The Swedish Rocket.
The 2011 Geneva Motor Show saw the newest production models, concepts, “green” technology, and performance tuning programs, but there was one car that held the spotlight – the Koenigsegg Agera R. The new R model is essentially the Koenigsegg Agera turned up to 11, and a legitimate competitor to the Bugatti Veyron.
There are other small production supercar manufacturers that have models or tuning programs that rival the top speed and acceleration of the Bugatti. However, they oftentimes fall short of the vast amounts of technology and engineering that went into building the Veyron. While the Bugatti Veyron is undoubtedly one of the most iconic automobiles built, its reign as the king of supercars may soon come to an end with the Koenigsegg Agera R. Not only does the Koenigsegg offer performance that rivals the Veyron, its theoretical top speed is also higher. But, the Koenigsegg is more than just blisteringly fast 0-60 times and top speed, the engineering behind it gives the Veyron a run for its multi-million dollar price tag.
The name of the new Koenigsegg model symbolizes the design and character of the new hypercar. In Swedish, Agera means “to take action”, while the ancient Greek word Ageratos means “ageless”; two meanings that embody the hypercar. The Agera was designed based on the “less is more” principal, with the exterior being built for functionality and timeless design. The entire body and aerodynamic components were developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to ensure complete stability, optimal downforce, and cooling. Both the front and rear utilize a splitter and diffuser to channel airflow, while two large side air intakes redirect airflow to create a pressure point behind the mass center of the car. The rear also employs a dynamic wing that, unlike a traditional adjustable wing, is controlled by the speed or wind resistance instead of hydraulics. This system is less complex, lighter, and more perceptive than its counterparts, while still providing optimal downforce and stability.
The Koenigsegg Agera R was also developed and designed to lightweight and nimble. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis is both incredibly stiff and light, weighing only 154 lbs. (70 kg) with fuel tanks, and contributing to an overall dry weight of just 2,926 lbs (1,330 kg). This lightweight construction makes the Koenigsegg Agera R the lightest fully homologated hypercar in production. The low weight of the Agera R also makes it agile, especially with the Koenigsegg-designed suspension. The Koenigsegg Agera R uses the longest wishbones of any hypercar in production, and are made from seamless aeronautical chrome-molybdenum tubing. All uprights were also developed with weight reduction in mind, as they are constructed with 7075-T6 aeronautical grade aluminum. The rear suspension features a unique design by Christian von Koenigsegg. The rear uses a shock absorber and spring to connect both wheels, allowing one wheel to influence the other, and improve handling and ride comfort.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Koenigsegg Agera R is the engine. The 5.0-liter V-8 engine is force-fed by two turbochargers, and was developed in-house by the Swedish manufacturer. The entire engine only weighs in at 433 lbs. (197 kg) with the flywheel, clutch, and dry-sump lubrication system. Koenigsegg has also partnered with Borg Warner to develop new turbocharger technology for the Agera. Both turbines for the Koenigsegg Agera R are made with Gamma-Ti, a material developed by both companies to improve turbocharger response. Christian von Koenigsegg has also designed a new inconel/titanium exhaust system that reduces backpressure for even better throttle response. To cool the engine, a large air-to-air intercooler is used for its lighter weight and reduced heat-soak issues. The production engine is capable 1,115 horsepower at 6,900 RPM, and 885 lb-ft. of torque (1200 Nm) at 4,100 RPM. This power, when coupled with the lightest seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used in a hypercar, reaches 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 124 mph in 12.7 seconds, and reaches a theoretical top speed of 273.40 mph (440 km/h), although all Agera models are limited to 233.01 mph (375 km/h). This incredible performance is achieved all while meeting EU5 and LEV2 environmental regulations.
In order to handle such high speeds and performance, Koenigsegg had to design special wheels and tires. The Koenigsegg Agera R is fitted with forged Vortex Generating Rims (VGR) that act as air turbines to increase downforce and cool the braking system. The center-locking wheels measure 19 x 9.5 up front and 20 x 12.5 at the rear. Koenigsegg teamed up with longtime partner, Michelin, to develop tires that could handle the incredible top speed. New dedicated Michelin Super Sport 265/35 – 19″ (Y) front and 345/30 – 20″ (Y) rear tires help to achieve up to 1.6 G of dry lateral acceleration, and are rated at 261 mph (420 km/h) – the highest top speed rated tire in the world. Behind the forged wheels are six-piston front, four-piston rear calipers with 397 x 40 mm and 380 x 34 mm ventilated and drilled ceramic discs for incredible stopping power without fade.
