Skip to main content

Koenigsegg aims for Nurburgring lap record

Swedish supercar-maker Koenigsegg is looking to leave its mark on the battlefield for automotive bragging rights that is the Nurburgring.

The company is planning a full-on assault on the ‘Ring with its Agera R and One:1, the latter of which is expected to take a “very significant chunk” out of the 6:57 time set by the Porsche 918 Spyder, and inside source told Car and Driver.

Recommended Videos

Foudner Christian von Koenigsegg is pretty confident too, telling the magazine that based on times logged in individual sectors, Koenigsegg is on track for a new record.

Not that he wants one.

“I hate the need to do it,” Koenigsegg said, but he acknowledges that Nurburgring lap times have become an important benchmark for supercar buyers.

In addition to arriving with an attitude that’s decidedly different from the competition, Koenigsegg also plans to be more transparent.

When it returns to the track in 2015 to set official records, it plans to invite outsides to examine nearly every aspect of the operation, from the cars themselves to the tires and fuel used.

Koenigsegg plans to start with the Agera R, which has a twin-turbocharged V8 brandishing 1,124 horsepower to move just 3,160 pounds. It will then move on to the One:1, which boasts 1,341 hp and a curb weight of just 2,998 pounds.

That gives both Koenigseggs a comfortable advantage over the 887-hp 918 Spyder, and the 903-hp McLaren P1, which its maker says has also lapped the Nurburging in under seven minutes.

A time of under seven minutes was once thought impossible, but now it’s a matter of how far under that mark a production car can go. Looking at the specs, it looks like Koenigsegg will go pretty low.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more