Koenigsegg History

Koenigsegg 22-year old Christian von Koenigsegg starts Koenigsegg Automotive on August 12, 1994. A classic David versus Goliath narrative takes shape. It begins with a young man who had no track record of car manufacturing and little funding. But he was armed with a deep passion for ultimate performance and a dream to build the world's greatest sports car. THE FIRST DRIVE. After nearly two years in the making, Koenigsegg's concept vehicle – ‘CC’ – was finally driven in public for the first time by Rickard Rydell at an event at Anderstorp race track in 1996. Other race-car drivers to test the prototype included Picko Troberg and Calle Rosenblad. The concept worked spectacularly, and was a great start to introducing Koenigsegg to prospective buyers. SUCCESS AT CANNES. The Koenigsegg CC prototype was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and its success was immediate. Satisfactory test results from earlier driving, combined with the great media coverage at Cannes, enabled the company to go forward and engage in the creation of a finished product. A NEW HOME IN THE SOUTH-WEST. In 1998, Koenigsegg moved from their original workshop on the south-east coast town of Olofstrom, to a new workshop in the south-west, in a town called Margretetorp. MOTOR SHOW DEBUT IN PARIS. The first Koenigsegg production prototype made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, 2000. The car on show was the first-ever Koenigsegg CC8S production prototype, which later became the test car and crash-test car that enabled Koenigsegg to homologate vehicles for sale. It featured an early version of the 655 hp Koenigsegg engine that would later feature in customer cars. KOENIGSEGG CC PROTOTYPE KOENIGSEGG CC8S.The first CC8S, short for Competition Coupe V8 Supercharged, was built in 2002 and delivered at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2003. Its minimalistic, clean styling set it apart from its peers and it laid the foundation for every Koenigsegg that followed in terms of aesthetics, philosophy, and functionality. The CC8S was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2002 for the world's most powerful production engine. It also received a Red Dot Design Award in the same year. Six examples of the CC8S were produced in total, making it one of the rarest Koenigsegg models ever. Two of those six cars were right-hand drive. CC8S FIRE! The Koenigsegg factory at Margretetorp was a heritage building with a thatched roof. While the roof was a charming element, it was also very susceptible to fire. A fire occurred in February 2003 when the company was only two weeks away from showing the CC8S at the Geneva Motor Show. Thankfully, even though it was a Saturday, there were members of staff on site who managed to save vehicles and tooling from the flames. Sadly, many of the company's earliest records were lost in the fire. CCR UNVEILED The Koenigsegg CCR was an evolution of the CC8S, produced between 2004 and 2006 in 14 examples. The CCR featured an upgraded body design with a larger front splitter, a rear wing, larger brakes, larger wheels and tires, plus an upgraded chassis and suspension setup. The CCR also had a more powerful, twin-supercharged engine, producing an astonishing 806 hp. THE CCR WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION CAR In 2004, the Koenigsegg CCR eclipsed the Guinness 'Most Powerful Engine' record, previously set by the Koenigsegg CC8S in 2002. The CCR was equipped with an uprated engine, which added more than 150 hp for a total output of 806 hp. WORLD'S FASTEST CAR The world’s fastest car at the beginning of 2005 was the legendary McLaren F1, with a speed of 386.4 km/h set in 1998. Koenigsegg took the new CCR to Nardo, Italy, in February 2005 to attempt a new record. The car had been at Nardo for a week without breaking the record but the new mark was finally set on the last day, with a new top speed of 387.86 km/h recorded. The car was packed up and shipped directly from Nardo to Geneva for the 2005 Geneva Motor Show that afternoon. KOENIGSEGG CCX The Koenigsegg CCX looks like its predecessor, the CCR, but it was no mere evolution. While it retained the traditional Koenigsegg layout – mid-engined V8, carbon fiber tub with a removable and stowable roof – the CCX was a completely new car. It was slightly larger, designed from the ground up with worldwide homologation in mind and meeting all world standards for safety and emissions. The CCX was the first Koenigsegg to be sold into the United States market. TOP GEAR TEST TRACK CCX RECORD The dominance of the CCX was best demonstrated on the popular BBC motoring show, Top Gear. The CCX took the record at Top Gear’s test track in 2006 and this record remained unbeaten by any global series production cars for the next 7 years. The CCX also set a Top Gear top speed record in 2006, reaching 196 mph. KOENIGSEGG CCXR The world’s first ‘green’ supercar was launched in 2007 with the worldwide debut of the Koenigsegg CCXR. The CCXR took Koenigsegg’s potent twin-supercharged V8 to a whole new level thanks to a flex-fuel sensor and hardware allowing the car to run on either regular gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol) or any mix in between. The higher octane rating of E85 fuel lifted the total output of the CCXR to 1,018 hp, a record at the time. The CCXR also debuted Koenigsegg’s new Chrono instrument cluster, providing advanced safety and