Home / Auto News / MANUFACTURERS / Koenigsegg
Auto News
AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

09/02/2012 | By: Jason Siu

koenigsegg_agera_r_1.jpg

More than two years after Koenigsegg debuted its Agera R model, the Swedish automaker will finally bring the first one to America sometime this June according to a company executive.

The Agera R has set plenty of records already, including the Guiness World Record for 0-186 mph time. Its equipped with a 5.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with the potential of pumping out 1,115-hp with E85 or 940-hp with standard 95-octane gas.

Koenigsegg is also waiting approval to get a second exemption from a federal regulation that requires smart air bags – the same exemption NHTSA denied last year to Pagani. Interestingly enough, a valid excuse for low-volume, independent carmakers to use is “substantial economic hardship” when filing for safety exemptions. Ferrari, cited “hardship” within the last three years in order to not add the newer airbags. It would be a surprise if Koenigsegg, who produces only 15 cars a year (by hand nonetheless) wouldn’t get an exemption if Ferrari could.

Koenigsegg has apparently lost $7.7-million between 2006-2008 and expects to lose another $3.3-million between 2009 and 2011, when the current exemption expires. It’s almost silly that Koenigsegg has to explain to the Department of Transportation that “The Koenigsegg vehicle—a $1.32 million ultra high performance sports car—is simply not typically used to carry child seats or small children.”

Nonetheless, if Koenigsegg does get the airbag waiver, then we’ll finally see car number-92 as an Agera R in America. It’ll also be the first Koenigsegg built for the US market since 2008.

Koenigsegg is also already looking towards the future of its 100th car. To celebrate the milestone, they plan on showing off a render at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and will build the car for themselves rather than for a customer order as it typically does.

Lastly, it appears that Koenigsegg is looking towards modifying its V8 engine to potentially run without camshafts. By using pneumatic-controlled valves, Koenigsegg could improve fuel efficiency between 20- to 30-percent. It’s a similar technology that’s seen in F1 cars.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R

koenigsegg_agera_r_2.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_3.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_4.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_5.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_6.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_8.jpg

[Source: Car and Driver]

23/12/2011 | By: Colum Wood

10. Porsche 918 Spyder: $845,000


The list of the Top 10 most expensive new cars is even more shocking that you might expect. Released by Forbes, you can forget the Ferrari 458 or the $300,000 Lamborghini Aventador because even at the low end of the scale these models start at right around the one million mark.

In 10th place, at $845,000 is Porsche’s upcoming flagship, the 918 Spyder. When it does arrive later this year, it will come powered by a high-revving V8 engine making more than 500 hp, mated to a plug-in hybrid system that adds over 218 hp. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, with an incredible 78 mpg rating.

14/12/2011 | By: Jason Siu

Nothing brings a tear to the eye quite like seeing an exotic involved in a car crash. This Koenigsegg CCX was sighted in Long Island, wrecked, appearing to have left the road after contact towards the front of its door panel. The exotic reportedly belongs to a Long Island-based car collector, known for his passion towards Koenigsegg’s machines.

The accident is reported to have occurred at the intersection of Berry Hill Road and Rodeo Drive in Syosset early Saturday evening. Fortunately no injuries were reported, though we’re sure someone’s pride and wallet is a bit damaged. The 4.7L twin-turbocharged, V8 super car has 806-hp and 678 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most sought after exotics in the world.

[Source: Luxury4Play]

01/12/2011 | By: Nauman Farooq

It was only a few months ago when we reported that the Koenigsegg Agera R had set record breaking times in acceleration runs from 0-200 mph and 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph).

Now these figures have been verified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and it has named the Agera R as the fastest accelerating production car in the world.

The famous record keeping organization reported that the Agera R went from 0-300 km/h in just 14.53 seconds. The 0-300-0 km/h run took just 21.19 seconds to compete, which is another record. The stop from 300-0 km/h took a very devilish 6.66 seconds, proving this car could truly be the son of Satan.

