Koenigsegg One:1
The history of the supercar can be traced back to the 1960’s when Aston Martin, Ferrari and even Ford began offering 150 MPH vehicles. Jaguar, Lamborghini and Mercedes also vied for supercar fame during this time.
Although it is difficult to say what the first true super car was, many experts feel that the Ford GT40 (released in 1965) was the first car worthy of the name. Since that time, technology has advanced quickly and brought with it a host of new manufacturers. Just last month, the Hennessey Venom GT reached 270 MPH. Many people were left thinking that this may be the ultimate super car and perhaps they are right – except for one thing.
The introduction of the mega car. If super cars are so great, then common sense dictates that a mega car is better, right? Koenigsegg certainly thinks so and has a product that is truly worthy of the name.
Introducing the Koenigsegg One:1; a car that has taken the title of the world’s first mega car. Why do they it a mega car? Certainly, it fits within the same specs as other super cars. The difference is that the turbocharged 5.0 liter V8 produces 1,360 horsepower. For those of you who remember high school science, that equals one megawatt of power.
The high-output engine of the One:1 also breaks another milestone. This car has achieved what many auto manufacturers thought was impossible: a 1:1 hp to curb weight ratio. This “dream” ratio provides the best possible performance and puts the Hennessey Venom GT to shame with a top speed of 280 MPH.
Koenigsegg’s turbocharged 5.0 liter V8 could produce even more power, but the designers wanted to achieve the perfect balance of improved drivability and response. The One:1 begins making good power at just 2,500 RPM – a feat that would have been impossible with a larger turbo.
The turbo more than makes up for its small size thanks to a new variable geometry design that is manufactured using 3D printing technology. This breakthrough allowed Koenigsegg engineers to achieve the exact shape they wanted while keeping the internal weight of the turbo to a minimum.
3D printing technology is also used to create the titanium exhaust tip. It takes three days to produce this single piece and it represents the largest piece of titanium ever manufactured using 3D printing technology. It makes sense, of course, considering Koenigsegg is only manufacturing 6 One:1s and the cost to outsource these parts would be extremely high.
As powerful as the motor is, the real magic is in the weight savings. Everything on this car is made from carbon fiber. If you are familiar with some of Koenigsegg’s other products including the Agera, this might not seem like such a big deal (both chassis are made from carbon fiber) but the One:1 uses a new carbon fiber weave that is approximately 40% lighter than the weave for the Agera. Believe it or not, the weave used in Koenigsegg’s newest creation is the same material used in modern Formula One cars.
But, what would a mega light, mega fast car be without proper aerodynamics? Not much and that is exactly why Koenigsegg opted to include an entirely new breed of active aerodynamics in the world’s first mega car.
Cut outs have been made in the carbon fiber along the front underside of the vehicle to intentionally weaken the material. Hydraulic actuators bend the weakened carbon fiber as needed to direct air through the body. These actuators can also be disabled (and the flaps closed) in “Top Speed Mode” to reduce down force and increase top speed.
For this project, Koenigsegg was able to increase airflow to the engine by as much as 40% through the doors with the help of perfectly sculpted body panels.
Speaking of airflow, the One:1 also sports the first top-mounted movable wing (on a road car) using technology borrowed from Le Mans racers. Under braking, for instance, the wing folds – providing maximum down force to the rear end and significantly improving braking distance.
If all this still isn’t enough to convince you that the One:1 is truly deserving of its title as the first mega car, some of the technology included inside the car definitely should. In addition to the active suspension system with variable ride height and the amazingly fast seven speed paddle transmission, there is the electronic gadgetry we have all come to expect in these high-end vehicles.
Specifically, Koenigsegg has developed an integrated GPS system that can adjust suspension and other vehicle parameters for every turn on a race track. Engineers can program the vehicle for every section of the track and the GPS will activate those settings each lap. Plus, the car uses a smartphone app as a data logger; allowing the driver to review his or her performance after the run is over.
With a total curb weight of 1,360 kg and as much horsepower in a sleek package capable of outperforming anything else on the road, the Koenigsegg One:1 is the super car of all super cars…or perhaps mega car is more appropriate after all.