Electric Cars

In a remarkable display of automotive engineering, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has set new benchmarks for production car acceleration, establishing itself as an undeniable force in the hypercar world. The vehicle recently achieved unprecedented speeds over both quarter-mile and half-mile distances, solidifying its place in the annals of high-performance vehicles.

The groundbreaking achievement took place at Koenigsegg's home airfield in Ängelholm, Sweden, on June 6, coinciding with the country's national day. The Jesko Absolut, driven by factory test driver Markus Lundh, became the first production car to exceed 300 km/h (186 mph) in the quarter-mile, clocking an astonishing 305.39 km/h (189.76 mph) at the finish line. This milestone unequivocally demonstrates the car's formidable power and aerodynamic efficiency.

Not content with a single record, the Jesko Absolut continued its high-speed trajectory to the half-mile mark, where it reached an astounding 373.87 km/h (232.31 mph). Both records were meticulously verified by Racelogic, ensuring their legitimacy and adding to the car's legendary status. Further telemetry data from the run revealed that the Jesko Absolut accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 2.35 seconds, and from 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 8.3 seconds.

What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is that the Jesko Absolut is a purely rear-wheel-drive vehicle, devoid of any hybrid assistance. The record-setting runs were conducted on an unprepared surface, using standard production-spec tires, further underscoring the car's raw capabilities. An accompanying video even showed the driver skillfully maneuvering the hypercar while holding a phone, a testament to the vehicle's unexpected ease of control under extreme conditions.

For current owners of the Jesko Absolut, Koenigsegg has exciting news. The performance enhancements that enabled these record-breaking speeds will be delivered via an over-the-air update, allowing existing vehicles to benefit from the latest optimizations. The hypercar's ability to gain speed so rapidly is largely attributed to its nine-speed automatic transmission, which offers virtually instantaneous gear changes. This efficiency allows the V8 engine to transmit its immense power exclusively to the rear wheels with remarkable precision.

The Jesko Absolut’s raw speed and performance metrics are truly astonishing. It recorded a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 2.35 seconds, a 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) time of 4.88 seconds, and a 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h) time of 8.30 seconds. The transition from 62-124 mph (100-200 km/h) took just 2.53 seconds, while 124-186 mph (200-300 km/h) was completed in 3.43 seconds. Its quarter-mile time was 8.54 seconds, and the half-mile was conquered in 12.76 seconds.

Despite these incredible feats, Koenigsegg's founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg, has hinted that even greater speeds might be achieved with the more practical, four-seat Gemera. The Gemera, a hybrid model featuring all-wheel drive, boasts a combined output of 2,300 horsepower, significantly surpassing the Jesko Absolut's 1,280 horsepower (or 1,600 horsepower on E85 fuel). This suggests that the pursuit of ultimate speed is far from over for the Swedish manufacturer, potentially setting the stage for future record attempts and even more advanced automotive innovations.

Bovensiepen, the spiritual successor to Alpina, has introduced its latest creation, the 05 GT, a bespoke version of the BMW M5 Touring. This high-performance wagon, meticulously styled by former BMW X5 and modern Mini designer Frank Stephenson, redefines elegance in the super wagon segment. The 05 GT combines a subtly revised exterior with a lavish, leather-infused interior, creating an unparalleled sense of luxury and sophistication. Underneath its refined facade lies a significantly upgraded powertrain, pushing the boundaries of performance beyond the standard M5 Touring. This exclusive vehicle not only carries forward the rich legacy of the Alpina family's automotive passion but also sets a new benchmark for comfort-oriented grand touring. With a starting price considerably higher than its donor car, the Bovensiepen 05 GT is poised to offer an elite driving experience to discerning enthusiasts.

