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A RIGHT BRUISER

Ever thought how tough a super car has to be to withstand all that power being channelled through its chassis?And for a car to chase the world at 241mph doesn`t it feel a bit scary being a soft bodied creature taken along for the ride?

The Koenigsegg CCX has already shown who`s boss by throwing Top Gear`s infamous Stig in to the tyre walls in a bit of an Alfa male tassle. Its older brother the CCR also took on the McLaren F1 and beat its record of 231mph to become the fastest production model in 2005. There is one thing that has attempted to quash its self-assured attitude and that`s the Bugatti Veyron who stormed in to the runnings soon after the CCR`s moment of glory to clock 252mph.

Never the less the CCX model which marks the company`s 10th anniversary is in no way bowing down to pressure. It knows it has a unique place in the evolutionary world of cars and no hot shot is going to make it extinct. This stems from the Koenigsegg`s new organic values which form the bedrock of the company.
Whereas before Koenigsegg were content on buying in a stock Ford Mustang V8 block and adding their own components, it has now developed its own block in-house for the CCX.
It took quite a few boffins to develop an engine which met Californian emission laws but that also still had a high compression ratio. They did however manage it and the CCX happily runs on standard octane fuel. There were also questions over its safety which meant that new body panels were used to lengthen the new model. The front end of the Koenigsegg has also been revised, its new scoop ensures that the super car`s occupants don`t get too hot under the collar and the engine`s cooling system is also more advanced. Its revised undertray enhances its aerodynamics and the optional carbon fibre spoiler makes the ride a bit less hairy due to its stabilising attributes although it cuts the top speed to 230mph.

The main structural design consists of a mid-mounted engine bolted on to the chassis this is then cocooned in a carbon fibre body. The monocoque cabin also features aluminium honeycomb which is a kind of super-rigid protective cage around the driver. Inspired by Aerospace technology and its super efficient materials the Koenigsegg is a light weight 1180kg while also having a body that is five times stronger than the same weight of steel. The secret is an autoclave which heats up the carbonfibre parts under vacuum pressure so they are tough enough to withstand a collision. Despite its ballsy attitude even the Koenigsegg has to bow down to the forces of nature to some degree.
The Swedish built car is a rather more menacing looking than some of Italy`s glamourous Ferrari`s and Lamborghini`s. The Koenigsegg is unlikely to be a mainstream household name that will appeal to Entrepeneurs and socialites alike as it hasn`t got the same flamboyancy. Its cabin is pure race-bred with its pod dials, sporty Sparco seats and tall aluminium gearstick. Its centre console is elaborate, unique and stylish but in a very scientific way. Much like the monocoque`s aviation influence, the buttons look like they belong on a control pad. The CCX looks more like an elaborate missile than a motorcar and having a relationship with it require`s the diplomacy skills a zooligist. You`ll certainly look like a baboon climbing in and out and it wouldn`t win a contests for its rear visibility either.

In fairness though, it`s not the kind of car you look back out of though is it? Let`s face it, you`ll hardly be expecting cars to be passing you in the outside lane. Not with 800bhp packed in to its compact frame. Off the line you`ll be gone before anyone`s read the badge on your rear, just 3.2 seconds and you`re tuneful supercharged V8 is cruising at 60mph. The Koenigsegg`s zero to 100mph is a searingly dramatic 7.7 seconds but reaching the 150mph mark from standstill is a disapointing 2.8 seconds slower than the McLaren F1 which can sail off in to the distance in only 12.8 seconds.
The ultimate super car will always be up for debate because it’s about the experience rather than figures on paper, one things for sure though the Koenigsegg puts up a pretty good fight.

Verdict

FOR: Being one of the most exclusive, fear inducing machines on the planet.
AGAINST: Inaccessible entry, lack of visibility, running costs.
CONCLUSION: We love the intricate details of the Koenigsegg CCX like the way you can see through to the supercharged V8 engine and the way the carbon fibre fits its body like a single sheet of satin. The capsule-like monocoque has the powerful connotations of a fighter-jet and its wide ground shaking rear is fitting to the way it aggressively bolts off the line. It has carved out its own niche in the market and is clearly a real enthusiast’s car rather than an expression of wealth.

Spec

ENGINE: 4.7L twin supercharged DOHC
POWER: 806 hp (601 kW) @ 6,900 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 678 lb ft (920 Nm) @ 5,700 rpm
0-60mph (sec): 3.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 241mph
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed gearbox by Cima. Torque sensitive, limited slip differential.
SUSPENSION: Double wishbones, adjustable Racing gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Anti-roll bar. Electronically adjustable ride height.
BRAKES: Ventilated discs Ø 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6 piston light alloy callipers. Power assisted. Koenigsegg Advanced Control System.
WHEELS: Koenigsegg magnesium alloy wheels with centre locking.
TYRES: Michelin Pilot Sport 2
WEIGHT: 1180kg
PRICE: €510,000 or $644,589
RIVALS: McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari Enzo