Presented by RM Sotheby’s –
KOENIGSEGG VS. THE WORLD
The idea of building one’s own supercar to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren would generally be considered ludicrous, what with the monumental strides these companies have made in automotive technology and performance over the past decades. How could one man’s vision compete with such established sporting pedigree and record-setting engineering?
From time to time, however, someone does indeed attempt such a feat and, on even rarer occasions, succeeds brilliantly. Such is the case with the Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg. Christian von Koenigsegg created his supercar company in 1994; his aspiration was to build nothing short of the greatest supercar in history. Over the next three years, with help from a small but highly skilled group, a prototype was constructed using a radical carbon fiber tub and a litany of automotive engineering firsts. This car, named the Koenigsegg CC (Competition Coupé), was first publicly displayed at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, and the reaction from public and press alike was overwhelming. Confident his cars would find buyers, Christian left Cannes with nothing other than production on his mind.
Over the course of the past 26 years, the Koenigsegg name has become nigh synonymous with absolute mechanical absurdity. Hollow carbon fiber wheels capable of speeds over 280 mph? Koenigsegg. 3-D printed turbochargers? Koenigsegg. A single-state torque converter able to handle over 1,400 lb ft of torque? Koenigsegg. What about a hybrid-drive motor pushing over 1500 horsepower? Koenigsegg has figured that out as well.
From speed records to innovative patents, each subsequent Koenigsegg product has triggered worldwide astonishment; this 2019 Koenigsegg Regera is quite possibly the most outrageous exhibition of automotive technology ever offered for sale to the public.
THE REGERA
The Regera’s concept form was first unveiled to the world at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. One year later, the heavily tweaked production version made its debut at the same venue. The Regera retains Koenigsegg’s most distinctive design feature, a pair of Dihedral Synchro-helix doors, which open both outwards and upwards in a unique fashion to improve egress and ingress in close quarters. Another unique build characteristic is the car’s convertible top. Thanks to the inherent structural rigidity of the car’s carbon fiber monocoque, the roof can be removed, turning the car into one of the fastest convertibles ever produced. Even more incredible is that the top can be securely stowed away in one piece in the car’s nose, allowing for the roof to be kept with the car at all times. Though it clearly utilizes an evolution of Koenigsegg’s distinctive aesthetics, materials, and construction, the Regera is, in truth, quite a step forward.
The Regera’s most revolutionary innovations lie within its hybrid-drive powertrain. Aptly named the “Koenigsegg Direct Drive” system, the Regera’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine produces over 1,000 horsepower thanks to a pair of 3-D printed variable turbochargers and patented exhaust system which altogether removes turbo lag. An 800-volt battery system utilizing F1-derived technology is mounted aft of the engine and mated to Koenigsegg’s “Hydro-coup” torque converter—a remarkable and unique single-state drive mechanism which replaces the need for a gearbox. Finally, a supplemental trio of electric motors mounted on each drive shaft (one main, one on each rear half-axle shaft) are programmed to smooth out power delivery at low engine speeds, providing an additional 700 horsepower for use across the Regera’s already-staggering power band. At the time of cataloging, the Regera holds the world record for 0-250 mph-0, executed in an alarmingly agile 31.49 seconds.
CHASSIS NUMBER 175
This Regera offered here is the 175th Koenigsegg chassis produced, and one of just 80 Regeras built between 2016 and 2020. Like all Koenigsegg chassis, it is a unique, alluring, and absolutely extreme creation. Chassis 175 is the first Regera offered to the public via auction; there is no other chassis exactly like it, and as such, it is unlikely to be mirrored in the public marketplace anytime soon.
Delivered new to Lake Forest Sports Cars of Chicago, Illinois, it is clad in Crystal White over a bespoke interior; both exterior and interior are enriched by a magnificent bevy of optional “clear” carbon fiber finishes. Furthermore, the exterior “Speedster” graphics package is specifically finished with a healthy volume of 24 karat gold leaf detail, slung with dramatic effect across the front splitter. Chassis 175 sits upon a staggered set of Tresex pattern “Aircore” wheels which utilize Koenigsegg’s innovative hand-laid, multi-lam, pre-impregnated carbon fiber construction to provide ultimate grip and unrivaled weight savings. The Tresex pattern is a more recent structural improvement upon earlier multi-spoke Aircore wheels provided to Koenigsegg models. Overall, the accompanying scan of Chassis 175’s original window sticker illustrates over $217,000 USD of optional and bespoke equipment.
In July of 2020, the consignor treated Chassis 175 to a full exterior protective regimen executed by noted specialists at Protective Film Solutions in Santa Ana, California; an XPEL Ultimate Clear Bra was applied to the entire exterior, with additional protection provided to the rear diffuser and front windshield. Chassis 175 is presently offered for sale with all its original accoutrements, as well as service records and original window sticker.
This vehicle will be offered at RM Sotheby’s 22nd annual Arizona sale, kicking off its 2021 auction calendar at the OTTO Car Club on Friday, 22 January. It will join approximately 80 blue-chip motor cars, and the sale will be a live event with limited attendance; online and phone bidding options are available by contacting RM Sotheby’s.
