The Jesko is one of the latest in Koenigsegg’s spectacular supercar lineup. Featuring all-new components, such as a redesigned twin-turbo V8 and a new transmission, it can make up to 1600hp on E85 fuel. The Jesko’s design places a focus on lightness, from its carbon fiber monocoque to lightweight pistons and connecting rods. Koenigsegg manages to achieve incredible torsional rigidity even with the use of light components.
This luxury supercar is projected to cost around $3 million, justified by the multitude of innovative technologies in its construction. It serves as the successor to the Agera, which achieved a record-breaking top speed of 284mph in 2017. The Jesko and its track-focused counterpart, Jesko Absolut, are estimated to reach speeds surpassing 300mph. Let’s take an in-depth look at the Jesko and its feature-rich construction.
The Jesko Will Have A Top Speed Above 300MPH
The new Koenigsegg supercar is named after founder Christian von Koenigsegg’s father. Jesko von Koenigsegg played a critical role in founding the company and continues to be an integral part of it today. The exterior color scheme of white and green is dedicated to the team colors of the Koenigsegg stables, where Jesko was a jockey. The 25th anniversary of the automaker had a timely correspondence with Jesko's 80th birthday.
Its engine is redesigned from that of the Agera, machined to be lighter and even more powerful. Dr. Thomas Johansson, Koenigsegg’s chief engine designer, added connecting rods that weigh a mere 1.19lbs (540g). These lightweight connecting rods help reduce vibration in the 180-degree flat-plane V8, which is milled from “Dievar” Swedish steel.
The supercar is said to make 1600hp on E85 in some markets and 1280hp on standard fuel. It is engineered for a redline of 8500rpm, significantly higher than figures such as the 6,900rpm redline on the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. The twin-turbochargers are pre-spooled using a burst of air with a pressure of approximately 20 bar, effectively reducing the infamous turbo lag.
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Koenigsegg made some impressive design choices when creating the Jesko. One of their newest innovations is the Light Speed Transmission (LST), a successor to the Direct Drive System seen in the Agera RS. This technology drastically reduces shift times in comparison to a traditional dual-clutch transmission.
Innovative Engineering And Performance
Maximum acceleration is achieved through the Ultimate Power on Demand (UPOD) system, which is able to select the ideal gear regardless of its distance from the current gear. It can achieve a near-instantaneous downshift from 7th to 4th gear, skipping the intermediate gears for rapid response.
Driven by consumer preferences, Jesko offers both a paddle and stick shifter to manage the LST system. With their proprietary designs, Koenigsegg has achieved a transmission that is 50% smaller than the previous iteration. “Minimization of weight lies at the heart of the Koenigsegg philosophy and the Koenigsegg LST is no exception”, said the company. The 9-speed LST weighs in at approximately 198.4lbs (90kg).
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Koenigsegg didn’t stop at the invention of a new engine and transmission. They have also outfitted the Jesko with two new aluminum and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Jesko is also designed for aerodynamics and incorporates Triplex suspension with a downforce surpassing 2200lbs. The Triplex system incorporates a third shock-mounted horizontally above the engine to minimize squatting under aggressive acceleration. The suspension is electronically adjustable and the shocks are manufactured by Swedish partner Öhlins.
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Aesthetic Features & Costs
The white metallic paint coating the Jesko’s exterior is practically lucent and conveys principles of simplified elegance. “It’s both humble and assertive, but not angry”, said Joachim Nordwall, Jesko Design Director. Carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb form the monocoque. Certain structural elements are reinforced by Dyneema fiber. This is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber that claims a strength 15 times that of steel. The body itself is also designed to be both lightweight and high-strength, using carbon fiber and Kevlar.
Typical luxury options are available for the Jesko’s interior, which uses materials such as leather, Alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber. A racing-type steering wheel is accompanied by the SmartCluster screen, which facilitates infotainment with haptic touch controls. Electronic stability control and traction control systems offer Wet, Normal, and Track settings. It features small upgrades in the company’s dihedral synchro-helix doors, which allow the portals to open without compromising space.
The Jesko sold out quickly after its announcement at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. All 125 models were sold at $3 million each. “The new Koenigsegg Jesko is the highest volume production run we’ve ever planned”, said Christian von Koenigsegg; “For it to have sold out within days of its unveiling is both humbling and a wonderful testament to the outstanding crew we have at Koenigsegg.” Customers were able to order the Jesko in versions geared for either track or top speed.
Sources: Koenigsegg, Motor1
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