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09/02/2012 | By: Jason Siu

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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

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[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

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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

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GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R Debut  in Geneva

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Continue Reading…

05/08/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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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

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21/03/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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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

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GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R Debut in Geneva

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28/02/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has found a way to make 1,115 horsepower look even more impressive than it sounds, (well, sounds to say anyway), thanks to a matte-white and exposed dry carbon body.

We’ve acquired these shots of the latest Koenigsegg, the Agera R, on display at the Geneva Auto Show a day ahead of its world premiere. But it’s what’s underneath that body that really matters.

Known for supercharged V8s, the modern Koenigseggs use turbocharged versions, with this specific model pumping out 1,115-hp and 885 lb-ft of torque. That’s only if you’re burning E85, however, and with 95 octane it produces ‘just’ 940-hp.

No yet on the display car, an earlier press release noted it would appear with a carbon fiber ski box made by Thule. Why? Probably because Thule paid them to, or because the owner of the car probably also owns Thule. Who really cares?

Check out all the pics in the gallery below.

GALLERY: Koenigsegg Agera R

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28/02/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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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

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07/09/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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We could spend hours on how jealous we are about this 21-year-old, or how spoiled he is and how he’ll never know what it’s like to have a tough life. But we just have to respect his pure taste in supercars and the fact that he actually pursued an education rather than sitting back, driving his fine collection of cars and living off his (clearly affluent) father.

Forget the American dream, Dhiaa Al-Essa out of Saudi Arabia is living the quintessential automotive enthusiast’s dream. Let’s start by spelling out just what’s in his current collection – if you can keep up: Rolls-Royce Coupe, Phantom; a pair of Range Rovers; Mercedes McLaren SLR; Lamborghini Gallardo, Gallardo Superleggera, Murcielago LP640; Ferrari F430, 599, 458 Italia (now burnt), California, Novitec Rosso F430; Porsche 997 Turbo, 997 GT3 RS, 997 Turbo Spyder, Cayenne Turbo, Panamera Turbo; Bentley Continental GT; Mercedes S65 AMG, G55 AMG, E63 AMG, CL65 AMG; BMW M5, X6 M, X5 M, 760Li; Audi R8, A8; Lexus LS 460; and Maybach 62.

Now if that wasn’t enough, Al-Essa currently has a Ferrari 599 GTO, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport and Koenigsegg Agera on order. And even though this is an absolutely fine collection of supercars, we’re a little confused on why there isn’t a Pagani on the list or on order.

And as we mentioned before, Al-Essa is grabbing himself a degree in engineering over in Riyadh, his home city. In fact, the Koenigsegg Agera is a present from his father for completing his Engineering degree.

Apparently Al-Essa has fine company to indulge in his supercar enthusiasm. He is just one of many rich youngsters in the Middle East that travel out to Europe and America each summer to enjoy their vehicles and to get away from the heat.

Oh and we guess it’s worth mentioning that Al-Essa was one of those unfortunate ones who’s Ferrari 458 Italia caught fire – but it’s not quite what you think. A warehouse blaze at Heathrow Airport caused the 458 Italia’s demise. No worry though, Al-Essa has that 599 GTO Roadster to replace it.

With a collection like that, we wonder how Al-Essa chooses which car to drive.

GALLERY: 21 Year Old Student Luxury Supercar Collector

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[Source: Small World News Service]