The first production of Koenigsegg, the CC8S, was delivered in 2002 which makes it 20 years old this year. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first production of Koenigsegg CC8S, the Swedish hypercar developed the Koenigsegg CC850 Megacar.
If you ask me, the 2023 Koenigsegg CC850 Megacar is a perfect homage to the original car as it retains much of the timeless look of the CC8S but with up-to-date engineering and technology. The 1,385 kilograms (3,053 pounds) Koenigsegg CC850 is powered by an in-house engineered and developed 5.0L twin-turbo V8.
Just like the Jesko, this V8 motor has no flywheel to achieve the most responsive, fast-revving engine possible. The result is a very angry motor that produces a peak power of 1,385 horsepower on E85 (or 1,185 HP on gasoline) and develops an insane 1,385 Nm (1,020 lb-ft) of torque.
This means the CC850 has achieved a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio like the ONE:1 released in 2014. But that’s even the craziest feature of this exotic ride. I think the most insane (in a good way, of course) feature of this hypercar is the transmission.
It has a two-in-one transmission, comprising of a fully automatic transmission (9-speed) AND a manual gearbox (a gated 6-speed), completed with a clutch pedal and all. Enabling this unique feature is the world-first Engage Shift System (ESS) that allows for different gear ratios depending on the driving mode:
“Based on Koenigsegg’s Light Speed Transmission (LST), ESS, paired with a clutch pedal, is an adaptable, multi-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission that also can run as a super-fast, smoothshifting 9-speed automatic. The ability for the driver to seamlessly choose between an unadulterated manual transmission or more laid-back automatic shifting is unprecedented. It places the CC850 in a class by itself.”
Other highlights include a carbon fiber intake manifold, Koenigsegg Electronic Differential (KED), a carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum honeycomb and integrated fuel tanks, removable hardtop, hydraulically adjustable ride height, electronically gas-hydraulic shocks, ceramic brake discs, lightweight forged telephone dial aluminum wheels with center locking, synchrohelix door system, and Autoskin electro-hydraulic operation of hoods and doors. And it can, of course, run on renewable fuels.
To celebrate Christian von Koenigsegg’s 50th birthday, only 50 cars will be produced, each costing a super cool US$3,650,000. All 50 examples were spoken for when the CC850 was revealed in Monterey.
However, last heard, Koenigsegg will be making another 20 to mark the 20 years of production on top of the planned 50 CC850s. Very likely, those have been snapped up.
All images courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive.