This new venture marks a significant chapter for the Bovensiepen family, who continue to innovate in the automotive world following BMW's acquisition of the Alpina brand name. Their collaboration with renowned designers like Frank Stephenson underscores a commitment to crafting vehicles that blend exceptional performance with distinctive style. The 05 GT is not merely a souped-up M5 Touring; it is a carefully re-engineered machine designed for those who seek a more refined and potent driving companion. From its custom-tuned suspension to its bespoke exhaust system, every aspect of the vehicle has been enhanced to deliver a superior experience. The interior, with its extensive use of customizable leather, ensures that the journey is as opulent as it is exhilarating. The Bovensiepen 05 GT represents a bold step forward, promising to captivate enthusiasts with its unique blend of power, luxury, and understated elegance.

Refined Design and Comfort-Focused Engineering

The Bovensiepen 05 GT elevates the BMW M5 Touring with an aesthetic transformation led by the distinguished Frank Stephenson, known for his work on the original X5 and the contemporary Mini. Stephenson's design philosophy brings a more elegant and less aggressive appearance to the super wagon, distinguishing it from its standard counterpart. This subtle yet impactful redesign is complemented by significant engineering adjustments aimed at enhancing comfort. The vehicle features Eibach springs and new Pirelli tires, meticulously selected to provide a smoother and more relaxed ride quality, positioning the 05 GT as a true grand tourer capable of long-distance cruising in supreme comfort. Beyond the suspension, the body receives discreet revisions, including a bespoke stainless-steel grille and a unique split rear spoiler, contributing to its refined visual appeal. New 21-inch forged wheels further accentuate its distinguished stance, ensuring that the 05 GT is as visually appealing as it is comfortable.

Every detail of the Bovensiepen 05 GT's exterior and chassis has been re-engineered to deliver a superior driving experience focused on comfort and elegance. The subtle styling cues, far from the overt sportiness often seen in high-performance wagons, aim for a sophisticated presence that reflects the vehicle's grand touring aspirations. The inclusion of an Akrapovič titanium quad-exhaust system not only contributes to a more engaging auditory experience but also reduces the vehicle's overall weight by 17.1 pounds (7.8 kilograms), a small but meaningful improvement for a car weighing 5,632 pounds (2,555 kilograms). This meticulous attention to detail in both design and engineering ensures that the 05 GT offers a harmonious blend of understated luxury and exceptional ride comfort, making it a distinctive choice for those who value refinement alongside performance.

Luxurious Interior and Enhanced Powertrain

Inside the Bovensiepen 05 GT, the cabin, while familiar from the standard M5 Touring, undergoes a luxurious transformation with extensive leather upholstery. This premium material now extends to the center console, significantly elevating the interior's perceived luxury and comfort. Buyers are offered virtually limitless options for customizing the leather upholstery, allowing for a personalized touch that matches the bespoke nature of the vehicle. This focus on interior craftsmanship ensures that the 05 GT provides an environment that is both opulent and highly individual, reflecting the high standards of Bovensiepen's automotive creations. The attention to detail in the cabin design underscores the vehicle's grand touring credentials, offering an experience that is as refined for passengers as it is engaging for the driver.

Beyond the lavish interior, the Bovensiepen 05 GT receives substantial powertrain enhancements, staying true to Alpina's tradition of offering upgraded performance. The M5 Touring's heart is reworked with an upgraded air intake and revised software, unlocking an impressive 790 horsepower and a colossal 811 pound-feet (1,100 Newton-meters) of torque. This power boost is particularly noteworthy given that BMW had to detune the European-spec M5 to comply with Euro 7 emissions standards, resulting in a 41-horsepower loss in the combustion engine (though offset by an upgraded electric motor). Bovensiepen's version, however, delivers an additional 73 horsepower and 74 pound-feet (100 Newton-meters) of torque over the donor car, offering a distinct performance advantage. This blend of enhanced power, luxurious interior, and Frank Stephenson's elegant body kit justifies the 05 GT's premium price tag, starting at €198,900 in Germany, with deliveries slated for the fourth quarter of this year, promising an exclusive and high-octane ownership experience.