Blk/Blk Koenigsegg CCX tour & startup in LV!!

[Source: StreetFire]

The Koenigsegg CCXR Edition is a duel fuel car, running on plain old dino juice the 4.8L twin turbo V8 cranks out 888 BHP. Fill 'er up with E85 ethanol and the car snorts out that mind bending 1085 BHP and will crush your internal organs on its way to sixty in less than 2.9 seconds, 125 MPH (or 200 KPH) doesn't take much longer at 8.9 ticks. Er... yeah, numbers like that don't even make sense to us but we like that kind of thinking. More cowbell!

Which brings us nicely to today's triumphant Commenter. Krazy Eye Killa Hardigree broke the epic news that Koeniggsegg is bringing the mighty (and we mean mighty) CCX to America. Mad Matt even tossed in a great Top Gear clip of Clarkson nearly killing himself. This led teargas to remark:

Aren't cars just great?

More than 10 of the CCX's have been ordered already and will be available for pickup at the only U.S. Koenigsegg dealership, which just happens to be in the heart of Caesars Palace. Now that we've finally figured out how to properly spell Koenigsegg we're going to say it a few times. Koenigsegg, Koenigsegg, Koenigsegg. [World Car Fans]

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From the man with the very best name on planet earth, Junus Khan, "SSC is launching its 250 MPH Club which offers a variety of insider information. One lucky member from the 250 MPH Club will be selected at random to be flown in to SSC for a day of driving and spending time with Jerod Shelby, the owner of SSC." Good luck to you, dear reader: http://www.shelbysupercars.com/

Press Release:

SSC Ultimate Aero TT Charging

Towards 'World Fastest Production Car' Record

WEST RICHLAND, WA (1 Aug 2007) - Shelby SuperCars (SSC), manufacturer of the world's most powerful production car, the Ultimate Aero TT, announced today that speed testing for the title "World's Fastest Production Car" will be finalized by the end of August. Speed testing is being conducted in the company's home state of Washington and is being validated by Guinness World Records.

There is a standard procedure outlined by Guinness World Records to validate a land speed record. The vehicle must drive the predetermined course, turn around, and drive back the opposite way within one hour. This is to negate any discrepancy there may be in the course or conditions. Top speeds from each run are then averaged to obtain the official speed. This method has been used for decades as the benchmark for land speed record attempts.

Dewetron, a company known for performance testing of missile, train, aerospace, and automotive capabilities will accurately monitor and measure the speed of the Ultimate Aero TT for the record run. Dewetron's equipment is precise that Guinness World Records approved their systems as a replacement for the standard 1,000m laser traps. Dewetron utilizes 4-12 satellites and numerous onboard sensors to track a vehicle's speed.

The lack of access to a US-based proving ground able to accommodate the Ultimate Aero TT's top speed presented SSC with a massive challenge. After scouring the country for months, SSC found the solution in their home state of Washington when they were granted the opportunity to close public highways for testing. Finding appropriate roads eligible for closure proved to be a tedious process as SSC's teams scouted the sites first hand. After a potential site was identified, the company would need to apply for a road closure permit. Hiring police, a crew to man the closed section, and securing insurance for the high-speed test sessions were just a few of the undertakings necessary to be granted the rare closure of public roads.

Since the first test session, SSC has successfully concluded several rounds of high-speed safety and durability testing for each assembly of the Ultimate Aero TT. During these sessions, SSC was able to verify all the engineering specifications as well as aerodynamic data posted at NASA's Langley wind tunnel. Throughout the test sessions, the measured top speed of the Ultimate Aero TT continued to rise, achieving a speed of 241.4 mph at a throttle position of only 71% during the latest transmission durability test. After reviewing all test data, Jerod Shelby and the SSC engineering team feel comfortable in maximizing the capabilities of the 1183 hp Ultimate Aero TT.

For more information on SSC and the upcoming test session visit their new site at www.sscautos.com or contact Motorcars of Las Vegas, the exclusive US dealer for SSC vehicles (www.MotorCarsLV.com).

So many questions. OK, as you probably know, SSC and their Ultimate Aero TT are on a hero's quest to break and thereby set the production car top speed record currently in the hands of the hated Swedes. On March 22 of this year they gave it a go, but because of a jealous Odin snow in Nevada, were only able to hit 230 mph. So, they tried again on May 22. No luck this time out either. Nope, last Tuesday they fell 0.6 mph short. Meaning that the TT did manage to achieve 241.4 mph at "71% throttle." However, according to SSC they weren't actually going for the record. Rather, they were sussing out the transmission cooling system. Which, apparently, works. So here's our questions. First, if this is truly a production car, why didn't they test the transmission on say March 23? Why the Space Shuttle launch like gap between tests? Second...

