Celebrating 30 years of Koenigsegg - a journey like no other - let's honor this monumental milestone in the automotive world and explore the fascinating history of this extraordinary Swedish company.
1994 - Koenigsegg Automotive is born
At just 22 years old, Christian von Koenigsegg founded Koenigsegg Automotive on August 12, 1994. A classic David versus Goliath story unfolded, featuring a young man with no experience in car manufacturing and limited funds. Driven by a profound passion for ultimate performance, he set out to create the world's greatest sports car.
1996 - The first drive
After nearly two years in development, Koenigsegg's concept vehicle, the 'CC,' made its public debut in 1996 at the Anderstorp race track. Driven by Rickard Rydell, the vehicle also saw testing by other race-car drivers, including Picko Troberg and Calle Rosenblad. The concept performed spectacularly, marking a successful introduction of Koenigsegg to potential buyers.
1997 - Success at Cannes
The Koenigsegg CC prototype was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered immediate success. Positive test results from earlier trials, coupled with extensive media coverage at Cannes, propelled the company forward, paving the way for the creation of a finished product.
1998 - A new home in the South-West
In 1998, Koenigsegg relocated from their original workshop in the southeastern coastal town of Olofström to a new facility in the southwestern town of Margretetorp.
2000 - Motor show debut in Paris
The first Koenigsegg production prototype, the Koenigsegg CC8S, made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2000. This prototype, which would later serve as the test and crash-test car, enabled Koenigsegg to homologate vehicles for sale. It featured an early version of the 655 hp Koenigsegg engine that would eventually be used in customer cars.
2002 - Koenigsegg CC8S
The first CC8S, short for Competition Coupe V8 Supercharged, was built in 2002 and unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003. Its minimalist and clean styling set it apart from its peers, laying the foundation for every subsequent Koenigsegg in terms of aesthetics, philosophy, and functionality. The CC8S earned a Guinness World Record in 2002 for having the world's most powerful production engine and also received a Red Dot Design Award the same year. Only six examples of the CC8S were produced, making it one of the rarest Koenigsegg models ever, with two of those six cars being right-hand drive.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2003 - Fire!
The Koenigsegg factory in Margretetorp was housed in a heritage building with a thatched roof. While charming, the roof was highly susceptible to fire. In February 2003, just two weeks before the scheduled unveiling of the CC8S at the Geneva Motor Show, a fire broke out. Fortunately, some staff members were present on that Saturday and managed to save vehicles and tooling from the flames. Unfortunately, many of the company's earliest records were lost in the fire.
2004 - Koenigsegg CCR unveild
The Koenigsegg CCR, an evolution of the CC8S, was produced between 2004 and 2006, with only 14 examples made. The CCR featured an upgraded body design with a larger front splitter, a rear wing, larger brakes, wheels, and tires, as well as an enhanced chassis and suspension setup. It also boasted a more powerful twin-supercharged engine, delivering an impressive 806 hp.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2004 - World's most powerful production car
In 2004, the Koenigsegg CCR surpassed the Guinness World Record for 'Most Powerful Engine,' a title previously held by the Koenigsegg CC8S since 2002. The CCR's uprated engine increased its total output by more than 150 hp, reaching an impressive 806 hp.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2005 - World's fastet car
At the start of 2005, the McLaren F1 held the title of the world's fastest car, boasting a top speed of 386.4 km/h set in 1998. In February 2005, Koenigsegg took the CCR to the Nardo test track in Italy, aiming to break this record. After a week of testing without success, the CCR finally achieved a new top speed of 387.86 km/h on the last day. The record-setting car was then quickly packed up and shipped directly to the Geneva Motor Show, arriving just in time for the event.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2006 - Koenigsegg CCX
Though the Koenigsegg CCX bears a resemblance to its predecessor, the CCR, it represents more than just an evolution. While it maintained the hallmark Koenigsegg features - a mid-mounted V8 engine, a carbon fiber monocoque, and a removable roof - the CCX was an entirely new design. Slightly larger and built from scratch with global homologation in mind, it met all international safety and emissions standards. Notably, the CCX was also the first Koenigsegg model to be offered for sale in the United States.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2006 - Top Gear test track CCX record
The performance of the CCX was most vividly showcased on the popular BBC motoring show, Top Gear. In 2006, the CCX set a record on the show's test track, a benchmark that stood unbeaten by any production car worldwide for the next seven years. Additionally, the CCX achieved a Top Gear top speed record in 2006, reaching an impressive 196 mph.
