Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut - 2025

Jesko Absolut: Koenigsegg's Audacious Gamble for the Title of Fastest Car on Earth

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut represents the Swedish hypercar manufacturer's ultimate pursuit of road-legal velocity, designed to be the fastest vehicle Koenigsegg has ever produced and potentially the fastest homologated production car globally. Its development is centered around extreme low-drag aerodynamics, a potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and the innovative Light Speed Transmission (LST), all converging to push the boundaries of automotive performance. The "Absolut" designation signifies Koenigsegg's belief that this will be their definitive internal combustion engine speed champion, a capstone to their quest for ultimate velocity.

At its core, the Jesko Absolut features a Koenigsegg-developed 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 1280 hp on gasoline and a formidable 1600 hp on E85 biofuel, with peak torque reaching 1500 Nm. This engine incorporates advanced technologies such as the world's lightest V8 crankshaft, individual in-cylinder pressure sensors for real-time combustion optimization, and a patented anti-lag system with a 20-litre carbon fiber air tank to minimize turbo lag. The entire engine weighs a mere 189 kg. Paired with this powerhouse is the revolutionary 9-speed Light Speed Transmission (LST). This in-house designed multi-clutch gearbox, weighing only 90 kg, enables near-instantaneous gear changes between any gear, thanks to its 'Ultimate Power On Demand' (UPOD) predictive technology, a significant advancement over traditional dual-clutch systems.

The Jesko Absolut's structure is built around a rigid carbon fiber monocoque, achieving a torsional rigidity of 65,000 Nm/degree. Meticulous lightweighting results in a dry weight of 1,290 kg and a curb weight of 1,390 kg. The suspension system employs double wishbones with electronically adjustable dampers and Koenigsegg's signature Triplex system front and rear for enhanced stability.

Aerodynamically, the Absolut is a masterpiece of low-drag design, achieving an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.278. This was accomplished through over 3000 hours of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. Key aerodynamic features include an 85mm elongated "longtail" rear, distinctive F-15 fighter jet-inspired rear stabilizing fins instead of a large rear wing (reducing downforce to a maximum of 150 kg compared to the track-focused Jesko Attack's 1400 kg), streamlined front-end elements, and removable aerodynamic rear wheel covers.

The Jesko Absolut has already demonstrated its prowess with a world record 0-400-0 km/h time of 27.83 seconds in June 2024, and an unofficial standing half-mile speed record of 223.59 mph in May 2025. While its highest validated speed is 256 mph (412 km/h), Koenigsegg's simulations suggest a theoretical top speed exceeding 310 mph, with some projections reaching up to 330 mph (531 km/h). Despite its extreme focus on straight-line speed, early reviews praise its engaging handling and stability.

Production of the Jesko (Attack and Absolut combined) is limited to 125 units, all of which were sold out quickly. Prices ranged from approximately $2.85 million to $3.8 million, depending on specification and market. Its primary competitors in the quest for 300+ mph include the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ and the Hennessey Venom F5.

Achieving its ultimate top speed goal faces challenges, including finding suitable test locations and overcoming tire technology limitations at such extreme velocities. However, the Jesko Absolut is poised to leave an enduring legacy. It represents a pinnacle of internal combustion engine technology, particularly with its advanced V8 and LST, arriving at a time when the industry is increasingly shifting towards electrification. It stands as Christian von Koenigsegg's ultimate statement on ICE-powered speed, a testament to what focused, independent engineering can achieve.