...SSC claims to be an American car company. If so, what's with the "71% throttle" position? That's more German than a Hasselhoff poster above a bed. Third, come on. They were going for the record. Why fib and say they were just testing? 72% throttle would have blown the thing up? And finally, according to our very poor algebraic skills, 100% throttle would mean... 339 mph? In a vacuum, we know, we know.Whatever the case, look for the Ultimate Aero to break both the Koenigsegg's viking official record of 242 mph and the Veyron's unofficial run of 253 mph with its thrice insane 1,183 hp supercharged V8. SSC's Junus Khan (is that the single greatest name in the world or what?) is claiming they'll be doing so in the very near future. We'll see you in back here in late July. – Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Snow Day: SSC Ultimate Aero TT Not As Ugly As We Thought [Internal]

A Koenigsegg with only 600 horsepower? That's the thing about racing regulations; sometimes you have to make concessions. Nonetheless, it's the new K-egg CCGT, an FIA homologated GT1 racer based on the 806-hp CCX, whose homegrown 4.7-liter V8's gotten a double superchargerectomy. But it's also been bored out to 5.0 liters. It's also been lightened porked up to meet the GT1's weight limit of 2,425 lbs. We'll see it up close long about Geneva time. [Note: Spanks on me for missing the delicious irony that K-eg had to add ballast to meet the GT1 weight requirement, not reduce weight.] – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Competition Coupe GT
DOWN TUNED TO 600+ HP in order to comply with race regulations.

Koenigsegg has created a new race car - the CCGT, based on the production CC-model range. The CCGT complies with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations.

The CCGT engine is based on the Koenigsegg CCX production engine with the superchargers removed but enlarged to 5.0 litre.

The reliability of the race engine is expected be exceptional as it is based on the proven strength and durability of the signifi cantly more powerful road car engine.

The minimum weight allowed for a GTI race car is 1,100 kg and most manufacturers struggle to meet this target, having to undergo massive weight saving programs.

Due to the fact the Koenigsegg CC cars are very light and stiff in road confi guration, the racing CCGT weighs in at just under an astounding 1,000 kg. This gives the possibility to place 100 kg of ballast freely within the car structure, still following the set rules. This should give Koenigsegg an interesting advantage over the competition.

The CCGT has very short overhangs, which could be seen as an issue when it comes to generating enough downforce. However, by further developing the clever and "slippery" design concept of the CC range, Koenigsegg believes they have created a unique package incorporating a surprising amount of down-force combined with a very compact package and optimal weight distribution. Since the CCGT has a short overall length and low overall height, whilst still maintaining adequate track width and length, it is thereby gifted with superior agility compared to most of the competition, which should be evident in future heated racing combats.

The Koenigsegg CCGT development team, headed by Dag B lenius, has done a superb job by refining the CC into the CCGT.

The race engine is being developed in-house in parallel with the production units by Koenigsegg engineers, supported by Anders Hoglund from Cargine engineering and JP Motorsport.

Flower Power
When thinking about supercars, one of the last things that spring to mind are their environmental friendliness.

Even though the very low and exclusive production volume of Koenigsegg can hardly be considered to have a measurable impact on the Co2 problem that global society is facing, it is an impressive statement that even a small and extreme company like Koenigsegg can afford to develop environmentally focussed solutions.

By following conscientious and forward thinking strategies, Koenigsegg has managed to create the Bio Fuel Powered CCXR - environmentally friendly 1200 with even more spectacular performance than the standard CCX.

These two almost confl icting results are made possible due to the simple fact that the ethanol in biofuel has the positive side effect of cooling the combustion chambers, as well as a higher octane value, well over 100 RON, which gives the high power. Due to the fact that the biofuel has higher octane and cooling characteristics, the power has gone up to 1018 hp at 7200 rpm and the torque to 1060 nm at 6100 rpm.

It is natural to expect a substantial gain in power when optimizing the engine for E85(biofuel) instead of Petrol. Still the actual gain obtained even surprised the enthusiastic engineers at Koenigsegg.

Following the long term strategy of Koenigsegg, all previous CCXs will have the possibility to be converted by the factory to accept the biofuel option and reap the performance and environmental benefi ts of this wonderful and eco friendly fuel.

The CCXR Biofuel upgrade has been developed in-house on the factory's engine dyno by the skilled technicians at Koenigsegg, led by Christian Koenigsegg, Marco Garver and Anders Hoglund from the Koenigsegg partner company Cargine Engineering.

