Whereas founding your personal supercar firm will not be for the faint of coronary heart, founding one at 22 years of age with the expressed intent of competing with the likes of McLaren and Ferrari for the title of “World’s Best” would typically be thought-about laughable, if not ludicrous. How may somebody so younger compete with the monumental strides these marques have made in automotive efficiency and know-how during the last half-century?
Within the case of Christian von Koenigsegg, not solely did he try such a feat—he succeeded brilliantly. Based in 1994, Koenigsegg’s aspiration was to construct nothing in need of the best supercar in historical past. Over the subsequent three years, with assist from a small however extremely expert group, a prototype was constructed utilizing a radical carbon fiber tub and a litany of automotive engineering firsts. This automobile, named the Koenigsegg CC (Competitors Coupe), was first publicly displayed on the Cannes Movie Pageant in 1997, and the response from public and press alike was overwhelming.
Over the past three a long time, the Koenigsegg identify has grow to be synonymous with absolute mechanical absurdity. Hole carbon fiber wheels able to speeds over 280 mph? Koenigsegg. 3-D printed turbochargers? Koenigsegg. A single-state torque converter in a position to deal with over 1,400 pound-feet of torque? Koenigsegg. What a couple of hybrid-drive motor pushing over 1,500 horsepower? Koenigsegg has figured that out as properly.
From pace data to revolutionary patents, every subsequent Koenigsegg product has triggered worldwide astonishment—with the Regera, Swedish for “to reign,” being maybe probably the most outrageous exhibition of automotive know-how ever provided to the general public.
The Regera’s idea type was first unveiled to the world on the 2015 Geneva Motor Present, adopted by a tweaked manufacturing model on the similar present the next 12 months. Distinctive construct traits abound, together with Koenigsegg’s signature Dihedral Synchro-helix doorways, which open each outwards and upwards for dignified egress and ingress, in addition to a detachable convertible high which could be stowed in a single piece within the automobile’s nostril, creating certainly one of quickest convertibles ever produced.
The Regera’s most revolutionary improvements, nevertheless, lie inside its hybrid-drive powertrain. Aptly named the “Koenigsegg Direct Drive” system, the Regera’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine produces over 1,000 horsepower because of a pair of 3-D printed variable turbochargers and patented exhaust association. An 800-volt battery system using F1-derived know-how is mounted aft of the engine and mated to Koenigsegg’s “HydraCoup” torque converter—a outstanding and distinctive single-state drive mechanism which replaces the necessity for a gearbox. Lastly, a supplemental trio of electrical motors mounted on every drive shaft (one fundamental, one on every rear half-axle shaft) are programmed to easy out energy supply at low engine speeds, offering an extra 700 horsepower to be used throughout the Regera’s already-staggering energy band.
The Regera provided right here is the 186th Koenigsegg chassis produced, and certainly one of simply 85 whole Regeras constructed. Like all Koenigsegg chassis, it’s a distinctive, alluring, and completely excessive creation carrying an astounding $501,330 in tailor-made choices together with dozens of Bespoke Legends appointments and intensive use of actual gold leaf and mud all through.
An accompanying Koenigsegg order quote reads as a dream guidelines for any supercar fanatic: a Clear Carbon end for $170,000, Tresex AirCore wheels for $57,000, and, maybe most gorgeous of all, a central swath of Darkish Carbon, tinted with actual gold mud and operating the automobile’s size, for $62,000. Gold leaf striping was then solid upon the entrance and aspect intakes in addition to over the middle of the physique to additional intensify the Regera’s curvaceous design. Bespoke furnishings proceed within the type of 24K gold-plated exterior logos and shields, headlamp {hardware}, exhaust tip, filler caps, exterior mirror trim, door opener, and air vents. Inside, the gilded motif continues with an entire Desiato Alcantara inside that includes a wholesome quantity of carbon and gold on the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, airbag, and French-cross patterned seats.
Accompanying invoices present proof of pampered care together with providers by each McLaren of Newport Seashore, California and Bentley of Las Vegas, Nevada, in addition to the applying of a full protecting paint movie by Protecting Movie Options of Santa Ana, California in 2021. Notably, the third-year service and a sequence of updates have been accomplished within the spring of 2024 at a value of almost $19,000. This sum that included flying in a technician from Sweden to correctly full the work to Koenigsegg’s lofty requirements! On the time of cataloguing, the Regera displayed 1,512 miles from new and consequently presents in glorious situation all through—additional rising its already immense desirability.
The Koenigsegg marque has confirmed a person with a dream can, the truth is, tackle the institution and win. The corporate’s philosophy of constructing revolutionary and revolutionary automobiles continues to shine by in each facet of their good Regera. A technological tour de drive, this landmark mannequin—as so ably demonstrated by this gorgeous, low-mileage instance—was an on the spot entrée to the annals of hypercar historical past and one whose appreciation and reverence will solely proceed to develop in years to return.
This automobile will probably be provided at RM Sotheby’s 27th annual Monterey sale, happening 15-17 August throughout Monterey Automobile Week. Study extra, view all tons on supply, and register to bid on-line at RMSothebys.com.
