Electric Cars

Koenigsegg has unveiled its latest automotive marvel, the CCGT1, a hypercar designed to blur the lines between road-legal luxury and track-ready aggression. This extraordinary vehicle, a tribute to the unfulfilled racing ambitions of the original CCGT, draws inspiration from the CC850 and is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance. With a formidable twin-turbo V8 engine capable of producing up to 1,600 horsepower, coupled with groundbreaking aerodynamic features and an innovative transmission system, the CCGT1 has already captivated the market, with all 70 units sold out mere hours after its debut at Monterey Car Week.

The lineage of the CCGT1 traces back to the early 2000s, when Christian von Koenigsegg, the visionary founder, meticulously studied GT1 racing regulations. His initial prototypes were crafted with the foresight of transforming them into formidable race cars. This ambition culminated in the CCGT, a prototype featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine generating approximately 600 horsepower, paired with rear-wheel drive and a magnesium sequential gearbox. The vehicle's lightweight construction, around 2,205 pounds, and projected downforce exceeding 1,323 pounds, hinted at its immense potential. However, a sudden shift in FIA GT1 regulations, imposing production volume requirements that were unfeasible for a niche manufacturer like Koenigsegg, abruptly halted its racing career just two months into testing.

Undeterred by this historical setback, Koenigsegg has resurrected the spirit of the CCGT with the new CCGT1, transforming it into a road-legal megacar. While sharing the technical foundation of the CC850, the CCGT1 boasts extensive body modifications. Almost every exterior panel has been redesigned, with only the doors and removable roof retained from its predecessor. The most striking visual and functional enhancement is the prominent active rear wing, directly inspired by the original CCGT. This advanced system dynamically adjusts its angle by 30 degrees, optimizing for low-drag cruising, providing air-brake functionality, or maximizing downforce for aggressive cornering.

The aerodynamic prowess of the CCGT1 extends beyond its rear wing. It incorporates a substantial front splitter, active underbody flaps, a fully flat floor, and a specialized rear diffuser. These elements collectively contribute to a remarkable maximum downforce of 1,764 pounds at 155 mph, ensuring exceptional stability and grip at high speeds. Furthermore, the CCGT1 showcases a novel material known as Ghost Fibre, a refined evolution of Koenigsegg's 2009 Trevita technology. This innovative composite, combining aramid and carbon fibers, offers superior strength, enhanced sound absorption, and a lighter structure compared to conventional carbon fiber constructions, all while maintaining a distinctive bright white aesthetic.

Powering the CCGT1 is a twin-turbo Koenigsegg V8 engine, fully certified for public roads. This powerhouse delivers 1,280 horsepower when running on standard gasoline, escalating to an astonishing 1,600 horsepower with E85 ethanol. The engine management system is flexible enough to accommodate various fuel blends. To withstand the rigors of extended track use, Koenigsegg has integrated advanced cooling systems, including a new roof intake that directs air to an enlarged oil cooler and a dedicated circuit for damper cooling. The transmission system is equally impressive, featuring the Koenigsegg Sequential Shift (KSS) system, derived from the cutting-edge nine-speed Light Speed Transmission. Drivers benefit from a clutch pedal for launching, with ignition cut technology enabling ultra-fast, clutchless gear changes. A unique ASMR selector allows seamless transitions between Auto, Sequential, Manual, and Reverse modes. For enthusiasts desiring a more tactile driving experience, an optional Engage Shift System (ESS) from the CC850 is available, offering a six-speed manual with a gated shifter and clutch pedal.

Despite its extreme road car capabilities, Koenigsegg has taken the CCGT1 a step further by offering an official, in-house designed track package. This comprehensive package includes a carbon-fiber roll bar, HANS-compatible racing seats, six-point harnesses, a fire-suppression system, a competition exhaust, bespoke suspension and brakes, slick tires, an additional set of wheels, further optimized aerodynamics, and advanced telemetry systems. Integrated air jacks complete the transformation, effectively turning the CCGT1 into a fully-fledged race car ready for competitive weekends. This extensive equipment positions the CCGT1 to become the fastest Koenigsegg ever on a racetrack, embodying the ultimate blend of track performance and road-legal status.

The CCGT1 represents a significant milestone in Koenigsegg's illustrious history, effectively realizing the company's long-held racing aspirations. This limited-production hypercar, boasting an impressive 1,600 horsepower, state-of-the-art aerodynamics generating considerable downforce, and an optional, manufacturer-approved track enhancement, is far more akin to a sophisticated racing machine than a typical high-performance road vehicle. Its ingenious sequential transmission offers drivers a more engaging alternative to conventional automatic gearboxes. Designed for discerning collectors who seek a genuine motorsport experience coupled with extreme performance, the CCGT1, with its exclusive run of 70 units, serves as a testament to Koenigsegg's commitment to innovation and automotive excellence.

Wiesmann, the German boutique automaker, has made a surprising re-entry into the high-performance car arena with the debut of its MF5 Tributo at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week. This unexpected launch signals a notable deviation from the company's previously announced electric vehicle strategy, as it embraces its heritage of powerful combustion engines. The MF5 Tributo, a nod to its acclaimed predecessor, raises intriguing questions about its powertrain, particularly whether it will feature a potent BMW V10 engine.

The original Wiesmann MF5, produced in limited quantities from 2008 until the company's temporary cessation of operations in 2013, was celebrated for its bespoke design and robust BMW M-sourced V10 engine. This new iteration, the MF5 Tributo, aims to recapture that spirit, emerging at a time when Wiesmann's electric initiative, Project Thunderball, faces delays. The car's design maintains Wiesmann's distinctive aesthetic, characterized by its compact, mid-front engine layout, an elongated hood, and a low-slung cabin reminiscent of classic 1960s roadsters, diverging sharply from contemporary supercar trends.

The allure of the MF5 Tributo largely stems from the original model's engine—a 5.0-liter S85 V10 from BMW M, delivering 500 horsepower, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds and reaching speeds exceeding 190 mph. However, since BMW discontinued the S85 V10 in 2010, the new Tributo will require a different powerplant. While Wiesmann has yet to disclose the specific engine, previous models like the MF5 GT utilized BMW's S63 twin-turbo V8, producing 547 horsepower, and the newer S68 V8 boasts up to 626 horsepower in other applications. The choice of engine, transmission, and pricing details are eagerly anticipated.

Wiesmann's decision to pivot back to internal combustion after encountering setbacks with its Project Thunderball electric roadster and facing a softening demand for EVs is a strategic move. By tapping into the nostalgia associated with its high-performance gasoline models, the company aims to re-engage automotive enthusiasts and maintain visibility at prestigious events like Monterey Car Week. Reservations for the MF5 Tributo are currently open in the US, requiring a deposit of $3,500. This return to its roots highlights the enduring appeal of visceral, analog driving experiences in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.

Wiesmann's unveiling of the MF5 Tributo at Pebble Beach represents a significant moment for the brand, emphasizing a renewed focus on its heritage of internal combustion power. With a limited production run of five units and an unconfirmed but highly anticipated engine, the MF5 Tributo is poised to evoke strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts, marking a compelling chapter in Wiesmann's journey.