It also went on to claim the 0-200-o mph record with a time of just 24.96 seconds. The test runs were performed at the Angeholm Airfied in Sweden by Koenigsegg’s test driver Robert Serwanski at the wheel.

To fully enjoy these performance numbers, watch the video below:

Continue Reading…

06/09/2011 | By: Nauman Farooq

koenigsegg_agera_r_1.jpg

The Jet race seems to be over. There are no passenger planes as fast as the Concorde anymore, and there are no military jets as fast as the SR-71 Blackbird anymore either.

Thankfully, on tarmac, the speed race is still on. Ever since the Ferrari F40 broke past the 200-mph barrier for a production car, supercars have been getting faster and quicker. The current king in the top speed game is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which has hit 268-mph.

But Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has other goals on its mind, like acceleration and deceleration figures. In pursuit of that, Koenigsegg took its latest car, the Agera R for some acceleration runs.

The results (which are yet to be confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records) are quite astonishing. The Agera R went from 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h) in just 14.53 seconds and then came to a complete stop just 6.66 seconds later (a devilishly good time don’t you think). In comparison, the Veyron SS takes 16.7 seconds to hit 186 mph from a standing start.

Koenigsegg wasn’t done yet. The automaker then went on to take the 0-200 mph record with a time of 17.68 seconds. The stop from 200-mph took just 7.28 seconds. That means, in a span of just 24.96 seconds, you can hit 200-mph and come back down to zero. Astonishing!

We are now awaiting a confirmation by Guinness for the record run, and Koenigsegg will release an official video of this run very soon indeed. In the mean time, check out the teaser video after the jump.

The Agera R is powered by a twin-turbo 5.0-lite V8 making 1,115-hp on E85 ethanol.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R

koenigsegg_agera_r_2.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_3.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_5.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_8.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_7.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_6.jpg

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R Debut  in Geneva

Koenigsegg Agera R 09.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 01.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 02.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 05.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 07.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 08.JPG

 

Continue Reading…

05/08/2011 | By: Colum Wood

6 Supercars 9 Million.jpg

Ever dreamed of owning your own exotic car collection? Well, if you recently won a hefty lottery jackpot then Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale has you covered. The allocator of fine machines has assembled six of the most exotic vehicles ever made and is offering them for a lump-sum purchase of $9 million.

So what will $9 million buy you? The list is impressive, ranging from the obligatory Veyron, to the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. The Veyron is just one of 71 models built in 2008, capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 253 mph. And if you’re in to top-speed machines, one can’t overlook the Koenigsegg CCR with its twin-supercharged V8 making 806-hp. One of only 34 ever built it has just 277 miles on it.

No supercar garage would be complete without a Ferrari – an Enzo no less. This collection includes two of the prized stallions, one more exotic than the other. The first is a 2003 Enzo and is “Ferrari Classiche certified” with just 3,413 mile on the odometer. The second is not just an FXX (of which only 35 were ever made), but an FXX Evolution, meaning it is just one of 17 and makes an astonishing 850-hp.

Rounding out the list is a one-of-20 Lamborghini Reventon. In many ways a functioning design concept for the brand, this car has just 68 miles on it. And to prove you’re a car snob with taste, there’s that Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport, a road legal version of the GT1 race car, powered by a 720-hp 7.3-liter V12. It is number 17 or 25.

In total, the collection lays down 4,500 horsepower.

At $9 million for the collection of six, pricing for each model has not been given, but they are listed individually, in case yesterday’s stock tumble means you’re a little strapped for cash.

GALLERY: 6 Supercars for $9 Million

Bugatti Veyron Ferrari FXX.jpgKoenigsegg CCX Mercedes CLK GTR.jpgLamborghini Reventon Ferrari Enzo.jpg

30/05/2011 | By: Harry Lay

With the Gumball 3000 already underway (it started May 26), the folks in charge of the international parade of shenanigans has released a video showing the rally’s start in Covent Garden, London. The 19 minute video shows over 100 of the most magnificent and rare supercars in the world. Even the rain couldn’t stop the massive crowd that gathered to watch the beginning of the world’s most fun and most glamorous rally.