Curiously enough the CCXR is the first homologated car currently in production to reach over 1000 BHP.

Related:
I Travel at Extreme Speed : The Koenigsegg CCX [internal]

Famous for being the only car ever to attempt to kill the Stig on camera, the Koeniggsegg CCX will launch in the US in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 27th in Las Vegas. To be sold by Exotic Cars at Caesar's Palace (because Roman chintz and mirrored ceilings are the perfect compliment to a 260mph supercar), they're throwing a VIP party on August 27th followed by two days of track time at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 4.7L, twin-turbo supercharged mill pumps out 806hp, and the whole car weighs in at a sprightly 2,200 ton lbs, allowing it to run a 9-second quarter mile at 146. It's sort of obscene that the thing is even road legal. What we wanna know is, who's gonna be the first to have an Enzo Moment in one?

Related:
On A Wing And A Prayer: Top Gear's Koenigsegg-egg-egg-egg Test Redux [Internal]

Shame on us, but if you also were a bit busy this Memorial Day weekend, you're like us and may have missed Sunday's episode of Top Gear. Luckily some friendly BBC viewers have rectified our poor judgement by providing video of the most important segment from the show. A couple of weeks back, the best-est automotive show on earth tested the new Koenigsegg CCX, and the Stig ended up taking it into the fields to the side of the second to last turn on the infamous airfield course. The CCX had a bit of a problem — not enough downforce. The folks at Koenigsegg took it back and fitted it with a right new wing on the back. The result was...well, it was...epic. The car went on to blitz the track in the fastest ever time — 1:17.6. Now kiddies, here's what's coming up in this weekend's episode.

Top Gear KOENIGSEGG part two [YouTube]

Related:
More Top Gear [internal]

Yesterday, Koenigsegg released pics and info on the extreme CCX supercar it's bringing to Geneva this year. As we already know, the CCX will be coming to the US, where it will charm the living daylights of the country's state troopers with an estimated top speed of 245 mph. Click through for pics and release.

Press Release:

First Impression

The first impression of the Koenigsegg CC is its dynamic stance and futuristic, aggressive attitude. It appears amazingly low and broad, with the cockpit-like semicircular windscreen and organically shaped rear hood as key features. The smooth and polished body is gently curved, almost simplistic; a fully integrated design. Lines and surfaces appear thoroughbred and slippery, projecting an image of velocity onto the machine. This design shouts in a clear and universal language: I travel at extreme speed .

Machined for Speed

Koenigsegg's design seeks to give an interpretation of strength and flowing motion. The body of a Koenigsegg is formed for one ultimate purpose; superior performance. Its beauty is the beauty of speed itself. The surfaces are shaped to perfect aerodynamics, an appearance that does not deceive. All aspects of this machine serve its one fundamental objective; performance.

Both the body and chassis of a Koenigsegg are made of extremely lightweight carbon fiber composite, reinforced with Kevlar and aluminum honeycomb. Its race-bred suspension system brings the driver in control of all movement, even under the toughest racing conditions.

Overview

Koenigsegg manufactures exclusive super cars for a select elite of enthusiasts. Space age materials and uncompromising quality both in finish and function make these cars among the very best in the automotive history. The CCX overall performance is unmatched by any other series-produced car today.

Two models have currently been in production; the CC8S, and the magnificent 806 hp CCR, which still holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest and most powerful streetcar. Both Koenigsegg models are built to excel on the road or racetrack, yet are still highly comfortable for long distance traveling.

A Machine for Safe Driving

Koenigsegg creates each car specifically for each customer. They are individual pieces of art. Leather contrasted with futuristic controls and refined surfaces enclose the occupants. It is an environment for adventure. The Koenigsegg hardtop is stored under the front bonnet during roofless driving. Crash-tests have verified that in terms of safety, a Koenigsegg is a truly Swedish car.

The CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family. The CCX is in many aspects a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands. Still, it has been a key issue for the Koenigsegg Team to keep the distinctive and record breaking CC shape. Koenigsegg believes it is important to avoid trends and instead hone the aerodynamic shape of the CC range for the future, only enhancing its unique look and appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance. At Koenigsegg they also believe in continuity. A new Koenigsegg shall show clear lineage from its predecessor and shall not follow any other design trends but enhance its already proven concept and shape to perfection.