2007 - Koenigsegg CCXR
In 2007, Koenigsegg introduced the world’s first ‘green’ supercar with the debut of the CCXR. This innovative model elevated Koenigsegg’s renowned twin-supercharged V8 by incorporating a flex-fuel sensor and hardware, enabling the car to run on regular gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol), or any blend between the two. The CCXR's use of E85 fuel boosted its output to an astounding 1,018 hp, setting a new record at the time. Additionally, the CCXR showcased Koenigsegg’s advanced Chrono instrument cluster, combining cutting-edge safety features with sleek design. A special variant of the CCXR, designed to run on E100 fuel, was distinguished by a blue ‘R’ badge on its side flank, as opposed to the standard green.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2007 - Koenigsegg CCGT
At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg unveiled the CCGT race car. Designed as a parallel project with aspirations for the GT1 class at Le Mans, the CCGT featured a naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 600 hp and weighed just under 1,000 kg. Its performance in testing was promising, suggesting strong competitiveness. Unfortunately, Koenigsegg’s racing ambitions were thwarted when the FIA revised the GT1 class regulations, mandating higher minimum production numbers that Koenigsegg could not meet.
2008 - Koenigsegg CCX and CCXR Editions
At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, Koenigsegg introduced the CCX ‘Edition’ and CCXR ‘Edition’ models. These special editions featured a striking clear-carbon body, unique 11-spoke wheels, custom aerodynamics, and a finely tuned suspension to enhance the already exceptional handling of the CCX and CCXR. The CCX Edition saw a modest increase in horsepower to 888 hp, while the CCXR Edition maintained its impressive 1,018 hp. A total of four CCXR Editions were produced, alongside just two CCX Editions.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2008 - CCX speed records
In 2008, the Koenigsegg CCX set a series of new speed records with Horst von Saurma, editor of Sport Auto magazine, at the helm. The CCX established a new benchmark for the 0-300-0 km/h performance, achieving the feat in just 29.2 seconds - a time that remains impressive, as many high-performance vehicles today still struggle to reach 300 km/h within that timeframe, let alone complete the braking segment. Additionally, the CCX accelerated from 0-200 km/h in an impressive 9.3 seconds.
2009 - Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
In September 2009, Koenigsegg unveiled a highly exclusive limited edition: the CCXR ‘Trevita’. This model featured a unique, proprietary white carbon fiber weave, specially developed for this edition. The name "Trevita," meaning "three whites" in Swedish, initially signified an intention to produce three units. However, only two Trevitas were ultimately built, making it as rare and exclusive as the CCX Edition and CCXR Special Edition, each marking one of the most limited runs in Koenigsegg's history.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2009 - Koenigsegg CCXR Special Edition
The CCXR Special Edition was created as a grand farewell to the CCX range before the launch of the Agera. This model showcased exclusive features, including a distinctive double F1 wing, an all-clear carbon fiber body, Agera-style rear wheel vents, and revised aerodynamics. It also introduced Koenigsegg’s first paddle-shift transmission and a new touchscreen infotainment system. As a high-spec transitional model between the CCX and Agera, the CCXR Special Edition remains exceptionally rare, with only two units ever produced.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2010 - Koenigsegg Agera
The name "Agera," which means "to take action," perfectly embodies the spirit of Koenigsegg’s 2010 release. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Agera represented a bold leap forward for the brand. It introduced a modernized interior featuring Koenigsegg's innovative 'ghost' lighting system and new VGR wheels designed to channel heat away from the brakes. The Agera also marked a significant shift from twin-supercharging to twin-turbocharging. Koenigsegg redesigned the exhaust system to nearly eliminate turbo lag, unlocking impressive power while maintaining a compact and lightweight engine. With 960 horsepower and over 1,100 Nm of torque, the Agera was more than equipped to "take action" on demand. Its groundbreaking performance earned it the Top Gear Hypercar of the Year award in 2010.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2011 - Koenigsegg Agera R
By 2011, after four years of refining its ethanol fuel technology, Koenigsegg naturally extended this innovation to the Agera, giving rise to the Agera R. This new model was designed to run on a range of fuels, from 95 octane pump gas to E100 biofuel. While it delivered 960 horsepower on standard 95 octane, the Agera R's output soared to an astonishing 1,140 horsepower with E85 or E100, accompanied by 1,200 Nm of torque.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2011 - Agera R 0-300-0 km/h record
In 2008, the Koenigsegg CCX achieved a remarkable 0-300-0 km/h time of 29.2 seconds, a benchmark that remained impressive even by today’s standards. By 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R demonstrated the company's rapid advancement, clocking an astonishing 21.19 seconds for the same run. This represented a significant 8-second improvement over the CCX and set a new standard well ahead of its competitors.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2012 - Koenigsegg Agera S
In 2012, Koenigsegg introduced the Agera S to cater to markets where the biofuels used to maximize output in the Agera R were unavailable. With updated engine mapping and hardware, the Agera S became the first Koenigsegg model to exceed 1,000 hp on regular 95-octane gasoline, achieving a peak output of 1,040 hp. This model also marked the debut of Koenigsegg’s AirCore hollow carbon fiber wheels, which were 40% lighter than traditional alloy wheels. This significant reduction in unsprung weight improved both acceleration and handling. Koenigsegg was the pioneer in offering carbon fiber wheels on factory-built cars and remains the only OEM producing its own carbon fiber wheels in-house.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2014 - Koenigsegg One:1
The One:1 made history as the world’s first production car to achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. By trimming around 100 kg from the Agera R, the One:1 achieved a curb weight of 1,360 kg to match its 1,360 hp twin-turbo V8 engine running on E85 fuel. At its launch, the One:1 was the most extreme Koenigsegg ever created, featuring blistering acceleration and an astounding 2g of lateral grip.
