Koenigsegg CCX
Holding the fastest speeding ticket in the entire United States according to BBC television program Top Gear's review, the Koenigsegg CCR holds the power to weight ratio record for homologated production vehicles, with a power to weight ratio of 1.3 kg per hp. Holding the record for the only official and independent conducted 0-300-0 km/h test for production vehicles, the CCX received this in a total time of only 29.2 seconds. This official test was organized and conducted by Sportauto, a German Magazine in 2008.
Koenigssegg unveiled the CCX in 2006, as a new model necessary to achieve worldwide regulations (homologations) for road use. This was the first time that such a huge undertaking had been executed by an independent manufacturer. The vehicle had to undergo quite extensive development in order to reach the newest and most rigorous safety and emission standards by the world's authorities. The Koenigsegg Company was responsible for developing their own engines and various related technologies. This was also the only supercar and ‘low volume manufacturer' that would pass the new European pedestrian impact tests. Immediately after passing this test, the test requirements were considered to be too complicated for ‘low volume manufacturers' to handle. It is no longer necessary to meet these strict regulations if the production volume is lower than 10,000 vehicles annually for a specific model. As a result, the Koenigsegg CCX is most likely the only supercar that features this safety feature.
Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28th, 2006, the CCX is a mid-engined roadster from the Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg. Though publicly unveiled at the Geneva Show, the CCX had actually been announced much earlier. This model has been engineered completely to comply and meet with U.S. market demands and regulations. The entire concept and design is evolutionary and was the replacement to the Koenigsegg CCR. The title ‘CCX' is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X, with the ‘X' celebrating the 10th anniversary of the test drive and completion of the first CC model in 1996.
The CCXR is a derivative of the CCX, and this model is available with an engine that is tuned to run on biofuel. The CCXR produces 25% more power than the CCX due to the different tune and fuel.
Since development into the entire World Market couldn't be done with the old model, development engineer Magnus Jassund set forward to create a vehicle that could. Several alterations were done to the design of the CCR, to sell the vehicle to the North American market. For example, the previously utilized Ford Modular engine was replaced with a Koenigsegg engine that was created to run on 91 octane fuel, a product that was readily available in the U.S. to meet the Californian emission standards. The bumper found on the front of the CCX has been designed to be safer in low speed collisions in comparison to previous models and the entire body is 3.46 inches longer to also comply with the U.S.'s rear impact regulations. There is also a space for the CCX to display either European or U.S. number plates on the vehicle body.
A two-door targa top, the CCX features a removable roof that can be stored under the front trunk. Unlike many other inferior competitors, the CCX can be changes at any location, not just at a place where the roof can safely be left. The body of the Koenigsegg CCX is constructed of pre-impregnated carbon fiber and Kevlar. The body measures at 169 inches long, 44.1 inches tall, 78. inches wide and features a ground clearance of 3.9 inches. Similar to previous Koenigsegg models, the problem of the open door obscuring the passenger's exit or entry is eliminated by the 'dihedral synchro-helix' actuation doors that rotate forward and upwards, quite similar to scissor doors.
When compared side by side with the CCR, the CCX is 1.6 inches taller, and combined with the carbon fiber reinforced plastic sport seats from Sparco, the car gives an extra 2 inches of additional headroom. According the Autoweek review Mark Vaughn, this extra room is 'to accommodate U.S. NBA stars.' Also lighter than the previous model, the CCX lacks physical fuses and featured an electronic control unit, while the CCR did not. In just 3.2 seconds the CCX can achieve 0-62 mph, and 0-124 mph in only 9.8 seconds. This vehicle also features a top speed of 259 mph.
Earlier models developed by Koenigsegg received engines that were originally sourced from the U.S. and then modified by Koenigsegg, but the engine of the CCX was unique in the face that it was designed by Koenigsegg themselves and constructed completely inside the factory. Grainger & Worrall, a British company that produces drivetrain components for Formula One vehicles cast the engine block for Koenigsegg. The CCX engine is a 4.7 liter 288 cubic inch V8 with dual overhead camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder. 356 aluminum that has undergone a T7 heat treatment; a form of accelerated precipitation strengthening, is the construction of the engine block. Much stronger than the earlier engine, the aluminum alloy allows a thinner, and therefore lighter engine block will withstand higher cylinder pressures.
Two centrifugal superchargers boost the engine and provide 17.5 psi of boost with an 8.2:1 compression ratio. At 6900 rpm the engine produces 806 bhp and 678 lb•ft of torque at 5700 rpm on 91 octane gasoline. A dry sump system with a separate oil pump lubricates the engine, while the pistons are continuously cooled by oil sprayed onto them; the oil itself features an external cooler. The engine inside the CCX burns 14 mpg.
