Just last month, the Hennessy Venom GT caught our eye here at E3 Spark Plugs and made headlines throughout the automotive media world with its Guinness World Record breaking test run. Going from zero to 186.4 miles per hour in just 13.63 seconds and proving its capability to hit 270.49 mph, the Venom GT quickly became the forerunner for designation as the fastest supercar in the world.
But that was before the Geneva Motor Show and the jaw-dropping debut of the Swedish-made Koenigsegg One:1. Not only is it a serious head turner, this hypercar touted as the world’s first “megacar”, may have already knocked the Venom GT into second place for the world’s fastest production car title by virtue of its performance figures.
Koenigsegg officials claim the One:1 can hit a top speed of 273mph, thanks in large part to the feature that inspired its name. For every kilogram the car weighs, its engine produces one horsepower, boasting a “dream equation” 1:1 power to curb weight ratio that heretofore had never been achieved in a production car. To that end, the car’s chassis, body and seats are made from carbon fiber, and its 5.0-liter twin turbocharged V8, part of which is 3D printed, weighs in at just 434 pounds.
To keep the One:1 from darn-near taking flight, a back wing pops up at high speeds, helping to kick out 1,300 pounds of downforce. A few other features touted on the car maker’s website:
- Unique track optimized aero winglets;
- Extended venturi tunnels and side splitters;
- Le Mans-inspired active wing configuration;
- Optimized active undertrim air management;
- Large air vents for improved cooling;
- Roof air scoop to support the 1 Megawatt of power;
- 8250 RPM rev limit;
- Custom made Michelin Cup Tires;
- Upgrade rear triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs and active shock absorbers;
- Upgraded revolutionary Koenigsegg Aircore carbon fiber wheels;
- Patented variable turbo geometry technology that allows for improved response and more low-end torque.
Amid all the hoopla, Koenigsegg suits are waxing nonchalant about the car’s speed capabilities.
“We’d like to do a top speed run but it’s not a priority,” a company spokesperson told the BBC’s Top Gear recently, noting that while the One:1 is perfectly street legal, sporting regular-guy conveniences like air conditioning and a stereo, it remains a track-focused ride. “I think a track time is much more important. I mean, the Nurburgring is the only lap time that really counts.”
Frankly, we’re not buying that lackadaisical posturing. Koenigsegg knows it’s got a hot little property on its hands. That’s why thus far, the company has produced a grand total of just six One:1 models for sale – and every single one already is sold at a reported $2 million each.