aesthetics. One CCXR model was specially built to allow it to run on E100 fuel. It features a blue ‘R’ badge on the side flank instead of the traditional green. KOENIGSEGG CCGT The 2007 Geneva Motor Show also saw the public debut of the Koenigsegg CCGT race car. The CCGT was developed as a side project with the ambition of racing in the GT1 class at Le Mans. Weighing just under 1,000 kg and with a naturally aspirated V8 engine making 600 hp, the CCGT was very impressive in testing and looked to be very competitive. Sadly, Koenigsegg’s racing ambitions were quashed when the FIA changed the regulations for the GT1 class, imposing higher minimum production numbers that Koenigsegg was unable to meet. KOENIGSEGG CCX AND CCXR EDITIONS Koenigsegg launched the CCX ‘Edition’ and CCXR ‘Edition’ models at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008. The Edition models featured a beautiful clear-carbon body, Edition 11-spoke wheels, bespoke aerodynamics and specially tuned suspension to further improve the CCX and CCXR’s already legendary handling. The CCX Edition received a slight horsepower bump up to 888 hp, whereas the CCXR Edition’s output remained at 1,018 hp. There were 4 CCXR Editions made, and just 2 CCX Editions. CCX SPEED RECORDS KOENIGSEGG CCXR TREVITA Koenigsegg announced a limited edition in September 2009 – the CCXR ‘Trevita’. The Trevita featured a special proprietary white carbon fiber weave, developed by Koenigsegg especially for this model. Trevita means ‘three whites’ in Swedish and the original intention was to build an edition of three cars. Only two were built, however, tying the Trevita with the CCX Edition And CCXR Special Edition as the most exclusive limited run in Koenigsegg’s history. KOENIGSEGG CCXR SPECIAL EDITION The CCXR Special Edition was specifically commissioned to see off the CCX-range in style before the arrival of the Agera. The Special Edition featured a exclusive double F1 wing, all-clear-carbon body work, Agera-style rear wheel venting, revised aerodynamics, Koenigsegg’s first ever paddle-shift transmission and a new touchscreen infotainment system for the interior. The CCXR Special Edition was a highest-specification bridge between the CCX and Agera models and with just two examples made, it remains one of the rarest Koenigsegg models ever. KOENIGSEGG AGERA Agera means “to take action” and there has never been a more appropriate name for a car. The Koenigsegg Agera, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, was Koenigsegg taking action – moving the brand forward into bold, new territory. The Agera featured a new interior highlighted by Koenigsegg’s new ‘ghost’ lighting system. It had Koenigsegg’s new VGR wheels, designed like turbines to extract heat from the car’s brakes. It also marked the change from twin-supercharging to twin-turbocharging. Koenigsegg completely redesigned its exhaust system to virtually eliminate turbo-lag, opening up a world of power potential while still retaining a light, compact engine package. This allowed the Agera to arrive with a full 960 hp and over 1,100 Nm of torque – more than enough to ‘take action’ whenever you need. The Agera won the Top Gear Hypercar of the Year award in 2010. KOENIGSEGG AGERA R By 2011, Koenigsegg had already been working with ethanol fuels for four years and it was only natural that the Agera would receive an engine capable of working with this power-boosting jungle juice. Thus, the Koenigsegg Agera R was born. The Agera R could run on any fuel from 95 octane pump gas to E100 biofuel. It produced 960 hp on regular 95 octane but this output jumped to a massive 1,140 hp on either E85 or E100, with 1,200 Nm of torque. AGERA R 0-300-0 RECORD KOENIGSEGG AGERA S The Koenigsegg Agera S was configured in 2012 for markets where the biofuels needed for maximising output in the Agera R were not available. Thanks to new engine mapping and hardware, the Agera S was the first Koenigsegg to make over 1,000 hp on regular, 95 octane pump gasoline, with maximum output of 1,040 hp. The Agera S also saw the debut of Koenigsegg’s AirCore hollow carbonfibre wheels. These revolutionary new wheels weighed 40% less than regular alloy wheels – a massive saving in un-sprung weight that provides both acceleration and handling benefits. Koenigsegg was the first manufacturer to offer carbonfibre wheels on factory built cars and is still the only OEM making its own carbonfibre wheels in-house. KOENIGSEGG ONE:1 The One:1 was the world's first production car with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. Around 100kg was shaved from the Agera R to achieve a 1,360kg curb weight to match its 1,360hp twin-turbo V8 engine (on E85). The One:1 was the most extreme Koenigsegg ever at its debut, with blistering acceleration and an amazing 2g of lateral grip. Developments specific to the One:1 include: track-optimized aero winglets, extended venturi tunnels and side splitters, Le-Mans inspired top-mounted active rear wing and active under-trim air management, large air vents to improve cooling, a roof air scoop, 8250 RPM rev limit, custom Michelin Cup Tires, upgraded rear Triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs, active shock absorbers and ride height management. The One:1 claimed lap records at Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka Circuit in 2015. Six customer cars were built, along with one factory development car. KOENIGSEGG REGERA DEBUT Koenigsegg announced a