Featuring a drag coefficient of only 0.30, the Koenigsegg CCX has a frontal area of 2,894 sq. in. and it also has a flat underside with venture tunnels at the rear of the vehicle, and an optional rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics. A vortex generator is used as a ram-air intake that allows higher pressure in the air box without a roof scoop that would increase the frontal area, and this was placed between the 2 speedster humps. There is a 132 lb/ft of downforce at 125 mph over the front axle and 143 lb/ft over the rear.
The transmission of the CCX was a six speed manual gearbox that was specially constructed for the Koenigsegg Company by Cima. This gearbox had a twin plate clutch of diameter 8.5 inches as default, though a sequential manual transmission option is available if desired. Through a torque sensitive, limited slip differential, the power is fed. Gear ratio selection is available.
Koenigsegg's magnesium alloy wheels are standard on the CCX, though an option is available to upgrade to the lighter magnesium/carbon wheels which weigh 6.6 lbs less than the standard wheels. The rear wheels have a diameter of 20 inches, while the front wheels are 19 inches in diameter, and each of the wheels are attached by center locking wheel nuts.
The front and rear cast iron disc brakes are 14.3 inches across with 1.3 inches of contact at any point and feature 6 piston calipers. Upgrade is available to SystemST carbon ceramic brakes which weigh in at 4.4 pounds less per wheel and have a diameter of 15 inches with 1.3 inches of contact along with eight piston brake calipers.
The CCX Edition and CXXR Edition were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2008. Both of these models were fitted with a 4.8 liter twin-supercharge Koenigsegg engine that was remapped. The Edition CCX model develops 888 bhp at 7000 rpm and 679 lb/ft of torque at 5800 rpm. The Edition produces over 772 lb of downforce at 155 mph. Both of these editions are much more track oriented in comparison to the standard models and both are equipped with anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, reset dampers and a lowered chassis. These models also feature a fully visible carbon body, larger front splitter, a large adjustable rear wing, and a unique forged wheel design.
The inside of the new Edition models were also revamped and included new features that included Koenigsegg Edition side step plates, color matched leather carpets, a new Edition only layout for the center console control panels and an Edition chronograph instrument cluster.
Koenigsegg announced that the CCX Edition production will be limited to only two vehicles, partly due to the economic times.By Jessica Donaldson
Koenigssegg unveiled the CCX in 2006, as a new model necessary to achieve worldwide regulations (homologations) for road use. This was the first time that such a huge undertaking had been executed by an independent manufacturer. The vehicle had to undergo quite extensive development in order to reach the newest and most rigorous safety and emission standards by the world's authorities. The Koenigsegg Company was responsible for developing their own engines and various related technologies. This was also the only supercar and ‘low volume manufacturer' that would pass the new European pedestrian impact tests. Immediately after passing this test, the test requirements were considered to be too complicated for ‘low volume manufacturers' to handle. It is no longer necessary to meet these strict regulations if the production volume is lower than 10,000 vehicles annually for a specific model. As a result, the Koenigsegg CCX is most likely the only supercar that features this safety feature.
Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28th, 2006, the CCX is a mid-engined roadster from the Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg. Though publicly unveiled at the Geneva Show, the CCX had actually been announced much earlier. This model has been engineered completely to comply and meet with U.S. market demands and regulations. The entire concept and design is evolutionary and was the replacement to the Koenigsegg CCR. The title ‘CCX' is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X, with the ‘X' celebrating the 10th anniversary of the test drive and completion of the first CC model in 1996.
The CCXR is a derivative of the CCX, and this model is available with an engine that is tuned to run on biofuel. The CCXR produces 25% more power than the CCX due to the different tune and fuel.
Since development into the entire World Market couldn't be done with the old model, development engineer Magnus Jassund set forward to create a vehicle that could. Several alterations were done to the design of the CCR, to sell the vehicle to the North American market. For example, the previously utilized Ford Modular engine was replaced with a Koenigsegg engine that was created to run on 91 octane fuel, a product that was readily available in the U.S. to meet the Californian emission standards. The bumper found on the front of the CCX has been designed to be safer in low speed collisions in comparison to previous models and the entire body is 3.46 inches longer to also comply with the U.S.'s rear impact regulations. There is also a space for the CCX to display either European or U.S. number plates on the vehicle body.
