It is an Agera RS with goodies borrowed from the Jesko and CC850.
Prime Gear
Up to date: Jul 8, 2024 at 3:55am ET
To not be confused with the TVR Chimaera, the Koenigsegg Chimera is even rarer. There’s just one on this planet and it traces its roots to the Agera RS. Nevertheless, the donor automotive has undergone substantial modifications because the hypercar is now rocking the Jesko’s engine. As well as, it borrows the simulated handbook transmission from the CC850.
Prime Gear had the chance to stand up shut with the one-off machine owned by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Not content material with having a “mundane” 1-of-25 Agera RS, the previous rally driver requested Koenigsegg whether or not it may flip his prized possession into a really distinctive automotive. That is how the Chimera was born, full with a twin-turbo V-8 that makes 1,280 horsepower on pump gasoline. Swap to E85 and the 5.0-liter engine unleashes a mighty 1,600 hp.
The automotive will get higher the extra we study it. In comparison with the Jesko, it weighs about 220 kilos much less. The Chimera suggestions the scales at a remarkably low 2,855 kilos. Whereas the nine-speed automated is similar one discovered within the Jesko, the distinctive construct has a six-speed gated handbook from the CC850.
You possibly can artificially row your personal gears, and there is even a clutch pedal for further driver engagement. The motive force may even stall the automotive, as demonstrated by Christian von Koenigsegg. The CC850 gives the selection between a totally automated mode and the handbook, however there’s one other strategy to change gears within the Chimera. Of the 2 vehicles, it is the one one to function shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Nevertheless, that’ll change because the CC850 may also be obtainable to order with shift paddles.
You possibly can think about it wasn’t precisely a stroll within the park to fuse three vehicles into one, particularly because the Agera is far older, courting again to 2010. The electronics needed to be revamped to make the brand new and current elements work harmoniously. The batteries will not be the place they was once anymore and the unique cable harnesses are all gone.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem additionally occurs to have a Jesko and a CC850 on order, with Koenigsegg’s head honcho calling him a “long-term consumer.” The highest brass admits it financially makes extra sense to simply purchase a model new automotive with this {hardware} relatively than modify an current car. There will not be one other automotive precisely just like the Chimera however the Swedish model is open to the concept of spicing issues up ought to deep-pocketed patrons need that.
The “Chimera” title makes excellent sense contemplating it takes after a monster in Greek mythology that had a lion’s head, a goat’s physique, and a serpent’s tail. Koenigsegg’s newest gem can be a hybrid however not in a boring type of manner. The Agera RS branding is gone however the VIN is similar.
Koenigsegg shouldn’t be the primary unique model to improve an current automotive and even give it a brand new title. There are numerous Pagani Zondas based mostly on older automobiles however with extra highly effective engines, improved aerodynamics, and different upgrades.
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