With the announcement of the Koenigsegg Gemara last week, one question has been asked on forums, reddit, even our own Supercars.net social media sites in the comments section:
Just how does the Koenigsegg Gemera make 600 BHP from a 2.0L inline three?
Fortunately, DriveTribe released a video on YouTube in the dark hours yesterday that explains it!
As discussed in the video, there are two major reasons that the engine is so powerful.
The first reason is that it uses Koenigsegg’s own FreeValve technology. This system operates intake and exhaust valves independently with pneumatic actuators, allowing per-valve control.
This removes the need for a timing chain, camshaft, rockers, and the like. A computer controls the exact timing, and how many valves are opened, through a variety of sensors to optimize power and fuel burn.
The second reason is that the three cylinder engine is twin-turbo. Usually, you need an even number of cylinders to use a twin-turbo system, but Koenigsegg has thought so far outside of the box that the box doesn’t exist anymore.
Because of FreeValve, each exhaust valve has its own exhaust header. This means you get six exhaust headers from three cylinders.
At low RPM or when massive power is not needed, the second exhaust valve of each cylinder is deactivated. Two intakes to one exhaust usually would lead to back pressure, but because of FreeValve, the two intakes only open enough to act as if there was only one intake.
The aptly named 2.0 liter twin-turbo “Tiny Friendly Giant” that powers the Koenigsegg Gemera
The three active exhausts are all routed to the first inline turbo. This keeps all of the incoming air decently compressed, and makes for a super efficient engine.
When you put your foot down, however, the second exhaust valve opens.
This passes the higher volume of exhaust gasses through a second inline turbocharger. Combined with the first turbo, a frankly massive amount of boost is provided.
It is, in effect, the twin turbo setup of an inline six, but with half the cylinders.
As well, the three cylinder engine is not what one would call small. Most inline threes are about 1.0 liter, maybe a 1.3. The Gemera’s engine is a full 2.0 liters.
This means that not only is it bigger than most family hatchback engines, it’s also not entirely quiet. And all that noise is routed through two Akrapovic top mounted exhausts.
We can’t wait to actually hear what it will sound like.
Personally, I think there will be a mix of a motorcycle triple’s bark, mixed with Koenigsegg’s classic throaty roar.
