Sweden's Koenigsegg Supercar Headed for America

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Major revamp to the engine and exhaust means that the CCX retains all of its power, while meeting Californian emissions. Amazing. (Photo: Koenigsegg Automotive AB)

Koenigsegg cars arepowered by the DOHC 4v/cyl V8 engine found in the previous-generation FordMustang, albeit completely rebuilt from the ground up using newcomponents; the CCR's powerplant measures 4.7 litres in displacement,and is boosted by two small Rotrex superchargers. To meet the outlyinggoals, the North American-bound CCX features new cylinder heads withlarger valves for greater airflow, dual fuel injectors per cylinder, anew camshaft, and a new engine management system with different enginetiming. Koenigsegg also fitted a new exhaust system with catalyticconverters that have been placed closer to the engine for an earlierlight-off time. To comply with the lower octane fuel, the engine wasfitted with a unique combustion cooling system, which drops thecombustion temperature significantly, allowing the engine to run on91-octane gasoline thereby preventing the pre-detonation of thegasoline-air mixture which would otherwise result in serious powerloss. As a result of these changes, the car has no loss of powercompared to the European CCR, maintaining the 806-hp and 678 lb-ft oftorque ratings.

Compared to the CCR, the CCX is slightlydifferent in the way that it l

Note the different headlamps, bumpers, lower roof line fog lamps on this European CCR. (Photo: Koenigsegg Automotive AB)

ooks. Its bumpers feature repositionedfog lights, and larger air dams for different but improved aerodynamicproperties, and a glass engine cover allows passers by to admire theengine. Other changes include a 50-mm (2.0-in) rise to the twin bulgeson the roof, which gives the CCX more headroom than any other supercarcurrently on the market, making the cabin comfortable for driverstaller than six feet in height. Another significant interior-relatedimprovement are the new carbon fibre frame seats that have a greaterrange of adjustment, and are available with Swedish Tempur-pedic memoryfoam padding. Overall, the car is 88 mm longer than before, mainly tomeet the front and rear bumper regulations, not to mention the revisedbut longer exhaust system.

Other

Carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fibre wheels are two more additions to the 380 different carbon fibre components already used in the CCR. (Photo: Koenigsegg Automotive AB)

noteworthy changes for theCCX include the industry's first carbon-fibre wheels that save some 3kilos (6.6 lbs) at each corner compared to the standard-equipmentmagnesium wheels, as well as optional 382-mm (15.0-in) front and 362-mm(14.2-in) rear carbon-ceramic disc brakes which save a further 2 kg(4.4 lbs) at each wheel. Overall, when these two options are installed,the Koenigsegg snags the title of the supercar with the world's lowestunsprung weight (mass not directly attached to the chassis).Koenigsegg's engineers also took advantage of the bigger roof bulges toimprove the CCR's ram-air intake system, located in the centralridge between the bulges. The taller roof height gives the system moresuction power, enhancing the unit's effectiveness at supplying theengine with greater amounts of cold, dense air at high speeds.

Atthe time of launch, Koenigsegg did not reveal when the CCX would arrivein America, nor did it release a price tag, but in true supercar styleevery aspect of the car will be built to order, and is sure to costupwards of $400,000 USD (equal to $463,000 CAD). And will it be available in Canada? Due to our even stricter regulations, and the need to crash test one just for our rather diminutive market, it's not likely.

Note: For more images of the CCX, the CCR, and Koenigsegg's first car, the CC8, check out the gallery.