Body & Interior

The CCX features a completely new set of body and interior parts. The new body incorporates a new front bumper design, engineered to function well in the stringent 2.5 mph bumper test, including enhanced brake cooling, fog lamps and US side position lights. The front lamps have been slightly redesigned to suit the new bumper line.

There is a new scoop on the front bonnet acting as a larger fresh air-intake for the occupants and new air vents have been added behind the front wheels in order to further evacuate air from the cockpit. The frontal shape revisions now allow for effective track use options to be added.

The side rocker panels feature side skirts in order to further enhance downforce by increasing underbody area. The new exterior of the car has been created using the industry leading Icem Surf CAD software, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish as well as optimal highlights.

The car is 88 mm longer in order to comply with the US rear impact regulations and in order to free up space around the rear muffler. The rear clamshell now features a glass window over the new CCX engine, clearly showing off the bespoke and unique Koenigsegg Block casting. The mufflers have received improved cooling, by incorporating grill vents above in the clamshell. The number plate area is now adapted to suit both US and Euro size number plates.

Space

There is a further 50 mm in headroom, making the CCX the most spacious super car on the market, truly considering the taller drivers needs. Koenigsegg believes to have found a unique market niche by enabling really tall drivers to fit well inside the car, still with its highest point only1120 mm above the tarmac.

Seats

In corporation with Sparco, and Koenigsegg test driver Loris Bicocchi, Koenigsegg has developed a new seat design for the CCX. The structure of the seat are still carbon fiber, but now feature fully padded front surface and a tilting backrest. The striking and very comfortable Tempur padded CCR seats can still be fitted in the CCX on special order.

Wheels / Brakes

The optimal ceramic 382 mm front discs are coupled to 8 piston calipers and in the rear the 362 mm size is retained with 6 piston calipers. The optional industry first carbon fiber wheels save another 3 kg per wheel compared to the already lightweight magnesium wheels that comes as standard. The ceramic discs save another 2 kg per wheel, giving the Koenigsegg CCX lower unsprung weight than any other super car.

Koenigsegg now also offers the ceramic disc and carbon wheel upgrade to all previous Koenigsegg models.

Aerodynamic Enhancement

Between the raised speedster humps there is a new type of vortex generator originally conceived and patented by Torbj rn Gustavsson at Vortaflow and implemented as a Ram Air engine booster by Christian Koenigsegg on the CCX. Due to the fact that there is a fresh air engine intake right below the rear window, the vortex generator redirects the air directly into the air intake and thereby creating a positive pressure in the air box. To normally obtain this phenomenon in a mid engine car a roof scoop is required, increasing frontal area. In the case of the CCX, the small frontal area can still be kept and rearward visibility is unaffected, even though it has now got true ram air intake over its mid mounted engine.

Electronics

The CCX now features, wholly digital, intelligent fuse and relay unit. This means that there are not physical fuses or relays as such. The unit is programmable and is can-bus connected to a display unit which sends crucial information to the driver. The main advantages of this system are its reliability, light weight, small physical size, programmability and direct information to the driver. The system is prepared for future upgrades and functions.

Unique Koenigsegg Engine

The engine in the CCX retains the incredible performance and power of the CCR engine, while running on US 91 octane fuel and complying with California emission regulations. In order to reach this challenging goal, extensive rework had to be done to emission related items, such as new cylinder heads with larger valve area and more optimally flowing cylinder head ports. Dual smaller injectors per cylinder were integrated, as well as new camshafts, a new carbon fiber individual runner intake plenum, a new engine management system, updated fuel and EVAP system. New exhaust system where the catalytic converters are moved closer to the engine for earlier light-off time. A returnless fuel system has also been implemented with pumps integrated into the new fuel tank. All in all, a heavy rework in order to retain the unique performance of the CCX engine and at the same time comply with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

The new and cleaner CCX engine also incorporates the first engine block design that is specifically created and cast for Koenigsegg, with the Koenigsegg shield embossed in the casting on both left and right side of the engine block. The new block design is an all aluminum construction made out of 356 aluminum with T7 heat treat that has undergone a High Intensity Pressure process in order to further enhance block integrity as well as cylinder bore chill during casting. The new block reaffirms the future development of Koenigsegg engines and makes Koenigsegg stand out among low volume supercar manufacturers, due to the fact that Koenigsegg engineer the engine completely in house in combination with the fact that it is also built, assembled, and dyno tested in the Koenigsegg production plant. The Koenigsegg Engineers also incorporated the most powerful internal piston coolers in the industry bringing down the piston temperature, by as much as 80% more than competing systems, which was a must in order to run high cylinder pressure with 91 octane fuel.

