Koenigsegg has cemented its position as a hypercar leader after the Jesko Absolut obliterated the world record for the fastest production car. On June 27th, 2024, at an airfield in Örebro, Sweden, the Jesko Absolut, piloted by factory test driver Markus Lundh, blazed a path to a new record with a staggering top speed of 412.72 km/h (256.45 mph).
This achievement surpasses the previous record of 455.3 km/h (282.9 mph) set by the SSC Tuatara in 2022. Koenigsegg, however, emphasizes that their record holds more weight as it was achieved in a “fully homologated, standard production car,” unlike some competitors.
Aerodynamics for Absolute Speed
The record-breaking feat is a testament to the Jesko Absolut’s meticulously crafted design. The car boasts a streamlined silhouette with a focus on minimal drag. Its coefficient of drag sits at a remarkable 0.278, allowing it to slice through the air with exceptional efficiency at high speeds.
Powerhouse on Four Wheels
At the heart of the Jesko Absolut lies a monstrous 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This beast pumps out a peak output of 1600 horsepower when fueled by E85, making it one of the most powerful production engines ever built. The car remained largely unmodified for the record attempt, with the only changes being a roll cage and a dedicated driver’s seat for safety reasons.
A New Era of Hypercar Performance
Koenigsegg’s record-breaking run with the Jesko Absolut signifies a new chapter in hypercar performance. The car’s ability to achieve such incredible speeds while maintaining its status as a homologated production car is a remarkable feat of engineering. This achievement pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and sets a new standard for the industry.