The 3000 mile rally will start in London and end in Istanbul over a seven day period across 10 countries, via Paris, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Milan, Venice, Zagreb, Belgrade and Sofia. It was also revealed that the 2011 rally would cost £25,000 to take part in.

Participants include the “who’s who” of the international social scene, Sheikhs, entrepreneurs, oil tycoons, and dot com billionaires.

The incredible line up includes Pagani Zondas, Bugatti Veyrons, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Jaguars, Porsches, Morgans and several Lotus’, and this year, over 20 eco and concept electric cars are taking part as Gumball enters a new decade of green motoring!

Check out the video after the jump!

Continue Reading…

21/03/2011 | By: Jason Siu

koenigsegg_agera_r_1.jpg

Koenigsegg has kept the full and official specifications on the Agera R well under wraps, leading many to wonder just how super this supercar would be. But now it’s all fully disclosed and it may just live up to its billing.

According to the Swedish supercar maker, the Agera R will accelerate to 62-mph from a standstill in a mere 2.9 seconds, while 124-mph is just around the corner in 7.5 seconds. And for those wondering how its braking performance is, the Agera R turns in a 0-124-0 time in 12.7 seconds.

To maximize the Agera R’s performance, E85 ethanol is required in order for the 5.0L V8 to push out 1,115-hp. On 95-octane, the Agera R will put out 940-hp while 98-octane providers 1,050-hp. Top speed is rated at over 261-mph.

There are even a variety of options that will be available for the Agera R, from front winglets to heated seats to an Inconel exhaust system and winter wheel package. No pricing is announced, but we’re sure it’ll be well towards (or over) the $1.5 million mark.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R

koenigsegg_agera_r_2.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_3.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_5.jpgkoenigsegg_agera_r_6.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_7.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_8.jpg

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R Debut in Geneva

Koenigsegg Agera R 09.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 11.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 02.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 04.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 05.JPGKoenigsegg Agera R 06.JPG

28/02/2011 | By: Jason Siu

koenigsegg_agera_r_1.jpg

The Geneva Motor Show is shaping up to be one hell of a car show. And now adding to the already impressive list of debuts is Koenigsegg’s Agera R, featuring a 5.0L twin-turbo V8 that puts out an astonishing 1,115-hp with 885 ft-lbs of torque. That’s four digits fellas, but there is a catch – that’s on E85. Assuming that if you could afford the Agera R, buying E85 by the gallon won’t be an issue, but if you’re in a bind and stuck with 95 octane, the Agera R still pushes out 940-hp with 811 ft-lbs of torque.

Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Agera R features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that is so rigid, a roof is optional. And the owner that commissioned this particular Agera R to be built, he opted to replace the roof with a custom carbon fiber ski box designed in conjunction with Thule. The professional skier will be able to swap out the roof at anytime, storing the other away in the cargo compartment. (We’re just waiting for the day this Agera R shows up at a public ski resort).

Worth highlighting as well is Koenigsegg’s use of Vortex Generating Rim (VGR) wheels that apparently have spokes acting as turbine vanes, helping maximize downforce. Sounds a little over-the-top fancy for us, but when you’re carrying 1,115-hp, you’re allowed to have whatever you want.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R

koenigsegg_agera_r_2.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_3.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_5.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_6.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_7.jpg koenigsegg_agera_r_8.jpg

29/07/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

In perhaps the ultimate example of schadenfreude, more details have surfaced surrounding the story of the turquoise Koenigsegg and Lamborghini that were given the boot outside the ultra-ritzy Harrods department store in London.

It turns out that the owners of the supercars were also members of the Qatari royal family, the owners of Harrods. Most people take some joy in seeing the wealthy get taken down a peg, but when you consider that they just bought Harrods for $2.3 billion, it almost makes sense for them to park in an illegal but convenient spot. Not only can they afford to pay the fines, they can probably afford to abandon their cars and buy another one if it proves to be more expedient than waiting for a traffic warden to come remove the device.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue Reading…