Koenigsegg CCX

Europe
Standard price: 458.000 Euro + VAT & ex works
Fully equipped: 510.000 Euro + VAT & ex works

US
Standard price: 540.000 USD + VAT & ex works
Fully equipped: 600.910 USD + VAT & ex works

* Koenigsegg reserves the right to change the
information above without notice. Due to
fluctuation of the exchange rates prices may
change.

Standard Equipment

· Detachable roof
· Climate Control
· Electric rear view mirrors
· Leather interior
· Central locking
· Electric windows
· Alarm with immobilizer
· Toolkit
· Driver side airbag
· Power steering
· Hydraulic ride height control
· Servo assisted brakes
· ABS
· Traction control, with 5 different settings
· Stereo with CD-player
· Tire pressure sensors
· Car cover

Payment Terms

Down payment 25% of agreed price if order
Final payment 2 weeks before delivery
Delivery is ex works Koenigsegg/ ngelholm/Sweden

Delivery Time T.B.D. at order

Optional Equipment

· Custom color leather interior 4000 ($4,750)
· Custom paint color 5000 ($5,938)
· Parking Sensor 2800 ($3,325)
· Rearview Camera 3000 ($3,562)
· GPS Navigation 5000 ($5,938)
· Ceramic Brakes discs 15000 ($17,815)
· Carbon Rims 11000 ($13,064)
· Sport Auto Event Nurburgring 3000 ($3,562)
· Driving education, Loris Bicocchi 1500 ($1,781)
· Extended Warranty up to 3000 km/2years 6000 ($7,126)

Technical Specifications

Performance

· Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) 3.2 seconds
· Top Speed: 395+ km/h (245+ mph)
· Standing quarter-mile: 9.9 seconds, end speed 235 km/h (146 mph)
· Braking distance: 31m (100-0 km/h)
· Lateral G-force: 1.3G
· Fuel consumption: Highway 13 l/100 km
· Combined: 17 l/1000km

Engine

· Type: Koenigsegg V8 cast aluminum, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
· Displacement: 4.700 cm3
· Compression: 8.2:1
· Lubrication: Dry sump with oil spray piston cooling, oil cooler
· Sequential, multiport fuel injection. Twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system 1.2 bar boost pressure.
· Power output: 806 Bhp at 6900 rpm
· Max Torque: 920 Nm (678 ft/lb) at 5700 rpm

Body

· Two-door, two-seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid. Body made of pre-impregnated carbonfiber/kevlar and lightweight sandwich reinforcements.

Chassis

· Semi monocoque made of pre-impregnated carbonfiber and honeycomb.
· Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, adjustable · Racing gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, pushrod operated. · Anti-roll bar. Electronically adjustable ride hight.
· Rear brakes: Ventilated discs 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6 piston light alloy calipers. Power assisted. Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.
· Optional: 380x34 mm ceramic discs with 8 piston calipers.

Wheels

· Koenigsegg magnesium allot wheels with center locking.
· Optional: Carbon / Magnesium wheels.
· Front: 19 x 9.5
· Rear: 20 x 12.5

Tires

· Michelin Pilot Sport 2
· Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern
· Front: 225/35-19 (Y)
· Rear: 335/30-20 (Y)

Transmission

· Specially developed 6-speed gearbox. Torque sensitive, limited slip differential.
· Clutch: Dual plate, 215 mm (8.46 inch).

Final ratio: 3.545
· 1st gear: 2.875
· 2nd gear: 1.773
· 3rd gear: 1.267
· 4th gear: 1.000
· 5th gear: 0.833
· 6th gear: 0.711
· Reverse gear: 3.000

Related:
Koenigsegg to Bring New CCX Supercar to the US [internal]

Among supercars that can travel one-third the speed of sound (at sea level, natch) the Bugatti Veyron gets all the press, having recently hit 252 mph — besting the Koeingsegg CCR's 241 mph — to make the Bug the world's fastest production car. Now, Sweden's Koenigsegg is plotting to answer Volkswagen's stomping, with a new, 800-hp supercar that, joy of joys, will be available in the US. The new model, the Koenigsegg CCX, is set for a Geneva show debut, according to the boys at Gizmag. Though it likely won't defeat the Veyron, it will go from zero to 62 in 3.2 seconds and run a nine-second quarter-mile at 146 mph. At around $650,000, it'll even be a kind of bargain, in a twisted, overindulgent sort of way. [Thanks to Rob for the tip.]

Koenigsegg to release CCX for American market [Gizmag]

Related:
Have Yourself a Merry Little Swedish Supercar Christmas [internal]