Geneva show: Koenigsegg lobs hyper Regera

KOENIGSEGG'S new Regera hybrid hypercar boasts a combined petrol-electric output of more than 1119kW of power and 2000Nm of torque, making it the “fastest accelerating, most powerful production car ever”.

The Swedish niche sportscar-maker tore the covers off its latest brutal beast at this week's Geneva motor show, signalling its intentions in the coupe's Regera moniker, which is Swedish for 'to reign'.

Just 80 examples of the Regera will be hand-built at the company's recently refurbished Angelholm production facility in Sweden, but Koenigsegg said in a release that the number 80 also represents “the principle of domination, control and achievement in Pythagorean Numerology”.

The new model also marks the first the company will produce two models at the same time, as it will be built alongside the Agera.

Koenigsegg's twin-turbo aluminium 5.0-litre V8 powers the 1628kg two-seater, pumping out 821kW and 1250Nm.

That engine is paired with electric power from three electric motors, but don't call the Regera a hybrid, as according to a media release, the company's founder, Christian von Koenigseg,g does not care for the technology.

“As many of you have heard, Christian is not a fan of hybrids, as they are generally compromised when it comes to weight, complexity, cost, packaging and efficiency,” the release said.

“Given this the Regera is not what we at Koenigsegg would call a hybrid, as it does not have the traditional shortcomings of a hybrid. Instead the Regera is a new breed of Koenigsegg – and car for that matter.” Three YASA-developed electric motors – one 180kW/260Nm on each rear wheel and another 160kW/300Nm motor on the crankshaft – supplement the energy from the internal combustion engine and allows for torque vectoring, regenerative braking and “extreme” driver response.

According to Koenigsegg, the electric motors make up the “most powerful electrical motor set-up in production car history”.

A hybrid-specific transmission, invented by the founder and dubbed the Koenigsegg Direct Drive transmission (KDD), directs drive to the rear axle without the need for multiple gears, reducing drivetrain losses by up to 50 per cent when compared with a regular automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A 9.27kWh liquid-cooled battery pack feeds the motors that produce 520kW/820Nm. When paired with the internal combustion engine, the grunt tops out at more than 1119kW and 2000Nm.

Unsurprisingly, the performance figures are jaw-dropping. Zero to 100km/h in a blistering 2.8 seconds, 150-250km/h takes 3.2 seconds, while 0-400km/h is completed in less than 20 seconds. Top speed is said to be more than 450km/h.

The coupe can also be charged via a Type 2, mode 3 charging point, with the plug hiding behind the registration plate at the rear. It also offers 50km of electric-only driving.

All body closures – including the doors, boot and bonnet and more – are automatic, a feat the company says is a world first.

It also features a removable hardtop, making it something of a convertible, while the body is made from carbon-fibre/kevlar and lightweight reinforcements.

A new sub-frame and rear structure allows the engine to rest on soft mounts, which, in everyday driving conditions means engine noise and vibration is isolated, ensuring a calm commute.

Wheels and tyres are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, and other standard gear includes power windows, adjustable pedals and steering column, leather interior, six-way electronically adjustable carbon sports seats, carbon ceramic brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system, leather carpets, power folding wing mirrors and a titanium exhaust system.

The Regera was on shown at Geneva alongside the track-focussed, strictly limited Agera RS.