Think about supercars and many country names may pop into you head: Italy, Germany, maybe Sweden and a few others. But Lithuania isn’t likely to be high on that list. Well, Vėjas Pajarskas and Julius Garnelis are aiming to change that as they unveiled a production-ready version of the Rhino RR01. A pre-production version was shown about 18 months ago, but the pair are finally ready to start selling the homegrown special to the international market. BTW, if you are wondering, Lithuania is in eastern Europe, just north of Poland.
We created the RR01 to prove that a small team with big ideas can create something world-class.
With strong interest from the US, UK, Australia and beyond, we believe this car truly has a place on the global stage
– Vėjas Pajarskas, co-founder of Rhino Racing
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Ready to Roll
The team says it has replaced about 80 per cent of the components since the car was first shown in 2023. This is in preparation to customer deliveries that are expected to start at the end of the year. The production-ready Rhino RR01 retains the essential shape of the prototype. Updates include new headlights, custom-forged wheels, and a handcrafted interior trimmed in suede. There’s a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel an infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay.
The biggest change, however, has taken place under the engine cover. Initially the company planned to use Audi’s 5,2-litre V10 from the R8 sportscar. But that has since been replaced by the tried and tested Ford ‘Coyote’ powerplant. The 5,0-litre V8 is sourced, as new, from Ford and can be tuned to deliver from about 360 to 450 kW. This compact unit will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from Porsche. 360 kW does not sound like a lot in the world of 2 000 hp hypercars, but keep in mind the RR01 tips the scales at about 1 150 kg. That’s about 300 kg lighter than the current Porsche GT3 with similar power outputs.
Racecar Derived
There are many racecar-derived touches around the RR01. The first is that F1-style steering wheel. Interestingly, the RR01 features hydraulically assisted steering, opposed to electric assistance as is commonplace these days. In addition there is an integrated rear-view camera, similar to that used in endurance racers. Racing seats, that feature six-point harnesses, remain fixed. Drivers set their ideal position by adjustable pedals and steering; another racecar touch.
Six-pot AP Racing calipers act on 362 mm discs. Suspension duties are handled by double wishbones at all four corners. Spring/damper units are mounted in-board, just like a racecar and acted upon by pushrods. The dampers are three-way adjustable Nitron units. In a chat with Double Apex, Pajarskas, said that they are expecting the lightweight V8 to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in under four seconds. Top speed is yet to be determined.