The Swedish automaker Koenigsegg is known to build a small number of cars during the entire existence of the company, but it is able to be on the headlines of every magazine and newspaper when the new vehicle is released. This success is not always possible for other manufacturers of supercars, even for Ferrari that builds more cars than Koenigsegg in just a single week. Why have the Swedes been so skillful in making the fuzz in the auto world? There is one big reason: their state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind cars that no other competitor in the world has even come close to building! It would be perfect to demonstrate their advantage with one of the company’s latest models, 2016 Koenigsegg Regera.
It is a part of a lineup that consists only of three cars: Regera, Agera, and One:1. These vehicles are undoubtedly supercars (for example, One:1 has 1241 horsepower under the hood) and have no equivalents in the world. Regera takes the power of the engine one step further by using one gas and three electric units capable of generating 1509 horsepower, which is probably intimidating for other manufacturers. ‘Regera’ in Swedish means ‘to reign’, and the car stands truly to its status, as it can reach 250 miles per hour (400km) in less than 20 seconds (62 miles per hour takes 2.8 seconds). This ability gives the 2016 Koenigsegg Regera the first place in the race of the fastest-accelerating car in the world and helps it leave Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren behind.
Powertrain, Specs, Performance
First and foremost, let’s see what beast gives Regera its speed capabilities. Indeed, it is an impressive powerplant that combines one twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that is developed by Swedish engineers in-house. This unit is added with three electrical motors and 800 volt, 4.5 kWh liquid cooled battery pack: the electric combination delivers 700 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Two of them generate 241 horsepower and drive the rear wheels while the third one is a 215 horsepower version which supplies torque fill and performs the role of a starter and generator. According to the manufacturer, Regera’s battery pack is the most power-dense unit ever installed on a mass production vehicle.
Another unique feature is the gearbox: well, its absence, to be exact. The 2016 Koenigsegg Regera does not feature a traditional gearbox and has a hydraulic coupling which, when closed, links a single-speed gear and the gas engine. Therefore, it uses an only one-speed gearbox, which does not provide significant propulsion at speeds below 30 miles per hour because it is given by the electric motors. However, as the vehicle accelerates above 30, its wheel and engine speed increase in direct proportion to reach the top speed of 249 mph. The carmaker claimed that usage of this unconventional gearbox allowed to cut the weight of the vehicle and reduce the power lost to the driveline by over 50%. Moreover, the electric engines provide an opportunity to fill in where the gasoline unit is making less power, thus adding an extra performance beyond its usual capabilities.
Exterior and Interior Design
The styling of 2016 Koenigsegg Regera is very futuristic and done in the best traditions of mega cars: luxurious and extremely aerodynamic. It was very surprising to know that the manufacturer designed the styling of the vehicle entirely in-house without the help of professional car designers, which are often used in auto industry. At the first sight, the car seems to be an updated and more sophisticated Agera (which is true: the company claimed that Regera will be positioned as the luxurious alternative to the existing Agera model). Aero channels dominate the side and rear profiles of the vehicle, thus proving that this beast likes speed and is ready for a fast ride. The cabin looks rather spacious than in the existing line-up models in comparison with Agera and One:1 as well.
According to the Koenigsegg, Regera’s interior was done with functionality and comfort in mind. Indeed, many of the features prove this claim: for example, the body of the car was completed with innovative insulation materials to prevent noise from the four motors and wind to ruin the journey. It is good that the designers took care of this problem because at car’s speeds the wind and noise produce a significant level of noise. Both seats in the model are electrically adjustable and include memory foam, which adds considerable comfort during long rides. Also, the comfort and entertainment will be provided by the opportunity to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and 3G function and the music will be played on a completely new premium sound system.
In addition to these luxury features, Regera offers a new infotainment system, which includes 9-inch touch screen display, ambient lightning, Apple CarPlay, a system of bird-eye view cameras, and Autoskin. The latter is a premium function that allows the driver to open the doors and front and rear hoods remotely using a lightweight hydraulic system. It is controlled whether by a central console inside or the remote key. The system of birds-eye view cameras adds the rear and side door cameras to provide a vision while parking or maneuvering in confined areas.
2016 Koenigsegg Regera Price
Koenigsegg claims that Regera will be produced in limited quantities and estimates that only 80 vehicles will be manufactured. The starting price for the mega car is $1,890,000 without the taxes or fees, which will most likely to increase the price up to $2.1 million. As of March 2016, more than 40 Regeras have already been sold right after the Geneva Motor Show revealed the model last year. Therefore, about thirty more people will become owners of this revolutionary mega car.
Conclusion
The 2016 Koenigsegg Regera is a more luxurious and practical in comparison with the others Koenigsegg models in the existing line-up. It includes a great load of premium features and breaks the records in terms of speed and functionality; moreover, it is a car which finally beat Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche in making the fastest luxury hybrid on the planet.
