If this automaker’s name is ringing some bells for you, it’s probably because of the car on which this point is based. Koenigsegg’s previous release was One:1, less than a year ago. Given that this is a low-scale manufacturer of ultra-high-performance automobiles, it would be completely understandable if it took much longer to release another one. Specially when you remember that One:1 is famous for reasons such as delivering 1 PS of power for each kilogram it weighs, or being the world’s fastest production car. However, not only are the Swedish showing another car right now, as it is way better than that one. Yeah, while we, lesser mortals, spend time looking at what we have done, mr. Koenigsegg uses what he has done as a new step, in order to reach even higher.
As you’ve surely imagined by now, Regera did break the company’s performance records. But this only means it’s a better car. What makes it way better than any other Koenigsegg is the fact that it doesn’t even try that hard – while One:1 is almost a race car, deprived of anything whose mass isn’t necessary for accelerating, the new car defeats it while being a luxury model. The external design obviously gives priority to aerodynamics, but you can still notice some typical elements of this company, such as the window contours, paired to others that are totally new, like the somewhat vertical headlights. The interior, in turn, offers more room, nicer design and even better materials, and is even modern enough to offer an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Now, going to what really matters in cars like this, how about driving with 1489 horses? Such power comes from a hybrid powertrain, but thinking it’s “just like what Ferrari and Porsche did” is a blatant understatement: Regera has not two, but four propellers. The gasoline-burner is a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8. Among the others, two reach 241 hp and power the rear wheels, while the third delivers 215-hp and has a “supporting role”, adding torque when necessary and acting as both generator and starter motor. The battery pack works with 620 volts, takes up 2.4 cubic feet, weighs 254 pounds, and generates 9.27 kWh. It supplies up to 671 hp under full acceleration and absorbs 201 of those during regenerative braking. But there’s much more technical stuff to tell.
When it comes to the transmission, you’re certainly thinking of several gears and clutches, right? Well, Regera goes in the exact opposite direction. Koenigsegg’s Direct Drive works with the V8 with a single-speed reduction. This is done by a hydraulic coupling, which increases engine and wheel speeds in direct proportion. In other words, if you see the tachometer needle at the 8250-rpm redline, you’ll be at the top speed of 249 mph (and probably wishing you hadn’t took your eyes off of the road). Such solution doesn’t work well at low speeds, but this won’t be a problem because the car will be using only electric propulsion then. If everything sounds tempting to you, you’d better hurry: just 80 units will be produced, each one starting at US$ 1,89 million before taxes or fees.