2021 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has been unveiled. It is the fastest Koenigsegg ever made and the company will never endeavor to make a faster series-production road car – ever. Customers will be able to choose between the Jesko Absolut and the more track-oriented Jesko version that was presented a year ago.

Every surface element on the Jesko Absolut has been purposefully constructed to reduce drag or surrounding turbulence around the car while increasing high-speed stability. Although just as powerful, the Jesko Absolut is a more seamless and stealthier interpretation of the Jesko, its track-focused sibling.

The Jesko Absolut has a drag coefficient value of only 0.278 Cd. The low drag in combination with a frontal area of 1.88 m2 in combination with a power level of minimum 1600 bhp, make the Jesko Absolut destined to achieve higher, more extraordinary speeds than any Koenigsegg or any other fully homologated car before it. – How fast? Time will tell. Looking at the math and our advanced simulations – it will be unbelievably fast.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Jesko Absolut presented a rigorous exercise in smoothing out surfaces on the car to remove any form of drag-causing elements while adding rear volumes that streamline the airflow. Over 3000 hours have been invested in fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerodynamics analysis, alongside over 5000 hours of design and engineering for the Jesko Absolut on top of the Jesko. The CFD team meticulously went over every inch and design detail of the car, defining the elements needed to get to the drag coefficient even lower than the target of 0.28 Cd, to just 0.278 Cd.

Most obvious when looking at the Jesko Absolut, is the removed massive rear wing. The wing is removed to reduce downforce and drag – dropping downforce from 1400 kg to 150 kg.

In place of a rear wing there are two rear hood fins that are designed to enhance the high-speed stability of the Absolut.

Furthermore, the front splitter and side winglets are removed, and the front wheel louvers are replaced with smoother ones. Every surface is analyzed and optimized for the air to glide as effortless as possible over, under and through the body.

The Jesko Absolut shape was reassessed with minimal drag in mind. This meant elongating the car, giving it a more tear-dropped shape. The rear extension of the Jesko Absolut makes it 85 mm longer than the track-focused Jesko and the dished rear wheels, really change its appearance.

The world’s lightest V8 crankshaft

Both the Jesko (track-oriented version) and the Jesko Absolut (high-speed version) will be powered by a 1280 bhp (1600 bhp on E85), twin turbo charged V8 engine, featuring the world’s lightest V8 crankshaft that weighs just 12.5 kg. This new flat-plane 180-degree crankshaft produces more power with greater efficiency while achieving a higher 8500 rpm rev limit. The flat-plane design allows even firing across engine banks, creating a visceral engine sound that gives more power. Koenigsegg’s engine architect, Dr. Thomas Johansson has also designed super-light connecting rods and pistons to counter the tendency of greater vibrations in flat-plane engines.

Nine-speed multi-clutch transmission

The Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission (LST) represents a scale of evolution not seen since the development of modern dual-clutch technology (DCT) at the turn of the century.

LST is Koenigsegg’s latest gearbox innovation comprising nine forward gears and several wet, multi-disc clutches in a compact, ultra-light package. It is capable of gear changes between any gear, at near light speed. This is thanks to the simultaneous opening and closing of clutches, which make the driving experience so seamless that it feels like the driver and car are symbiotically connected.

Equally revolutionary is the size and weight of the LST. Modern high-performance DCTs can easily weigh well in excess of 120 kg, yet the nine-speed Koenigsegg LST transmission weighs just 90 kg, including fluids.

The package is also half the size of the previous Koenigsegg transmissions. This small size keeps the weight closer to the center of the car, improving weight distribution and handling.

UPOD – Ultimate Power On Demand

Standard modern dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) are designed to predict and pre-select the next gear based on inputs from the driver. However, if that prediction is wrong, the driver will experience G-force losses and slow shift response. In addition, DCTs only work in single-gear intervals.

