mate Rimac, has captured the attention of car enthusiasts by opting for a humble Volkswagen Golf R32 MkV as his personal ride. While he leads one of the most elite hypercar manufacturers in the world, Rimac's daily driver is a five-door hatchback from a bygone era—one that perfectly reflects his down-to-earth love for authentic driving. This revelation echoes similar stories in the automotive world—like Koenigsegg's founder commuting in understated vehicles. But coming from the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge luxury and speed, the choice of a Golf R32 speaks volumes about his personal philosophy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mate Rimac (@materimac) From Hypercar Innovator to Hot Hatch Enthusiast Mate Rimac, the Croatian tech visionary behind the electric hypercar revolution, has always balanced innovation with genuine automotive passion. As the founder of Rimac Automobili and now the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, he's been at the forefront of performance EV development. Yet despite his futuristic endeavors, Rimac hasn't lost touch with the visceral joy of analog driving. His car collection includes BMW icons like the E30 M3 Sport Evolution, E46 M3 CSL, E39 M5, and the V10-powered E64 M6. But his latest acquisition—a Volkswagen Golf R32 MkV—reveals something deeper about his appreciation for raw, real-world performance. Why the Golf R32 Stands Out for the Bugatti Rimac CEO The Golf R32 MkV, known as the crown jewel of its generation, features a 3.2-liter VR6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Coupled with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a rapid six-speed DSG transmission, it delivers thrilling performance wrapped in a subtle, practical design. Interestingly, the car's key fob resembles that of the Bugatti Veyron—a fitting coincidence for the Bugatti Rimac CEO. Rimac calls the R32 'the purest expression of driving fun,' and he isn't keeping it stock. He plans to upgrade the cabin with modern tech, merging nostalgia with next-gen comfort in a way that mirrors his broader philosophy at Bugatti Rimac. The Philosophy Behind the Wheel The Bugatti Rimac CEO's choice of a Golf R32 is more than just sentimental—it's a reminder that driving pleasure isn't limited to multimillion-dollar machines. His desire to enhance a classic hatchback rather than trade it for something newer speaks to a deeper connection with the automotive soul. It's the same spirit driving the development of the 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon—a hybrid hypercar blending a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 with cutting-edge technology. A Human Touch in a High-Tech Industry Rimac's approach breaks the stereotype of the distant, corporate executive. Instead, the Bugatti Rimac CEO lives and breathes the passion his company stands for—whether behind the wheel of a Tourbillon or a Golf R32. His leadership style bridges the gap between technological innovation and human emotion, offering a refreshing example in an increasingly digitized industry. As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification, the sight of Rimac choosing a hatchback over a hypercar reinforces a vital truth: no matter how fast or advanced cars become, the thrill of the drive remains eternal.
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Bugatti's Boss Owns and Drives a Volkswagen Golf R32
Mate Rimac made a name for himself by developing some of the most exciting EVs out there. However, his rise to success began with a humble BMW E30 and a blown engine. Well before the Concept_One and the Nevera that followed, a 1983 3 Series was converted for electric duty and nicknamed the 'Green Monster.' With 600 horsepower on tap, it claimed the title of the quickest-accelerating EV back in 2011. Over the years, he's purchased several cars bearing the roundel, including an M5 E39 and an M3 E30 Sport Evolution. The Croatian entrepreneur has also been spotted driving everything from a Z4 M Coupe to an F90 M5 Competition. He even owned an M3 CSL E46 and a V-10-powered M6 E64, so it's safe to say he has a soft spot for BMWs. However, there's one car in his garage with a different badge: a Volkswagen . And not just any VW. The 37-year-old CEO of Bugatti Rimac owns and drives a Golf R32 MkV in the five-door body style, equipped with a six-speed DSG and a key fob not too different from the Veyron's. Back in the day, VW also offered the VR-6-powered car with a six-speed manual gearbox and a three-door configuration. While he loves the car as it is, he believes a restomod, focused on upgrading interior quality and adding connectivity tech, would turn it into an 'amazing' hot hatch. Not that we needed any more convincing, but Mate Rimac is an enthusiast through and through. He persuaded the Volkswagen Group not to turn the Bugatti Chiron's successor into an electric SUV. The story goes that VW had planned to launch a high-riding EV, but when Rimac was asked to take over, he green-lit another hypercar instead. The result was the Tourbillon , featuring a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V-16. Sure, it's a hybrid, but one that's a tad more exciting than a Prius. Mate Rimac strikes us as the kind of CEO who would've green-lit the Golf GTI W12-650 concept, also based on the Mk5, for production. Yes, VW once shoehorned a 641-hp twelve-cylinder engine from a Bentley Continental GT into a Golf, mounting it behind the seats. The fifth-gen Golf also spawned a 500-hp, V-10 running prototype that never came to be. He's not the only enthusiast in the business. Christian von Koenigsegg said he'd put the last tank of fuel in the Miata he bought when he was 19. Ivan Espinosa, Nissan's new boss, drives his Z to work every day. It's CEOs like these who give us hope that fun cars won't disappear under the weight of SUVs, electrification, and relentless cost-cutting. New Volkswagen Golf R32 18 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Mate Rimac / Instagram Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
NextGen: Dubai's Falcons hold promise as basketball talent