A two-door targa top, the CCX features a removable roof that can be stored under the front trunk. Unlike many other inferior competitors, the CCX can be changes at any location, not just at a place where the roof can safely be left. The body of the Koenigsegg CCX is constructed of pre-impregnated carbon fiber and Kevlar. The body measures at 169 inches long, 44.1 inches tall, 78. inches wide and features a ground clearance of 3.9 inches. Similar to previous Koenigsegg models, the problem of the open door obscuring the passenger's exit or entry is eliminated by the 'dihedral synchro-helix' actuation doors that rotate forward and upwards, quite similar to scissor doors.
When compared side by side with the CCR, the CCX is 1.6 inches taller, and combined with the carbon fiber reinforced plastic sport seats from Sparco, the car gives an extra 2 inches of additional headroom. According the Autoweek review Mark Vaughn, this extra room is 'to accommodate U.S. NBA stars.' Also lighter than the previous model, the CCX lacks physical fuses and featured an electronic control unit, while the CCR did not. In just 3.2 seconds the CCX can achieve 0-62 mph, and 0-124 mph in only 9.8 seconds. This vehicle also features a top speed of 259 mph.
Earlier models developed by Koenigsegg received engines that were originally sourced from the U.S. and then modified by Koenigsegg, but the engine of the CCX was unique in the face that it was designed by Koenigsegg themselves and constructed completely inside the factory. Grainger & Worrall, a British company that produces drivetrain components for Formula One vehicles cast the engine block for Koenigsegg. The CCX engine is a 4.7 liter 288 cubic inch V8 with dual overhead camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder. 356 aluminum that has undergone a T7 heat treatment; a form of accelerated precipitation strengthening, is the construction of the engine block. Much stronger than the earlier engine, the aluminum alloy allows a thinner, and therefore lighter engine block will withstand higher cylinder pressures.
Two centrifugal superchargers boost the engine and provide 17.5 psi of boost with an 8.2:1 compression ratio. At 6900 rpm the engine produces 806 bhp and 678 lb•ft of torque at 5700 rpm on 91 octane gasoline. A dry sump system with a separate oil pump lubricates the engine, while the pistons are continuously cooled by oil sprayed onto them; the oil itself features an external cooler. The engine inside the CCX burns 14 mpg.
Featuring a drag coefficient of only 0.30, the Koenigsegg CCX has a frontal area of 2,894 sq. in. and it also has a flat underside with venture tunnels at the rear of the vehicle, and an optional rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics. A vortex generator is used as a ram-air intake that allows higher pressure in the air box without a roof scoop that would increase the frontal area, and this was placed between the 2 speedster humps. There is a 132 lb/ft of downforce at 125 mph over the front axle and 143 lb/ft over the rear.
The transmission of the CCX was a six speed manual gearbox that was specially constructed for the Koenigsegg Company by Cima. This gearbox had a twin plate clutch of diameter 8.5 inches as default, though a sequential manual transmission option is available if desired. Through a torque sensitive, limited slip differential, the power is fed. Gear ratio selection is available.
Koenigsegg's magnesium alloy wheels are standard on the CCX, though an option is available to upgrade to the lighter magnesium/carbon wheels which weigh 6.6 lbs less than the standard wheels. The rear wheels have a diameter of 20 inches, while the front wheels are 19 inches in diameter, and each of the wheels are attached by center locking wheel nuts.
The front and rear cast iron disc brakes are 14.3 inches across with 1.3 inches of contact at any point and feature 6 piston calipers. Upgrade is available to SystemST carbon ceramic brakes which weigh in at 4.4 pounds less per wheel and have a diameter of 15 inches with 1.3 inches of contact along with eight piston brake calipers.
The CCX Edition and CXXR Edition were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2008. Both of these models were fitted with a 4.8 liter twin-supercharge Koenigsegg engine that was remapped. The Edition CCX model develops 888 bhp at 7000 rpm and 679 lb/ft of torque at 5800 rpm. The Edition produces over 772 lb of downforce at 155 mph. Both of these editions are much more track oriented in comparison to the standard models and both are equipped with anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, reset dampers and a lowered chassis. These models also feature a fully visible carbon body, larger front splitter, a large adjustable rear wing, and a unique forged wheel design.
The inside of the new Edition models were also revamped and included new features that included Koenigsegg Edition side step plates, color matched leather carpets, a new Edition only layout for the center console control panels and an Edition chronograph instrument cluster.
Koenigsegg announced that the CCX Edition production will be limited to only two vehicles, partly due to the economic times.By Jessica Donaldson