Swedish hypercar builder Koenigsegg has just pulled the sheets off the Jesko Absolut which frankly is just bonkers. The Ängelholm-based purveyor of speed aims to make the Jesko Absolut the fastest series-production car in the world.
However, the Jesko itself isn’t a new car. The next-gen hypercar was showed off to the world at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, and was named after founder and CEO Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, who played a vital role in getting the hypercar maker on its feet during its infancy.
For those not in the know, the ‘regular’ Jesko is the more track-focused version while the Jesko Absolut is the slippery, low drag version. The Absolut is just so fast that even the people that created it say that they probably will not build anything faster for the road. As it stands, the Absolut is claimed to have a top speed of “way, way over 500 km/h”, which is insane.
“The Jesko Absolut with its shockingly low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd, combined with its high-speed stability, optimized aero features, daily drive friendly characteristics and luggage space, make the Jesko Absolut a land-based rocket-ship determined to reach unheard-of speed in record-setting pace”, says CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg.
At the heart of both Jesko versions is an all-aluminium twin-turbocharged V8. As was the case for all its cars starting with the CCX, the Jesko’s powertrain is bespoke, built according to the company’s own design and specifications. The dry-sump 5.0-litre block is largely similar to the unit used in its predecessor, though it most notably adds a 180-degree flat-plane crankshaft.
Speaking of the crank, Koenigsegg says the bent-eight lump features the worlds lightest V8 crankshaft, which weighs in at just 12.5kg. This new flat-plane crank – milled from a solid billet of high tensile Swedish Dievar steel – produces more power with greater efficiency while achieving a higher rev limit of 8,500 rpm. The flat-plane design allows even firing across the engine banks and produces a more visceral sound, much like Ford’s Voodoo engine in the GT350 as compared to their regular Coyote engine in the GT. The crank design makes all the difference.
The V8’s fuel system too has been re-designed to provide it with cooler cylinders, cleaner combustion and less strain on the engine at the top of its power range, says the company. In fact, each of the cylinders is fitted with an in-cylinder pressure sensor system to monitor and operate each cylinder at maximum efficiency.
In addition to larger turbochargers, new intake system, and an innovative 20-bar air injection system to pre-spool the turbos, Koenigsegg claims the new V8 will produce up to 1,193kW when running on E85 petrol while regular ‘pump gas’ will yield 954kW. Torque while on E85, is rated at reality-bending 1,500Nm due to the temperature-lowering part-ethanol composition allowing for more boost to be used.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via Koenigsegg’s Light Speed Transmission (LST). The gearbox was designed and built by the Swedes and is said to be the next evolution of dual-clutch technology (DCT). The LST comprises of nine forward gears and several wet, multi-disc clutches that’s capable of swapping cogs at near light speed, claim the Swedes. While modern dual-clutch gearboxes can weigh in excess of 120kg, the LST unit comes in at 90kg. Further, DCT’s only work in single-gear intervals while the LST and its multi-clutch design and Ulitmate Power On Demand (UPOD) tech can perform multi jump gear changes.
Apart from the insane powertrain, aerodynamics is the next biggest deal for the Absolut. Koenigsegg says that every surface element on the Absolut has been purposefully constructed to reduce drag or turbulence around the car while increasing high-speed stability. It has a drag coefficient value of just 0.278 Cd. The drastic streamlining of the Absolut means it lacks a massive spoiler. However, it does come with two fins that replace the spoiler and is said to be inspired by the iconic double vertical stabilisers from an F-15 fighter jet.
It also has an extended rear hood, covered rear wheels, lowered ride height and removed front wheel louvres and a closed front bonnet air duct. The car also features Koenigsegg’s deepest and longest ever front splitter.
The track-focused Jesko, at 250 km/h generates 800kg of downforce. That figure rises to 1,000kg at 275km/h before reaching a maximum of 1,400kg. The Absolut isn’t as vicious. The omission of the rear wing cuts downforce from 1,400kg to just 150kg. That is a huge drop in downforce and so to counter it, the rear of the Absolut is extended by 85mm for added stability at high speeds.
Because less downforce is generated, engineers were able to soften the suspension slightly, which means the Absolut does without its front Triplex dampers. This also means a more comfortable ride and more space for luggage and stowing the roof. The Absolut still uses very long double wishbones – which are more akin to Formula One than road cars – and adjustable dampers with electronically-controlled ride height capability.
“Both variants of the Jesko lean heavily on the pedigree of previous record-breaking Koenigsegg models. Their consumption of power, aerodynamics, chassis dynamics and high technology in general will set new standards in the Megacar industry for years to come” said the Swedish marque.
For more information and for the best deal on your next brand-new car, please visit our Showroom.
