That is why the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut will exceed 500 km/h

Everything that, on paper, it takes to become the fastest road-legal car in the world, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolute has, and it could beat the current speed record and exceed… 530 km/h!

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut was destined to be one of the most admired cars at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. And although the event never took place due to the coronavirus epidemic, it has been the star among all the new models unveiled virtually.

But the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut continues to generate interest and information. Understandably so: this is the version of the Koenigsegg Jesko designed to take the spotlight from cars like the Bugatti Chiron, which set the road-legal speed record by reaching 490 km/h in an aerodynamically optimised version.

Christian von Koenigsegg casually threw out his remarks, claiming that with the Absolute they could exceed 500 km/h. And now there are even those talking about 530 km/h. But, what does the Jesko Absolute have that the Jesko it is based on does not? In what way is the Jesko Absolute better than the Bugatti Chiron when it comes to breaking a record like this?

1.- Power-to-weight ratio

The Absolute’s engine has not been modified. The 1,600 CV generated by the 5-litre V8, capable of revving up to 8,500 rpm and delivering a maximum torque of 1,500 Nm, are on paper sufficient. Work has to be done in other areas.

One of them is improving the power-to-weight ratio… by working on the latter. Koenigsegg has managed to cut the final weight by 30 kg, which is not bad at all when we are talking about an already light car. The Jesko Absolute comes in at 1,395 kg. For reference, the Bugatti approaches two tonnes with its 1,995 kg. The transmission is maintained through a 9-speed gearbox with seven clutches. Although this is not a determining factor, what is decisive is that it is super-light: just 90 kg, including fluids.

Here, when it comes to top speed, the Chiron also pays a price against the Jesko for its four-wheel drive, compared with the Koenigsegg’s rear-wheel drive. You know: the more friction to overcome, the worse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=164&v=gkmjOR55DwU&feature=emb_logo

2.- Aerodynamics: a matter of Cd… and downforce

The second key, which could well be the first, has to do with aerodynamics. Placed side by side, it may seem that the changes are centred on the rear spoiler and little more. But there are many small differences that allow the Jesko Absolute to reduce the Cd from 0.28 to 0.278. It may seem little, but to give you an idea, the Bugatti Chiron sits at 0.36… 30% higher!

What has changed? Well, the enormous rear wing is gone, while keeping two vertical stabilisers. The rear wheels feature special fairings, fitted with slightly narrower tyres.

What matters here is reducing as much as possible the aerodynamic load that keeps the car pressed to the ground in corners, the so-called “downforce”. Remember that the aim is not to build a car capable of achieving high cornering speeds, but the maximum possible speed on a straight.

For this reason, the Absolute also features a slightly softer suspension setup. But the wing is the real key: the downforce the Jesko can generate drops from 1,400 kg at 250 km/h to just 150 kg on the Absolute. Undoubtedly a significant reduction in order to decrease drag.

3.- Tyres: backed by Michelin

If anyone can take on the challenge of making tyres capable of exceeding 500 km/h on a road-legal car, it is clearly Michelin. It has been the tyre manufacturer chosen so far by Bugatti. It is also the brand with which the Koenigsegg Agera RS set the previous speed record, reaching 457 km/h in the Nevada desert.

Koenigsegg has already hinted that, following the record set by the Agera RS, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres ran for a minute without problems at over 500 km/h. It must be taken into account that to withstand the forces generated at such speeds, tyres with special characteristics are required. And Michelin’s competition experience is fundamental in this field.

It seems, therefore, that the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolute has everything it needs to dethrone the Bugatti Chiron and its 490 km/h. Engineering Explained has ventured a series of mathematical calculations suggesting a possible speed of… 533 km/h! You can see the explanation in this video (in English).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=LJIFgG-dTKQ&feature=emb_logo

The only thing left is to choose the right place to attempt the record. Because the 8.7 km of the Ehra-Lessien test track, where the Bugatti Chiron driven by Andy Wallace achieved 490.5 km/h, could fall far short. And the asphalt of the public road section closed to traffic for the Agera RS record in 2018 does not seem the most suitable for an endeavour of this calibre.

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut image gallery