The Koenigsegg Regera was introduced in concept shape at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show to a rousing reception. And a year on, we get to see it in production form for all to see at the same event. Some may not be able to tell the difference as concept reaches production-ready form but in actual fact Koenigsegg has evolved the tech-laden hypercar following an intense period of development, testing and homologation.
So extensive was this development period, in fact, that over 3,000 changes were made to the concept vehicle. The weight savings achieved resulted in a kerb weight – complete with all water, oils and fuel – of just 1590kg. Dry weight is 1470kg.
The patent-pending Koenigsegg Direct Drive system was the biggest challenge in the Regera development process, but it has also provided the biggest rewards. This is brand new technology that eliminates the weight, complexity and mechanical losses that come with a traditional gearbox. The end result is seamless, effortless driving that features blistering acceleration unlike any other car.
Enhancements made to the Direct Drive system makes the Regera even more revolutionary than first envisioned.
Koenigsegg has developed a clutch-slip mechanism that uses the hydraulic coupling to convert torque at medium/high speeds during fast acceleration. Shift paddles remain on either side of the steering wheel. The left paddle is used to enhance the regenerative braking effect in recharging the battery pack. The right paddle is used to activate the hydraulic coupling’s ‘downshift’ operation.
The battery pack is a first too – it is an 800 volt, 4.5kWh unit, making the Regera the world’s first 800V production car. This extreme battery technology will now provide an amazing 525kW of discharge and up to 200kW of recharge.
Thus, with its 1500+hp output and 2000+ of torque, the Regera is said to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, while 0-200 km/h is achieved in just 6.6 seconds. But why stop there? Hitting 400 km/h from rest takes 20 seconds. In gear acceleration from 150 km/h to 250 km/h is just 3.9 seconds away.
Unique to this self-sufficient company, components such as wheels, brake callipers, engine and transmission management systems are all designed, engineered and build in-house Koenigsegg. The same can be said of the unique DirectDrive unit.
Sure, the car looks great but the visual feast even goes to how the dihedral synchrohelix door actuation system operates. A function the company calls Autoskin allow the driver to open the doors and front and rear hoods remotely using a hydraulic system. Additionally, proximity sensors fitted at the doors and wing mirrors safeguard the doors against striking nearby objects such as a low roof or kerbs while opening or closing.
Parking this car must also be quite a problem, but Koenigsegg has that sorted with various cameras that enable a bird’s eye view of the car while manoeuvring in confined areas.
