Koenigsegg History

1994 Birth of Koenigsegg Automotive

A 22-year-old Christian von Koenigsegg launched Koenigsegg Automotive on August 12, 1994. His mission: to build the greatest super-sports cars the world had ever seen.

1996 First Look at the Koenigsegg CC

Two years after the launch of the company, the Koenigsegg CC — a concept vehicle — was driven in public by Rickard Rydell at the Anderstorp race track. Calle Rosenblad and Picko Troberg also got a chance to experience the CC from the driver’s seat. The CC’s performance amazed at Anderstorp, marking the introduction of Koenigsegg to buyers.

1997 Media Coverage at Cannes

The Koenigsegg CC was seen again a year later at the Cannes Film Festival. The success it garnered, driven largely by the media coverage at the festival, made it possible for Koenigsegg to finally create a finalized supercar.

1998 New Location in Margretetorp

The original Koenigsegg workshop was located on the south-east coast town of Olofstrom. In 1998, the location moved to a south-west town known as Margretetorp.

2000 Paris Motor Show Debut

In 2000, Koenigsegg debuted its first production prototype at the Paris Motor Show: the CC8S. The CC8S was equipped with an early-model 655-hp Koenigsegg engine, which would make its way into future vehicles. This production prototype was later used as a test car and crash-test car, making it possible for the brand to sell vehicles.

2002 Arrival of the Koenigsegg CC8S

The Koenigsegg CC8S was built in 2002 and made its way to the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003. CC8S stands for CC V8 Supercharged, and there were six examples produced in total (two were right-hand drive). This means the CC8S was one of the brand’s rarest vehicles. It laid the groundwork for the company’s signature sleek and straightforward styling with an aggressive edge.

2002 World’s Most Powerful Production Engine

Capable of 655 hp, the Koenigsegg CC8S supercar’s engine was named the world’s most powerful engine in a series produced car by Guinness World Records.

2003 Fire at the Margretetorp Facility

In February 2003, a fire broke out at the Margretetorp factory, which was an older building with a thatched roof that offered almost no fire resistance. Although there were staff members onsite, fortunately, no one was harmed and vehicles and equipment were saved. Company records didn’t fare so well, however, and many were lost to the fire. The fire occurred just two weeks before the Geneva Motor Show.

2004 Evolution of the Koenigsegg CC8S

Produced between 2004 and 2006, the Koenigsegg CCR was the CC8S supercar’s next evolutionary step. It was equipped with a larger brake system, wheels and tires, front splitter, and rear wing, as well as an upgraded suspension and chassis. The twin-supercharged engine inside the CCR was also more powerful, generating up to 806 hp.

2004 World’s Most Powerful Production Car

The Koenigsegg CCR broke the Guinness World Record set by the CC8S in 2002. The CCR sported a much more powerful engine — one that was 150 hp stronger than the engine found inside the CC8S. The engine output of the CCR was validated by Guinness World Records and they named the CCR the new record-holder.

2005 World’s Fastest Car

The CCR wasn’t done breaking records. At the beginning of 2005, the world’s fastest car was the McLaren F1, which had a record speed of 386 km/h (about 240.1 mph). In February 2005, the CCR arrived in Nardo, Italy, and after a week trying to set a new record, it finally succeeded. The CCR reached a top speed of 387.86 km/h (about 241 mph). That afternoon, the CCR was sent to Geneva for the Geneva Motor Show.

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2006 Arrival of the Koenigsegg CCX

Style-wise, the Koenigsegg CCX resembled the CCR, but was in fact a reimagining of the record-setting supercar. Like the CCR, the CCX sported a mid-engine V8 and a carbon fiber tub with a removable and stowable roof, but it was also larger and designed to meet world standards for emissions and safety. The CCX became the first Koenigsegg car to be sold on the U.S. market.

2006 CCX Sets a Top Speed Record

It wasn’t long before the CCX set records of its own. On the BBC’s Top Gear, the CCX nabbed the record at Top Gear’s test track. This record wasn’t beaten again for another seven years. In 2006, the CCX set another Top Gear record when it reached a top speed of 196 mph.

2007 Arrival of the First “Green” Supercar

In 2007, Koenigsegg launched the CCXR — the world’s first “green” supercar. Koenigsegg’s revolutionary twin-supercharged V8 engine was fitted with a flex-fuel sensor and hardware that allowed it to run on different types of fuel, including regular gas, E85 (85% ethanol), or a mix. With E85 fuel, the CCXR was capable of up to 1,018 hp — a record-setting figure in 2007. In addition to its unique powertrain, the CCXR also featured a new Chrono instrument cluster with upgraded safety and style.

The CCXR line also includes one model that was built to run on E100 fuel. This model is marked by a blue “R” badge rather than a green one.

2007 Introducing the Koenigsegg CCGT

In addition to the arrival of the CCXR, 2007 saw the debut of the Koenigsegg CCGT at the Geneva Motor Show. Developed as a side project, the goal behind the CCGT was to build a race car to enter into the GT1 class at Le Mans. The CCGT was surprisingly lightweight weighing around 2,205 pounds. That didn’t stop it from producing 600 hp, courtesy of a naturally aspirated V8 engine.

Unfortunately, the CCGT never made it to the GT1 class at Le Mans, as the minimum build regulations for the race were changed and Koenigsegg was unable to accommodate.

2008 CCX and CCXR Edition

In March 2008, Koenigsegg launched the CCX “Edition” (two were made) and CCXR “Edition” (four were made) vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show. The renowned handling of the CCX and CCXR received an upgrade with these Edition models, which boasted clear-carbon bodies, special 11-spoke wheels, and fine-tuned suspensions and aerodynamics. The CCX Edition engine increased output to 888 hp.