28 May 2025 00:46 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The NextGen Finals for Under-18 basketball players on the sidelines of the EuroLeague's Final Four in Abu Dhabi proved to be a vital stepping stone for some of the sport's future superstars in the week gone by. And the host country's representatives Dubai Basketball Falcons impressed despite many challenges.'We got only 10 days to come together to prepare, so considering the challenges, I am proud of the team,' coach Slaven Rimac tells Aletihad after the side finished their third and final Group A engagement at the Mubadala Arena. The world's top eight clubs were pitted in two groups and only the group toppers made it to the final. The hastily arranged team of Dubai Basketball had a tough pairing with one of the oldest clubs, Barcelona, to open the tournament on a losing note. But they acquitted themselves with a comeback win against Mega Super Belgrade and even rallied in the third quarter and led against eventual finalist Emporio Armani Milan in the final game. But the Italian club's more experienced players dug deep and managed to find the win 86-84, such was the fine is a saying that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. But in order for that to happen, you first have to see and face the best. Judging by the display of the younger Falcons and the fact that Milan lost to eventual winner Zalgiris Kaunas 89-81, the future seems only bright from here.'We have young players like Gustavs [Vilcans] or [Diop] Amath, who are born in 2010, then Bacary [Doucoure] is also 2010, and meanwhile all of the squad of EA Milan is like 2007 and they have been playing together for about two years now,' Rimac pointed team finished strongly especially considering a 46-point margin loss to Barcelona. 'Unfortunately, we played against a very good team of Barcelona. They punished us and we were not under any illusions. But yes, it was important how we react to that and the boys concentrated on the second and third games.'We showed that we have quality, that the kids know how to play right... I guess the kids were not used to that stage, especially in offence where they couldn't react as well as after. But we showed we had a united team; everybody respects each other and I think we showed a really good face of Dubai basketball team.'I was indeed worried about the players' mental and psychological side after that Barcelona loss because we knew we had a certain quality but as you know, we didn't have time to practice as much. Yet, the team reacted very well with that response against Mega. And remember, it is the first time we are playing in Abu Dhabi, too,' Rimac other group also was strongly contested with the Lithuanian side of Kaunas prevailing over teams from Real Madrid, Paris and United States. Dubai Basketball competed as wild card entrants and managed to carve their own impressions, as hoped by Rimac colleague and the general manager of the club's youth programme, Petros Krasopoulos. 'For the kids coming through our academy and other young players across the UAE, seeing a team from Dubai competing in the NextGen EuroLeague has been a massive source of inspiration,' said Krasopoulos, the Greek native who has been with the club since 2015. 'It makes professional basketball an achievable feat – highlighting that there's a clear pathway from playing the game here locally to stepping onto the court against some of the biggest youth teams in Europe.'
NZ Autocar
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Porsche Cayman EV out testing at the Nurburgring
Porsche is looking to take on the tiny electric sports car sector with its Cayman EV, spotted testing at the Nurburgring. Both this and Boxster are replacing their ICE power mills with an all-electric powertrain for the next generation. The electric sports car project is already delayed. Porsche partnered with Northvolt battery makers but it filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. It is therefore looking elsewhere for batteries, and may tap Croatian hypercar maker, Rimac. That company has worked with Porsche before on the Taycan and 911 GTS hybrid. Expect dual-motor capability for the Cayman and Boxster EVs with power outputs exceeding that of the 346kW GT4. That's to counteract the increase in weight of the EV powertrain. The battery pack will sit amidships, behind the driver, for a lower driving position. Battery specifics are not yet to hand. The open-top Boxster EV and Cayman EV spotted thus far are still in camouflage but many production-ready details are clear to see. The new Cayman body seems relatively similar in outline to the current mid-engined offering. However, the gently sloping roofline and bonnet look slightly longer than before, so it is more 911-like in profile. Traditional door handles will remain. A small side intake is sited just behind the door, presumably to cool the electric motor or battery pack packaged in behind. A panel ahead of the rear wheels will dictate aeros and help with airflow around the rear bumper. Sizeable drilled discs are present behind all four wheels. A lightbar and a small aero device at the rear are typical Boxster and Cayman fare. Running down towards the small rear wing is a streamlined glass tailgate. Up front, four-point headlights sit either side of a low bonnet for both models. They are similar to those of pre-facelift Taycan. Intake vanes beneath the headlights are likely movable. This 'active' intake is a feature of high-end Porsche models, suggesting the new Cayman and Boxster will be revealed as first edition variants initially. A complete interior revision is likely, taking cues from the current generation 911. A totally new digital interface is also expected. Technical details for the pair are yet to drop. Despite a dip in EV sales, the running of these prototypes at the Nurburgring suggests the electric programme for Boxster and Cayman remains on track.
Motor 1
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Video: The Bugatti Bolide's Track Pace Will Melt Your Mind
The Bugatti Bolide is a track-only hypercar unlike any other. Only 40 will ever exist, and each one costs $4 million. It's the type of car you'd expect to find in a climate-controlled garage waiting for the 2088 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Thankfully, that's not the life of every Bolide out there. A new onboard video from the Nürburgring GP track shows the utterly bonkers performance the Bugatti offers. The Bolide makes the same power as its road-going counterpart, with 1,578 horsepower from its W-16 engine. But it only weighs around 3,200 pounds, as opposed to the 4,300-pound Chiron. The speed at which the Bugatti closes the gap between other cars is wild to watch. The power turns the Porsche 911s and other incredible performance cars on the track into annoying traffic for the Bugatti driver. A McLaren Senna is little more than a blur as the Bugatti passes it. The Bolide has a lower top speed than the Chiron, 236 miles per hour versus 261. Despite the explosive acceleration, it doesn't even get near that on the track. The digital display shows the Bugatti reaching a top speed of 186 mph—still pretty nuts for a road course. Bugatti originally showed off the Bolide prototype in 2020 with a theoretical 1,825 horsepower and a top speed of over 300 mph. It'd be three years before the company revealed the car in production form , with another year of testing before deliveries began. It's great to finally see the car on the track, bringing joy to riders and fear to other drivers. Read More Bugatti News: Bugatti's New V-16 Has a Bizarre Timing System Rimac Wants Complete Control of Bugatti: Report Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Misha Charoudin / YouTube Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
