Since it was first showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018, Rimac Automobili says its C_Two model has been undergoing an intense testing program, part of which has involved crash testing multiple prototypes.
In this second round of crash testing, shown in the video above, which included the demanding 56km/h 40% offset deformable barrier impact test, Rimac claims the C_Two prototype proved to be extremely safe. There was no damage to the monocoque, meaning there was virtually no deforming of the cabin, intrusion of the pedals or excessive forces exerted on the driver and passenger.
According to the company, the crash testing program started in 2019 after years of simulation, at first on a material and then a component level. An initial series of physical crash tests on a full-vehicle level was also completed last year. Rimac says that the latest round of full-vehicle physical testing – necessary to finalize the behavior of the carbon composite structure during an impact – is a confirmation of the virtual modeling.
In total, Rimac Automobili says it will produce 13 prototype vehicles and five pre-series production cars – 11 of these 18 will be destroyed during crash testing – to complete the worldwide homologation and testing process, allowing the final production car to be sold in every market around the globe.