Inside, the philosophy of “less is more” is continued. Only the highest-quality aniline leather, alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber is used and is completely bespoke. The centerpiece is the Koenigsegg Ghost Light that uses LED lighting to make solid aluminum buttons glow. Facing the driver is a lightweight carbon fiber airbag steering wheel with paddle shifters placed on the wheel itself for complete control in corners. The Configurable Instruments (CI) feature allows drivers to customize different graphics based on demand. The Agera also boasts the largest luggage compartment of any hypercar in the world with a space displacing more than 120 liters. The one-piece detachable roof is able to be stored in this space, allowing for open-top driving without the worry of storage.
The Koenigsegg Agera R made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, with a model inspired by Speed Racer. The model was also shown with the optional Koenigsegg winter package that equips the Agera with a custom carbon fiber Thule roof rack and storage box, capable of speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The package also consists of new Michelin snow tires, forged wheels, and custom Koenigsegg skis. The winter package also includes the opportunity for customers to travel to the famous Åre skiing resort in Sweden, where the custom Koenigsegg skis are made.
Pricing for the Koenigsegg Agera R begins at € 1,180,000 (+/- 1,700,000 USD), with the winter package costing an additional € 30,000 (+/- 42,000 USD). The Agera R is currently on sale.
KOENIGSEGG AGERA R SPECIFICATIONS
Engine:
Displacement: 5.0-liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Valves per Cylinder: 4
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore x Stroke (mm): 91.7 x 95.25
Fuel Injection: Sequential, multipoint
Aspiration: Twin turbo superchargers
Maximum Boost Pressure: 1.4 bar (20.3 PSI)
Lubrication: Dry sump
Intake: Carbon fiber manifold with optimized intake tracts.
Exhaust: Tig-welded ceramic coated inconel exhaust system manifold with merge collector
Weight: 433 lbs. (197 kg)
Engine Redline: 7,250 RPM
Maximum Horsepower: 1115 hp at 6900 RPM
Maximum Torque: Over 885 lb-ft. (1,200 Nm) at 4,100 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Specially developed 7-speed dual clutch, 1 input shaft transmission with paddle-shift
Differential: Electronic
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Acceleration 124 mph: 7.5 seconds
Top Speed (Electronically Limited): 233.01 mph (375 km/h)
Top Speed (Theoretical): 273.40 mph (440 km/h)
0-124-0 mph: 12.7 seconds
Braking distance 62-0 mph: 100.07 ft. (30.5 m)
Lateral g-force: 1.6 g
Cd.: 0.33 to 0.37 with adaptable rear wings.
Total Downforce at 155 mph: 660 lbs. (300 kg)
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Wheels: Koenigsegg forged Vortex generating aluminum wheels with center locking
Front Wheels: 19 x 9.5
Rear Wheels: 20 x 12.5
Tires: Dedicated Michelin Supersport, unidirectional with asymmetric thread pattern
Front Tires: 265/35 – 19 (Y)
Rear Tires: 345/30 – 20 (Y)
Speed rating: 261 mph (420+ km/h)
Front Discs: Ventilated ceramic discs 397 mm x 40 mm
Rear Discs: Ventilated ceramic discs 380 mm x 34 mm
Front Calipers: Six-piston, power-assisted
Rear Calipers: Four-piston, power-assisted
Dimensions:
Total Length: 4293 mm (169 in.)
Total Width: 1996 mm (78.6 in.)
Total Height: 1120 mm (44.1 in.)
Ground Clearance: Rear- 100 mm (3.94 in.), Front- 100 mm (3.94 in.)
Wheelbase: 2662 mm (104.8 in.)
Front Track: 1700 mm (67 in.)
Rear Track: 1650 mm (65 in.)
Front Overhang: 885 mm (35 in.)
Rear Overhang: 752 mm (30 in.)
Fuel Capacity: 80 liters
Luggage Compartment: 120 liters (31.7 US gallons)
Dry Weight: 2,296 lbs (1330 kg)
Curb Weight (all fluids plus 50% fuel): 3,157 lbs. (1435 kg)
Maximum Laden Weight: 3,630 lbs. (1650 kg)
KOENIGSEGG AGERA R GALLERY
Source: Koenigsegg Automotive AB
Do you think that the Koenigsegg Agera R is a legitimate competitor to the Bugatti Veyron? Leave a comment and let us know!
