2002 Koenigsegg CC V8 S

Overview

Koenigsegg manufactures exclusive super sportscars for a select elite of enthusiasts. Spaceage materials and uncompromizing quality both in finish and function make these cars among the very best in the automotive history. They reach higher top speeds and are more powerful than any other series-produced car today.

Two models are currently in production; the CC8S, and the magnificent 806 hp CCR, which now holds the Guinness World Record for the most powerful streetcar. Both Koenigsegg models are built to excel on the road or racetrack, yet are still highly comfortable for long distance travelling.

Machined For Speed
Koenigsegg's design seeks to give an interpretation of strength and flowing motion. The body of a Koenigsegg is formed for one ultimate purpose; speed. Its beauty is the beauty of speed itself. The surfaces are shaped to perfectly aerodynamic, an appearance that does not deceive. All aspects of this machine serve its one fundamental objective.

Both the body and chassis of a Koenigsegg are made of extremely lightweight carbon fibre composite, reinforced with Kevlar and aluminium honeycomb. Its race-bred suspension system brings the driver in control of all movement, even under the toughest racing conditions.

A Machine For Safe Driving
Koenigsegg creates each car specifically for each costumer. They are individual pieces of art. Leather contrasted with futuristic controls and refined surfaces encloses the occupants. It is an environment for adventure. The Koenigsegg hardtop is stored under the front bonnet during roofless driving. And crash-tests have verified that at least in terms of safety, a Koenigsegg is a truly Swedish car.

First Impression
The first impression of the Koenigsegg CC is its dynamic stance and futuristic, aggressive attitude. It appears amazingly low and broad, with the cockpit-like semicircular windscreen and organically shaped rear hood as key features. The smooth and polished body is gently curved, almost simplistic; a fully integrated design. Lines and surfaces appear thoroughbred and slippery, projecting an image of velocity onto the machine. This design shouts in a clear and universal language: 'I travel at extreme speeds!'

Body

The shape of the body was envisioned to be timeless and original, unrestricted by current fashion or a sellout to retro copying. The design crew at Koenigsegg has held on to those first sketches, pinpointing the essential elements that signal the Koenigsegg look. From the front bumper's shark-like mouth and nostrils, twin lines run up and around the cockpit, accentuating the eccentric windscreen. Its curved shape is pursued by the roof and sky-light, making the cockpit appear as if bent by immense power and motion.

The rear hood is one huge piece of carbonfibre, modelled to incorporate both the avant-garde bridge-like air intake below the rear window and an integrated wing. The highlights on its curved surface act to bind the rear end and cockpit together, defining the muscular shapes around the wheels and rear lights.

Since the hoods and roof cover the entire car, they expose the whole chassis when lifted, allowing for easy inspection and maintenance. The bold concave cavities in the sides effectively lead air into the intercooler and oil cooler. Koenigsegg's design philosophy is clearly dynamic and organic; one could say ichthyomorphic, as opposed to some popular static and geometric design-schools of today. This is also the key to the unrivalled aerodynamics of the vehicles. The Koenigsegg look stands out and makes a statement, which has awarded Koenigsegg several prestigious design prizes, e.g. the German Red Dot award and a prize for excellent Swedish design.

Interior

It includes tachometer, indicators and an LCD unit giving full feed-back to the driver. The metal parts are of machined and anodized aluminium, giving them a frostlike sheen that makes them stand out against the leather background. Suede covers the dashboard and the muscle-like lower sections of the doors, serving to reduce sun glare and provide contrast to the composition. Ergonomics-engineers designed the carbon fibre chairs, which are fitted with Tempur for utmost comfort and flexibility. Their compactness leaves space for tall drivers, and they can be adjusted to offer a perfect driving position. This design fulfills the basic objective; to combine wild racing performance and comfortable everyday driving. Designer Joachim Nordwall came up with the original design concept of this interior.

Doors

These spectacular carbon fibre doors open in a single elegant motion, first freeing themselves from the body, then swinging upwards and finding rest at a 90 degree angle. They are supported by the masterpiece Koenigsegg hinges, which use two parallel arms that rotate on a geared pivot, causing the doors to move in an outward arc. Since the hinges are balanced by gas struts, a gentle push is enough to lift the doors. This design requires minimal area around and above the vehicle, giving complete freedom of access to the car in confined areas.

Hardtop

The Koenigsegg design team has managed to equip the CC 8S and CCR with a hardtop roof-panel that is both easily removed and stowable inside the car. This superbly practical feat has not been accomplished by any competing supercar manufacturer. Simply pulling two handles from within the cockpit unlocks the lightweight carbon fibre hardtop, which can now easily be lifted off and placed in the front luggage compartment, where it fits perfectly. And whenever the weather so requires, the hardtop is remounted in a matter of minutes. It is simply placed back on top of the cabin and pressed down gently, until the lock mechanism snaps shut.

Koenigsegg Emblem

When the logotype of Koenigsegg was created, it was quite clearly a derivation of the original family coat of arms. At the top end you recognize a crowning ornament - a golden monogram on blue - representing the letters KCC for Koenigsegg CC. The Koenigsegg logotype was created by Jacob Låftman, a highly talented grafic designer who unfortunately passed away in 2002. Jacob was a close friend of Christian von Koenigsegg's; the two grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to school together.

Headlights
Koenigsegg has chosen a new design of the headlight arrangement for the CCR model. The designer Joachim Nordwall desired to express the brutal force of this machine through the attitude of its 'face', which has resulted in these diamond shaped predator eyes. A sheet of Lexan-glass covers the lights to prevent unnecessary drag, and a position light has been added on each side. The reflectors are mounted in machined aluminium casings and Xenon lights are standard.

Source - Koenigsegg