new revolution at Geneva 2015, with the launch of the all-new Koenigsegg Regera. The Regera featured three electric motors combined with a powerful twin-turbo V8 and a high-performance, ultra-light battery pack to produce over 1,500 hp. Even more amazing is that all of this power is sent directly to the rear wheels as the Regera has no gearbox. The Regera uses a system called Koenigsegg Direct Drive, which uses the electric motors to propel the car at takeoff with the combustion engine contributing drive from around 30 km/h and beyond. The transition from electric to combustion drive is progressive and seamless, providing both blistering performance and the ultimate in comfort. Koenigsegg built 80 Regeras in total. KOENIGSEGG AGERA RS Koenigsegg used the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015 to show the new Koenigsegg Agera RS. The Agera RS took everything that Koenigsegg learned in the development of the extreme One:1 and dialled it back – just a notch – to make a more comfortable version of Koenigsegg’s extreme road and track monster. The Agera RS featured Koenigsegg’s highest ever output running only on regular 95-octane gasoline at that time – 1160 hp. It was also a technology powerhouse with advanced aerodynamics, stability management, software updates and active suspension settings stored in the Koenigsegg cloud. All developed and managed in-house at Koenigsegg. The Koenigsegg RS was fully homologated for sale worldwide. 25 units were produced. 0-300-0 KM/H ONE:1 KOENIGSEGG AGERA FINAL EDITION Koenigsegg announced a grand finale for the Agera model line with a limited edition of three Agera Final models. The Agera Final editions were based on the Koenigsegg Agera RS but offered unparalleled levels of customization. Clients could specify any equipment from the Koenigsegg options list – free of charge – and Koenigsegg also worked with the client to develop bespoke aerodynamics that will only ever be used on their specific car. It is the ultimate expression of the Agera philosophy. The first Agera Final edition was built in time for the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and is called the One of One. The two remaining Agera Final editions were built at the end of the Agera RS production run. HIGHEST TOP SPEED RECORD FOR THE AGERA RS The highest average speed for a flying kilometer on a public road was also recorded, calculated after running the car in two directions, at 445.63 km/h. A new flying mile record was also achieved, at 444.76 kmh. Lastly, the RS also saw the highest speed achieved on a public road (single direction), measured at 457.94 km/h KOENIGSEGG JESKO The Koenigsegg Jesko made its debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Named after Jesko von Koenigsegg, the father of company Founder/CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg, the Jesko inherited the Agera RS mantle as the leading track-focused, road-legal car for those seeking the ultimate in vehicle performance. The Jesko is fitted with a redesigned 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 producing 1280 bhp (on normal gasoline) or 1600 bhp (on E85) and the revolutionary 9-speed Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission. Advanced aerodynamics offer up to 1400kg of downforce and combine with active rear-wheel steering to offer faster cornering, better maneuverability, improved steering feel, more grip and increased confidence. KOENIGSEGG REGERA 0-400-0 KM/H RECORD The Jesko Absolut was unveiled in 2020 as the fastest Koenigsegg that will ever be made. Its shockingly low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd, combined with its aero features designed and optimised specifically for high-speed stability, make the Jesko Absolut a land-based rocket-ship determined to reach unheard-of speeds in record-setting times. KOENIGSEGG GEMERA First revealed in concept form in 2020, the Gemera was the world’s first Mega-GT and Koenigsegg’s first four-seater. Limited to an edition of 300 cars, the Gemera is an extreme megacar that offers both a spacious interior for four and groundbreaking hybrid powertrains. The Gemera concept was first introduced with a new 'Tiny Friendly Giant' engine (TFG) and Koenigsegg's proven Direct Drive system from the Regera. This would later be complemented with Koenigsegg's first ever Hot-Vee V8 engine, and the drive system replaced with a new Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission in the Client Specification version of 2023. LAUNCH VIDEO KOENIGSEGG CC In celebration of the CC8S's 20th anniversary, the Koenigsegg CC850 was revealed at The Quail, during Monterey Car Week. The CC850 is a contemporary reimagining of the original CC8S, and introduces new technology such as the Engage Shift System and the Gen 2 Chronocluster. The CC850 is a dual tribute to 20 years of vehicle production, as well as the 50th birthday of company founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg. 70 units will be manufactured in total. GRIPEN ATELIER GRAND OPENING The Gripen Atelier adds 10,000m2 of new space dedicated to development, design, production, offices, and showroom space, expanding Koenigsegg's total footprint in Angelholm to 30,000m2. The opening of the Atelier was also an historic day for the Swedish automotive industry, being the first new factory to be built in Sweden in 50 years. (i just made a simplified version of the history of the company from the official site)