Christian von Koenigsegg also joined the ranks of men who wanted to build their own superpowerful cars.
The story of this man from Sweden began in 1994 when he founded the brand Koenigsegg, named after him. Today, Koenigsegg Automotive AG is a manufacturer of successful supercar vehicles. Initially based in Olofström, the company later moved to the vicinity of Ängelholm. The current Koenigsegg emblem references the Swedish squadron formerly based there.
The First Steps
The journey to the first production vehicle was quite long – first, the prototype Koenigsegg CC was created, equipped with a 4.2 V8 Audi engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The body was made of composite material. Other models were no longer equipped with propulsion units from the German manufacturer because Audi did not agree to the modification.
The first production of the supercar Koenigsegg CC8S appeared only in 2002, and only 6 pieces were made. This means that this charismatic brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. During that time, several supercars with this logo took care of different speed records.
The Amazing Present Time
In addition to the above-mentioned two-decade anniversary of introducing the first vehicle, the celebrations also included the 50th anniversary of the birth of the brand’s creator. Fresh news The CC850 was first introduced to the world at events in the US. The planned number of pieces produced was originally a symbolic birthday number – 50, but due to the enthusiastic reactions of the audience, this intention changed – to 70 specimens. Christian von Koenigsegg commented that the massive response to the CC850, currently increased by 20 pieces, does not correspond to the demand but offers a chance to consider the wishes of loyal customers and simultaneously acquire a small part of new owners.
Maybe the most amusing thing about this vehicle is the number 1385. Imagine that the 185 kg 5.0 V8 supercharged unit achieves a maximum power of 1385 hp/1018 kW, a maximum torque of 1385 Nm, and a vehicle mass is 1385 kg. You can get in through the gull-wing door and fully use the carbon chassis, reminding the 20-year-old style. Stylistically, it does not ‘forget’ the lines of the first serial model – CC8S.
The manufacturer declares that, in this case, it is the fastest production car in the world with a manual transmission. However, it is structurally unusual. Why?
Technically Unique
The nine-speed gearbox combines 6-speed manual shifting with a traditional clutch pedal and automatic mode. In manual 6-speed operation, the driver uses the gears according to their chosen driving mode. In this case, the driver perfectly perceives the contact of the tires with the road. The automatic mode provides higher driving comfort with the possibility of interfering with the gearshift. This is also why the CC850 is a unique vehicle because it is equipped with tech gadgets.
Text: Peter Stano, photo: Koenigsegg