The LST, on the other hand, overcomes the normal DCT-problems via its unique multi-clutch design and “UPOD” technology – Ultimate Power On Demand. UPOD is the brain that instantly selects and engages optimum gearing for maximum acceleration. It selects the ideal gear for maximum power with a light-speed gear change, regardless of how far away the gear is. UPOD uses vehicle and engine speed to determine the correct gear for maximum power and directs the LST to engage that gear.

The effect is instant, available power that’s always optimized in RPM range and RPM reach, allowing maximum acceleration for overtaking, corner exits and smooth overtaking. In a world of instant gratification, this is power on demand like never experienced before.

Handling

Koenigsegg uses the industry’s longest front and rear wishbones, more akin to Formula 1 racing than the typical road car. Enlarged wheel bearings in lightweight housing provide an unrivaled mix of responsiveness and stability.

The Jesko features adjustable dampers that are manufactured by the Swedish specialists at Öhlins and then customized with active control electronics at the Koenigsegg factory in Ängelholm. The dampers are adjustable for both bump and rebound damping, as well as spring ratio and ride height, with suspension management modes available at the driver’s fingertips.

The Jesko Absolut features a tuned suspension setup that is more tailored to extreme high speeds and less downforce. The front hood air dam, as well as the front triplex system is removed as they are needed for the Absolut. These modifications give the opportunity for a larger front luggage space in the Absolut. The roof can be stowed there like on previous Koenigsegg models and the softer suspension gives a more comfortable ride apart from saving luggage space.

Both variants of the Jesko lean heavily on the pedigree of previous record-breaking Koenigsegg models. Their combination of power, aerodynamics, chassis dynamics and high technology in general will set new standards in the Megacar industry for years to come.

The top speed of the Jesko Absolut is extremely high. How high depends on the conditions and location of a possible high-speed run. If the opportunity arises the Jesko Absolut will be ready to take the crown, regardless who holds it.

Interior and Equipment

The Jesko Absolut is equipped with a full suite of creature comforts and a level of convenience more befitting a grand tourer than your typical track weapon.

The simple push of a button on the elegant Koenigsegg remote control operates Autoskin, the pioneering body opening system first shown on the Regera. Miniaturised hydraulics that were initially designed to operate aerodynamic systems now engage to open the car’s doors and hoods, allowing true touchless entry.

Koenigsegg’s signature dihedral synchro-helix door hinge has also been re-designed. It now opens slightly outwards and upwards compared to the original. This provides even more room for ingress and egress, and reduces the danger of scraping high curbs. The Autoskin system includes sensors to protect both automated doors from opening where an obstruction is detected.

The interior is swathed in luxury materials – leather, alcantara, carbon fibre, aluminium and glass.

Jesko’s electrically operated seats can be finished in the customer’s choice of leather or alcantara, with an almost endless variety of colour and contrast options. The sport bucket seats are built around a carbon fibre seat shell, resulting in a seat that is both extremely light and comfortable. Controls for seat position and heating are available via the SmartCenter touchscreen. Drivers can find the perfect driving position by matching their seat position with the fully adjustable steering column and pedal box.

SMARTWHEEL ADDED TO KOENIGSEGG’S SMART ARCHITECTURE

Koenigsegg has developed new driver controls using touchscreen technology built into both the new SmartCenter and SmartWheel.

SmartWheel sees two small touchscreens embedded into Jesko’s steering wheel, making a suite of features accessible with just a touch or a swipe. The screens’ default configurations enable functions such as audio control, phone control, ride height control and cruise control. The screens are context sensitive, however, and other options may show or be configured into the system. SmartWheel’s screens feature haptic feedback, allowing ease of use without the need for constant visual connection.

Jesko features a new, racing-inspired and very compact SmartCluster instrument screen. The screen is mounted directly behind the steering wheel and turns as the steering wheel turns. The new 5-inch SmartCluster is extremely compact – it measures just 108mm x 64.8mm – but it contains all the information the driver needs in a neat, logical layout.

Specs & Performance