Key features of the One:1 include track-optimized aero winglets, extended venturi tunnels, side splitters, a Le Mans-inspired top-mounted active rear wing, and active under-trim air management. It also boasts large air vents for enhanced cooling, a roof air scoop, an 8,250 rpm rev limit, custom Michelin Cup tires, and upgraded rear Triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs, active shock absorbers, and ride height management. In 2015, the One:1 set lap records at Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka Circuit. A total of six customer cars were produced, along with one factory development car.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2015 - Koenigsegg Regera debut
At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg unveiled a groundbreaking new model: the Regera. This revolutionary hypercar combined three electric motors with a potent twin-turbo V8 and a lightweight, high-performance battery pack to deliver over 1,500 hp. Remarkably, the Regera has no traditional gearbox; instead, it employs Koenigsegg’s innovative Direct Drive system. This setup uses the electric motors to launch the car, with the combustion engine kicking in from around 30 km/h and above. The transition between electric and combustion power is both smooth and seamless, offering exceptional performance and unparalleled comfort. In total, Koenigsegg produced 80 Regeras.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2015 - Koenigsegg Agera RS
At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, Koenigsegg introduced the Agera RS. This model built upon the extreme capabilities of the One:1, but with a focus on delivering a more comfortable yet still thrilling road and track experience. The Agera RS boasted Koenigsegg’s highest output at the time when running on regular 95-octane gasoline, producing 1,160 hp. It was a technological marvel, incorporating advanced aerodynamics, stability management, and active suspension settings - all managed and updated via Koenigsegg’s in-house cloud system. Fully homologated for global sale, the Agera RS was produced in a limited run of 25 units.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2015 - One:1 0-300-0 km/h
In 2008, the Koenigsegg CCX completed the 0-300-0 km/h run in 29.2 seconds. By 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R had significantly improved this time, achieving the run in 21.19 seconds. However, in July 2015, the Koenigsegg One:1 set a new benchmark by reducing the time to an astonishing 17.95 seconds. This record-breaking performance tested both acceleration and braking capabilities, showcasing a dramatic leap in speed and control.
2016 - Koenigsegg Agera Final edition
Koenigsegg celebrated the conclusion of the Agera model line with a grand finale: the limited edition Agera Final. Only three Agera Final models were produced, each based on the Agera RS but featuring unparalleled levels of customization. Clients had the opportunity to select any options from Koenigsegg's catalog at no extra cost, and the company also collaborated with each customer to create unique aerodynamic features tailored exclusively for their vehicle. The Agera Final represents the pinnacle of the Agera philosophy. The first of these models, named the One of One, was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The remaining two Agera Final editions were completed at the close of the Agera RS production run.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2017 - Highest top speed record for the Agera RS
On November 4, 2017, the Koenigsegg Agera RS set five new world records for a production car in Pahrump, Nevada. Driven by factory driver Niklas Lilja, the Agera RS achieved the highest top speed for a production vehicle, reaching an average of 447.19 km/h (277.87 mph) over two runs in opposite directions. On the same day, the Agera RS also set a new benchmark for the 0-400-0 km/h run, completing it in 33.29 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 36.44 seconds set in Denmark just a month earlier. The car recorded the highest average speed for a flying kilometer on a public road, with an average of 445.63 km/h, and also set a new record for the flying mile at 444.76 km/h. Additionally, the Agera RS achieved the highest single-direction speed on a public road, clocking in at 457.94 km/h (284.55 mph).
