Koenigsegg built the original CCGT to compete in GT1 endurance racing, only for the FIA to rewrite the rules two months into testing. The sole prototype never completed a competitive lap. Nearly two decades later, Koenigsegg has responded in the most reasonable way possible: by giving its unfinished racing business number plates and up to 1,600 hp.
The new Koenigsegg CCGT1 is a road-legal Megacar inspired by that ill-fated racer and based on the CC850. Nearly every body panel has been redesigned, with only the doors and removable roof surviving the transformation.
Its twin-turbocharged V8 produces 1,280 hp on regular pump fuel or 1,600 hp when fed E85 biofuel. Extra cooling helps it sustain those numbers around a circuit rather than merely displaying them briefly before demanding a rest.
Power reaches the wheels through Koenigsegg’s nine-speed Light Speed Transmission and new Koenigsegg Sequential Shift system. The setup includes a clutch pedal for setting off, followed by ignition-cut, clutchless shifts through a lever positioned beside the steering wheel. An ASMR dial selects Auto, Sequential, Manual, or Reverse. Sadly, none of those letters stands for whispering directly into the driver’s ear.
Buyers preferring greater involvement could specify the CC850’s six-speed gated Engage Shift System. Paddles and automatic operation remain available with either arrangement.
Aerodynamics generate up to 800 kg (1,764 lbs) of downforce at 250 km/h (155 mph). An active rear wing automatically moves through 30 degrees, switching among low-drag, air-brake, and high-downforce settings. A large splitter, active underbody flaps, sculpted floor, and rear diffuser help keep both ends equally committed to the road.
Koenigsegg also offered its first factory-authorized track package, adding slick tires, a carbon roll cage, racing seats, air jacks, fire suppression, telemetry, and other circuit hardware. Another highlight is Ghost Fibre, a shimmering white carbon-and-aramid material designed to be lighter, tougher, and quieter than conventional carbon fiber.
Only 70 CCGT1s will exist, and every one was allocated before the public debut. The FIA cannot prevent it from racing now, but your absence from the allocation list probably can.
Images: Koenigsegg.