MOTORING
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
Slowly does it
Swedish carmaker Koenigsegg builds the world’s fastest cars with the slowest production line and is proud to do so. Euan Johns looks at the Swedish carmaker’s new road-legal megacar, Jesko.
Koenigsegg. Not heard of this Swedish carmaker? Well, it does not like to make much noise. What it does do is make cars that simply take the breath away. The Hennessey Venom F5 and Bugatti Chiron made way for the Jesko’s predecessor, the Agera RS, which must now step aside for the Jesko. With performance and looks to die for, this car leaves you speechless.
The mantra of quality over quantity certainly applies to this niche carmaker. Its Angelholm factory fittingly uses hangars that formerly housed a squadron of Swedish Air Force fighter jets. This is the ambience in which the company’s new Jesko super, mega, nay ‘hypercar’ comes into being. The Agera RS reached 277 mph – that was the fastest car – but computer simulations for Jesko indicate it will be able to reach speeds in excess of 300 mph. Tested on an adjacent aircraft runway, the car is completely manufactured in Angelholm, with the only components sourced from outside being the tyres.
The mantra of quality over quantity certainly applies to this niche carmaker. Its Angelholm factory fittingly uses hangars that formerly housed a squadron of Swedish Air Force fighter jets. This is the ambience in which the company’s new Jesko super, mega, nay ‘hypercar’ comes into being. The Agera RS reached 277 mph – that was the fastest car – but computer simulations for Jesko indicate it will be able to reach speeds in excess of 300 mph. Tested on an adjacent aircraft runway, the car is completely manufactured in Angelholm, with the only components sourced from outside being the tyres.
The Jesko is powered by a modified Agera turbo-charged, five-litre V8 engine and aided by a newly-designed V8 crankshaft, now the lightest in existence. The net result is more power with less effort and greater efficiency producing performance figures that belong in science fiction. Another innovation is being able to choose the gear to provide the best acceleration at any one time by utilising the Ultimate Power On Demand or UPOD system. The mad part isn’t just the power, it’s how engineers have achieved it whilst still being able to pass emission tests worldwide.
But if you think that all this engineering prowess sacrifices luxury then think again: nothing could be further from the truth. Climate control and an Apple infotainment system are on hand, together with various displays that inform (amongst other things) of the amount of G-force the car’s extraordinary performance is enacting. Talking of forces, the advanced aerodynamics created by the car’s stunning front spoiler and boomerang-shaped rear wing help create a downforce of over 1,000kg at just over 170 mph.
For exhibitionists to impress, maximum peacockesque display can be obtained at the touch of a button, opening the bonnet, doors and rear clamshell.
There are no acceleration figures available for the Jesko, but let’s be honest, they’re not really needed. Koenigsegg says it plans to sell the car in two different configurations: one for track use and one to maximise top speed. That version targets a 300 mph top speed. If delivered, that would be enough to make it the fastest road-legal car in the world, breaking the record set two years ago by a Koenigsegg Agera in the US.
For those wondering where the name of this fantastic piece of engineering originates, it’s named after the father of the company’s founder, Christian. Jesko von Koenigsegg helped Christian set the company up when he was a boracic 22-year-old and helped steer it through the many early challenges.
But if you think that all this engineering prowess sacrifices luxury then think again: nothing could be further from the truth. Climate control and an Apple infotainment system are on hand, together with various displays that inform (amongst other things) of the amount of G-force the car’s extraordinary performance is enacting. Talking of forces, the advanced aerodynamics created by the car’s stunning front spoiler and boomerang-shaped rear wing help create a downforce of over 1,000kg at just over 170 mph.
For exhibitionists to impress, maximum peacockesque display can be obtained at the touch of a button, opening the bonnet, doors and rear clamshell.
There are no acceleration figures available for the Jesko, but let’s be honest, they’re not really needed. Koenigsegg says it plans to sell the car in two different configurations: one for track use and one to maximise top speed. That version targets a 300 mph top speed. If delivered, that would be enough to make it the fastest road-legal car in the world, breaking the record set two years ago by a Koenigsegg Agera in the US.
For those wondering where the name of this fantastic piece of engineering originates, it’s named after the father of the company’s founder, Christian. Jesko von Koenigsegg helped Christian set the company up when he was a boracic 22-year-old and helped steer it through the many early challenges.
I’m proud of what we have achieved with this car. It’s new, but it’s also classic Koenigsegg.
Joachim Nordwall, Design Director
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, Jesko had quite an impact on attendees, sending heads not just turning, but spinning. The price will have a sizeable impact on the wallet as it’s just shy of £2.4m. That didn’t deter the 125 people who have already bought the whole of the planned output. Production will be at the rate of between 40 to 50 cars per year, with the first hitting the roads in 2023.
Don’t despair though, as Koenigsegg is working on an electric version which will set purchasers back a mere £800k. Koenigsegg isn’t sure what form this car will take, no doubt time will tell. What we do know is that it will be yet again something completely different. Whatever this turns out to be it looks as though Jesko will be the last petrol car the company builds, and if that’s the case, it really is a case of bowing out in some style.
essence info
www.koenigsegg.com
Don’t despair though, as Koenigsegg is working on an electric version which will set purchasers back a mere £800k. Koenigsegg isn’t sure what form this car will take, no doubt time will tell. What we do know is that it will be yet again something completely different. Whatever this turns out to be it looks as though Jesko will be the last petrol car the company builds, and if that’s the case, it really is a case of bowing out in some style.
essence info
www.koenigsegg.com