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2019 - Koenigsegg Jesko
The Koenigsegg Jesko was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Named in honor of Jesko von Koenigsegg, the father of company Founder and CEO Christian von Koenigsegg, the Jesko succeeded the Agera RS as the premier track-focused, road-legal car for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of performance. The Jesko is powered by a newly engineered 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 1280 bhp on regular gasoline and up to 1600 bhp on E85. It features the innovative 9-speed Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission and boasts advanced aerodynamics, generating up to 1400 kg of downforce. Combined with active rear-wheel steering, the Jesko offers superior cornering, enhanced maneuverability, improved steering feedback, greater grip, and increased driver confidence.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2019 - Koenigsegg Regera 0-400-0 km/h record
On September 23, 2019, at the Råda military airfield nestled deep in the Swedish forests, Koenigsegg set a new world record for the 0-400-0 km/h run. The Koenigsegg Regera completed the challenge in just 31.49 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by the Agera RS in 2017 by 1.8 seconds. The record-setting drive was accomplished by Koenigsegg factory driver Sonny Persson.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2020 - Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Unveiled in 2020, the Jesko Absolut is poised to be the fastest Koenigsegg ever produced. With an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd and aerodynamics finely tuned for high-speed stability, the Jesko Absolut is designed to be a land-based rocket, set on achieving unprecedented speeds and breaking records.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2020 - Koenigsegg Gemera
First unveiled as a concept in 2020, the Gemera marked the debut of Koenigsegg's Mega-GT and their first four-seater model. Limited to just 300 units, the Gemera combines a spacious interior for four with groundbreaking hybrid powertrains. Initially introduced with the innovative 'Tiny Friendly Giant' (TFG) engine and Koenigsegg’s Direct Drive system from the Regera, the Gemera later evolved to feature the company’s first Hot-Vee V8 engine and the new Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission in the 2023 Client Specification version.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2022 - Hypercar of the year
The Koenigsegg Jesko was honored as the 2022 Top Gear Awards Hypercar of the Year, recognized for its exceptional design, performance, craftsmanship, and advanced technology.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2022 - Koenigsegg CC850
To mark the 20th anniversary of the CC8S, the Koenigsegg CC850 was unveiled at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. This modern reinterpretation of the original CC8S incorporates advanced features like the Engage Shift System and the Gen 2 Chronocluster. The CC850 celebrates two milestones: two decades of Koenigsegg vehicle production and the 50th birthday of the company's founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg. A total of 70 units will be produced.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2023 - Gripen Atelier grand opening
The Gripen Atelier adds 10,000 square meters of dedicated space for development, design, production, offices, and showroom, expanding Koenigsegg's total footprint in Ängelholm to 30,000 square meters. Its opening marks a historic moment for the Swedish automotive industry, representing the first new factory built in Sweden in 50 years.
2024 - Koenigsegg Regera 0-400-0 km/h record
The Koenigsegg Regera reclaimed its title as the world record holder for both 0-400-0 km/h and 0-250-0 mph, achieving remarkable times of 28.81 seconds for the km/h run and 29.60 seconds for the mph run.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
2023 - Production spec Gemera
In July 2023, the Koenigsegg Gemera was unveiled in its production form. The Client Specification version showcased groundbreaking technologies and expanded powertrain options. The Dark Matter e-motor replaced the previous trio of smaller e-motors, while the Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission introduced a new powertrain option, four-wheel drive, and four-wheel torque vectoring—an industry first for Koenigsegg. Additionally, the Gemera's Hot-Vee V8 engine elevated it to the status of the world's most powerful fully homologated car, delivering a combined output of 2,300 hp from its internal combustion engine and electric motors.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
Christian von Koenigsegg and his team have achieved remarkable milestones over the past 30 years, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible innovations they will unveil in the future. We also want to spotlight a dedicated Koenigsegg enthusiast, Kenny from KMPhotography, who has commemorated this anniversary with a special feature on the Koenigsegg One:1 owned by Carina Lima. As a true fan, Kenny even has the Ghost emblem tattooed on his arm. For Dutch-speaking fans, be sure to check out Kenny's Koenigsegg Fanbase Nederland page for more insights.
Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!
