Could the Koenigsegg Jesko finally prove its worth?
Modern-day motoring is evolving at a rapid rate, allowing for new records to be set every year as engineers bend the rules of physics further and further. The prized record for manufacturers, though, is the top speed record, which puts brands like Bugatti back on the map.
Recently, a few models from various brands have tempted us with claims that their cars can reach the 330mph (531km/h) mark, and Koenigsegg is determined to undertake this challenge.
There are a multitude of variables to consider when taking on such a challenge, and Koenigsegg's biggest issue at this time is finding a location with perfect conditions to complete this challenge. Unlike other brands, Koenigsegg prefers to test on closed public roads. The only issue is finding a road that is perfectly straight, smooth, and long enough to accommodate these speeds.
In the past, the Nevada desert proved the ideal location for such an attempt, taking the Agera RS to 477.2km/h. Koenigsegg claims that the ability to perform on public roads demonstrates the car's street capabilities. The Hennesey Venom GT is the greatest rival at the moment, with a claimed top speed of 500.5km/h, which makes the extra 31km/h needed to meet the claims from Koenigsegg a rather large challenge.
Now the car in question is the Jesko Absolut, the top speed variation, with the Jesko Attack being the track-focused unit. The Absolut was designed to be as aerodynamically smooth as possible, with a drag coefficient of 0.278. It has a brutal 1,103kW twin-turbo V8 engine and unique gearing, and simulations show that the Asbolut can exceed 500km/h. The only thing left to do is put it to the real test.