2008 CCX Sets a New Speed Record

In 2008, Horst von Saurma, editor of Sport Auto magazine, took the wheel of the Koenigsegg CCX and set new speed records. The Koenigsegg CCX completed the 0-300-0 km/h run in 29.2 seconds — setting a new benchmark many performance cars can’t reach even today. The CCX was also capable of accelerating from 0 to 200 km/h (about 124 mph) in 9.3 seconds.

2009 Arrival of the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

In September 2009, Koenigsegg unveiled a limited edition model known as the CCXR Trevita. One of its crowning stylistic features was a white carbon fiber weave, which was exclusive to this model alone. In English, “trevita” means “three whites.” Why three? Originally, the Trevita was to be part of a set of three, but only two were built.

2009 CCXR Special Edition

With the arrival of the Agera on the horizon, it was time for the CCX line to bow out with a truly unique model. The CCXR Special Edition was equipped with a double F1 wing, all-clear-carbon body work, refreshed aerodynamics, a brand-new touchscreen infotainment system, Agera-style rear-wheel venting, and a first-ever paddle shift transmission. The CCXR Special Edition, along with the Trevita, remains one of the brand’s rarest models.

2010 Debut of the Koenigsegg Agera

The Swedish word for “to take action” is “agera.” The Koenigsegg Agera embodied that meaning with a twin-turbocharged engine that was capable of 960 hp and over 1,100 Nm of torque. The brand’s new “ghost” lighting system highlighted key points of the interior, while the new VGR wheels and exhaust system enhanced handling and practically eliminated turbo-lag. The Agera was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, taking the brand in a bold new direction.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

By 2011, Koenigsegg was experienced with the use of ethanol fuels, and conditioned the Agera R engine to run on ethanol. In fact, the Agera R could accept any fuel from 95 octane pump gas to E100 biofuel. On regular 95 octane, it was capable of producing 960 hp, but with E85 or E100, it could output 1,140 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera R Sets 0-300-0 Record

The Koenigsegg Agera R completed the 0-300-0 km/h run in 21.19 seconds — which remains an impressive accomplishment. Compared to the time set by the CCX in 2008, which was 29.2 seconds, this was a tremendous improvement and show how far the company had come in the course of just three years.

2012 Koenigsegg Agera S

The Agera S was the first car manufactured by Koenigsegg to produce over 1,000 hp on regular, 95 octane gasoline. It was capable of up to 1,040 hp. New engine mapping and hardware were developed to make this possible. Markets where the biofuels needed to reach the maximum power levels of the Agera R weren’t available now had an alternative. This wasn’t the only innovation the Agera S contributed; it introduced the Koenigsegg’s AirCore hollow carbon fiber wheels, which weigh 40% less than regular alloy.

2014 Koenigsegg One:1

The Koenigsegg One:1 holds the distinction as being the first production car with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. It was also about 220 pounds lighter than the Agera R with a twin-turbo engine that produced 1,360 hp with E85 biofuel.

The One:1 featured track-ready aero winglets, lengthened venturi tunnels and side splitters, a Le Mans-inspired and top-mounted active wing configuration, and specialized active under trim air management. Large air vents were included for more efficient cooling, as well as a roof air scoop to accommodate the 1 Megawatt of power, 8250 RPM rev limit. Customized Michelin Cup Tires completed the look, while enhanced rear Triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs, active shock absorbers, and ride height management gave the One:1 unparalleled precision on the track.

In 2015, the One:1 earned records at Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka Circuit. Only six were built for customers, and one was a factory-developed model.

2015 Koenigsegg Regera Arrives

In 2015, Koenigsegg launched the all-new Regera. Equipped with three electric motors, a powerful ultra-light battery, and a potent twin-turbo V8, the Regera produces 1,500 hp. What’s more, the Regera has no traditional gearbox — all engine power is sent to the rear wheels. At takeoff, the Koenigsegg Direct Drive system uses the power generated by the electric motors to give the car a boost, while the combustion engine produces drive from 30 km/h (about 19 mph) and higher. The Regera moves between electric and gas-powered performance with seamless grace and efficiency.

80 Regera models will be built over the course of five years.

2015 Koenigsegg Agera RS Arrives

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, Koenigsegg showcased the new Koenigsegg Agera RS. In areas where the One:1 pushed to extremes, the Agera RS took it down a notch to create a car that’s comfortable but also immensely powerful. In fact, the Agera RS brags the highest-ever output on regular, 95 octane gas only: 1,160 hp. Its technological developments also allow drivers to store settings for aerodynamics, stability management, software, and active suspension in the Koenigsegg cloud (managed in-house).

Fully homologated, the Koenigsegg RS is available for purchase in all countries and 25 units will be produced.

2015 Koenigsegg One:1 Does 0-300-0 km/h Run

In July 2015, the Keonigsegg One:1 completed the 0-300-0 km/h run in just 17.95 seconds. This was a milestone, as it surpassed both times recorded for the Koenigsegg CCX (29.2 seconds in 2008) and Koenigsegg Agera R (21.19 seconds in 2011).

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2016 Grand Finale for the Agera

In 2016, Koenigsegg announced that three limited edition Agera Final models will be released, marking the finale of the Agera line. What makes the Agera Final unique? Buyers can choose from the brand’s list of optional equipment at no extra charge. Additionally, Koenigsegg will create exclusive aerodynamics for these models — never to be used again on another vehicle. The first model was built in preparation for the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. Two more Agera Final models will be built when the Agera RS production run draws to a close.