Whereas founding your individual supercar firm isn’t 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 Biggest” would usually be thought-about laughable, if not ludicrous. How might somebody so younger compete with the monumental strides these marques have made in automotive efficiency and know-how over the past 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 wanting 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 automotive, named the Koenigsegg CC (Competitors Coupe), was first publicly displayed on the Cannes Movie Competition in 1997, and the response from public and press alike was overwhelming.
Over the past three many years, the Koenigsegg title has change into 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 effectively.
From pace data to modern patents, every subsequent Koenigsegg product has triggered worldwide astonishment—with the Regera, Swedish for “to reign,” being maybe essentially 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 identical 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 prime which will be stowed in a single piece within the automotive’s nostril, creating one in all 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 exceptional 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 a further 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 one in all simply 85 whole Regeras constructed. Like all Koenigsegg chassis, it’s a distinctive, alluring, and completely excessive creation sporting an astounding $501,330 in tailor-made choices together with dozens of Bespoke Legends appointments and in depth 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 beautiful of all, a central swath of Darkish Carbon, tinted with actual gold mud and working the automotive’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 a whole 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 companies by each McLaren of Newport Seashore, California and Bentley of Las Vegas, Nevada, in addition to the appliance of a full protecting paint movie by Protecting Movie Options of Santa Ana, California in 2021. Notably, the third-year service and a collection of updates had been accomplished within the spring of 2024 at a price 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 wonderful situation all through—additional growing its already immense desirability.
The Koenigsegg marque has confirmed a person with a dream can, in truth, tackle the institution and win. The corporate’s philosophy of constructing modern and revolutionary vehicles continues to shine by in each facet of their sensible Regera. A technological tour de drive, this landmark mannequin—as so ably demonstrated by this beautiful, low-mileage instance—was an prompt 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 can be provided at RM Sotheby’s 27th annual Monterey sale, going down 15-17 August throughout Monterey Automobile Week. Be taught extra, view all heaps on provide, and register to bid on-line at RMSothebys.com.
