Koenigsegg recently released the stunning Jesko supercar tuned for vigorous performance and agile handling. While the Absolut edition shares many features with the standard Jesko, it has additional capabilities that make it the fastest Koenigsegg ever designed. “Although just as powerful, the Jesko Absolut is a more seamless and stealthier interpretation of the Jesko, its track-focused sibling”, according to the automaker.
One of the Absolut’s key statistics is its low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd. According to preliminary calculations, the model will reach speeds of up to 330mph. Due to the extensive research and development that went into substantially reducing its drag coefficient, the Absolut will most likely be priced slightly higher than the standard Jesko. The automaker has integrated numerous improvements that will allow it to achieve track-scorching speeds.
Differentiating Jesko Editions
Jesko Absolut was released in 2020, designed as a faster version of the company’s 25th anniversary Jesko model. The Absolut is very similar to the standard Jesko with a few subtle tweaks. Customers who seek a higher top speed should choose the Absolut, as it has been engineered to reduce drag to a minimum. The first, most obvious design difference between the two is the rear styling. The standard Jesko has a large, GT-style wing while the Absolut has two low-profile fins.
Koenigsegg has indicated that this is possibly the fastest model they will ever build. “It is the fastest Koenigsegg ever made and the company will never endeavor to make a faster series-production road car - ever”, says the company on the vehicle's webpage.
Powertrain And Aerodynamics
More than 8,000 hours were spent modifying the Jesko platform to produce the aerodynamic Absolut edition. Techniques involved in this process included computational fluid dynamics and purposeful design modifications. The Absolut is 85mm longer and has a propensity for increased airflow. Multiple surfaces, including the aerodynamic winglets, were smoothed to augment aerodynamics. Removable wheel covers were also added; According to Road and Track, these covers could add approximately 4-5mph to the vehicle’s maximum speed.
The Absolut has a powertrain identical to that of its Jesko predecessor, including the 180-degree flat-plane V8 and novel Light Speed Transmission. Engine refinements for the Jesko line were numerous, including incredibly lightweight connecting rods, pistons, and a 27.5lb crankshaft. The engine can make 1280hp on traditional fuel and a stunning 1600hp whilst running E85 biofuel - soaring to maximum revs of 8500rpm.
The Light Speed Transmission system allows for instantaneous gear changes that are much faster than a traditional dual clutch transmission. Hyper-speed gear changes can be executed between successive gears or multiple at once using the Ultimate Power On Demand system. This selects the optimum gear based on certain conditions. “The effect is instant, available power that’s always optimized in the RPM range and RPM reach, allowing maximum acceleration for overtaking, corner exits and smooth overtaking”, according to Koenigsegg.
Much like the standard Jesko, its suspension is comprised of Öhlins electronically adjustable shocks. These are components of the company’s proprietary Triplex suspension system, in which a third horizontal damper stabilizes the car under hard acceleration. With its length slightly increased over the Jesko, the Absolut has a total length of 4845mm, a width of 2030mm, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. Its dry weight is just 2843.96lbs, approximately 66lbs less than the base Jesko. Engineers were able to achieve a downforce of just 330lbs.
Two new wheel designs are available on both Jesko models, made from carbon fiber or aluminum. Michelin's Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires offer an improved contact patch and traction optimizations.
Engineered For Success
Over the years, Koenigsegg has surprised the automotive community with its unique and thoughtful innovations. The Jesko, named after Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, pays tribute to their line of beautiful supercars and the company heritage itself. The automaker celebrated Jesko von Koenigsegg’s 80th birthday in conjunction with the company’s 25th anniversary.
With the improvements made for the Absolut, calculations indicate its top speed could be around 330mph. “It’s, of course, a theoretical number, but that’s what simulation tells us”, said Christian von Koenigsegg in an interview with Road & Track; “We don’t really have the ambition to drive that fast. The end result will be location, driver willingness, and car’s capability. But theoretically, it looks extremely fast”, he said.
The Agera RS beat a world speed record in 2017, leading some to suggest it is the ultimate production track car. For a production car to have this type of power is unprecedented; Most of the similar caliber are not available for consumer purchase.
Koenigsegg also has a unique ability to implement fresh features that don’t necessarily follow the same grain as major competitors. Aerodynamic improvements combined with an incredibly powerful engine and high-quality components make the Jesko Absolut an engineering masterpiece.
Sources: Koenigsegg, Road & Track