If you thought the Swedes produced beauty only in the form of Scandinavian winterscapes and statuesque blondes, consider — for a quick moment — the svelte Koenigsegg Agera R.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, the new standard in hypercars showcases Christian von Koenigsegg’s most recent innovations as well as celebrates its current world records, which will rev any car lover’s rpms: 0–200 mph in 17.68 seconds; 200–0 mph in 7.28 seconds; and top speed, as yet unverified, or, better, dared, 273 mph.
And, last September, in Ängelholm, Sweden, headquarters of Koenigsegg Automotive, The Guinness Book of World Records approved the extraordinary 0–186–0 mph in 21.19 seconds — the fourth Guinness World Record since 2003.
Beyond the standard Agera — itself a state-of-the-road vehicle — the new Agera R features an upgraded fuel- and engine-management system with sufficient flow capacity to generate 1140 horsepower on E85 fuel or an equally impressive 960 horsepower on pump 92-octane fuel. To accomplish the increase from last model’s1114 hp, engine improvements have allowed Koenigsegg to up the rev limiter from 7250 rpm to 7500 rpm for the 2013.
The Agera R is powered by the all-aluminum Koenigsegg 9.0:1-compression 5-liter V-8, with four valves per cylinder and double-overhead camshafts. It’s fed by sequential, multipoint fuel injection, carries twin turbochargers (the previous CCX models used dual superchargers) and incorporates racing dry sump lubrication, a carbon fiber intake manifold and breathes through a TIG-welded ceramic coated Inconel exhaust system manifold with a merge collector. The one-piece exhaust outlet is lighter and is also shaped to improve underbody air release and work with the carbon air diffusors flanking the exhaust outlet.
Both the Agera and the Agera R use ANS-supplied nano-surfaced cylinder sleeves for reduced friction and fuel consumption — the first production cars in the world to do so. “The nano-surfacing is an extremely precise coating that reduces friction and heat, thus increasing performance and engine life,” explains Junus Khan, North American manager for Koenigsegg Automotive.
The drive train is equally well crafted, including a seven-speed dual clutch and one input shaft transmission, with paddle-shift, and electronic differential.
Among many distinct assets, it’s the only roadster supercar with a detachable and stowable hardtop and has the largest luggage space in the supercar market in combination with the unique Koenigsegg door system.
The Agera R is not only faster but lighter, nimbler and more aerodynamic, incorporating a variety of new features not available on previous models.
One is the Triplex Rear Suspension, developed by Koenigsegg engineers: “The Rear Triplex Damper [the main component in the Triplex Rear Suspension] utilizes a shock absorber and spring to link the rear wheels, allowing the rear wheels to influence one another,” Junus explains, noting that the shock absorber and spring connect the right and left rear wheel. “This results in increased comfort and better handling on rough and wet surfaces without compromising dry-track handling.”
Furthermore, the RTD system has an anti-squat effect. “Traditional anti-squat systems are designed into the geometry of the suspension, but by adding this system, Koenigsegg maintains true suspension geometries,” Junus says. He notes that the system complements the normal dampers and springs, allowing them to be made lighter.
In addition, the KES, Koenigsegg Electronic Stability, system is now standard on all Koenigsegg models.
The 2013 Agera R also features the world’s first one-piece super-light carbon fiber wheel, using a proprietary method developed by Koenigsegg: Aircore™ Technology.
“What makes this wheel unique is that the spokes and the center part are completely hollow and made out of carbon in one piece — together with the rest of the wheel,” Junus explains, noting that the only metal part in the wheel is the tire valve.
The Aircore™ wheels are much stronger than forged aluminum wheels but at the same time deliver an overall weight-saving of around 40 percent as well as improved safety. By minimizing unsprung weight and rotational mass, the wheels increase the dynamic power to the ground while accelerating or braking, he explains.
To avoid overloading the tires and creating excessive drag, a new dynamic rear wing helps the Agera R produce significant downforce at low to medium speed and less downforce at very high speeds.
Without hydraulics — that’s the usual supercar strategy — the new wing uses wind pressure instead. Vehicle speed, then, by means of wind resistance, controls the wing, compensating for headwind or tailwind.
“We think this is an intelligent way of dealing with adaptive aerodynamics, as the system becomes lighter, less complex and more intuitive compared to heavy and complex hydraulics systems,” he adds.
The pylons for the wing also act as air-extrusion channels from the engine bay to the back of the pylons, thereby creating an air passage. As air rushes past them, it evacuates hot engine bay gases, reducing pressure in the engine bay and increasing the flow of cooling air through the side radiators, he explains. This also means that the pressure under the car is reduced, producing more low-drag downforce.
Finally, the Agera R has Koenigsegg´s latest carbon front winglets mounted on the radiator outlets. These also improve downforce and reduce drag.
For a bespoke car that is an industry standard-bearer, there are, expectedly, just a few options: the Koenigsegg Thule Carbon ski box with two pair of custom skis; a winter wheel package including tires; full visible clear carbon bodywork; and fitted luggage.
And, the company has created a configurator that lets you choose any shade or color combination for the interior and exterior. When your vehicle configuration is complete, the company sends you a PDF brochure of your car. If you’re ready to buy, it’s available on the company Web site.
If you’re thinking of buying, this ultimate performer is priced accordingly: Depending on model and options, expect to sign a check for $1.2–$1.6 million. All orders are placed directly through the company.
“Every single detail of a Koenigsegg car is measured against our continuing goal: to enhance vehicle performance,” Junus says. “Every aspect of the development process is focused on performance. From powertrain to safety — every part must enable the car to deliver the best possible performance.”
And the new Agera R delivers.
Koenigsegg Agera R — www.koenigsegg.com, 509.591.0188
