2006 Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family. The CCX is in many ways a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands. Still, it has been a key issue for the Koenigsegg Team to keep the distinctive and record braking CC shape. Koenigsegg believes it is important to avoid trends and instead hone the aerodynamic shape of the CC range for the future, only enhancing its unique look and appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance. Koenigsegg also believes in continuity. A new Koenigsegg shall show a clear lineage from its predecessor and shall not follow any other design trends, but enhance its already proven concept and shape to perfection.

CCX stands for Competition Coupe X. The CCX marks the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC maiden prototype, which rolled out from the R&D department in 1996.

Body and Interior

The Koenigsegg CCX features a completely new set of body and interior parts. The body incorporates a new front bumper design, engineered to function well in the stringent 2.5 mph bumper test, including enhanced brake cooling, fog lamps and US side position lights. The front lamps have been slightly redesigned to suit the new bumper line.

There is a new scoop on the front bonnet as a larger fresh air-intake for the occupants and new air vents have been added behind the front wheels in order to further evacuate air from the cockpit. The frontal shape revisions now allow for effective track use options to be added.

The car is 3.4 inches longer in order to comply with the US rear impact regulations and in order to free up space around the rear muffler. The rear clamshell now features a glass window over the new CCX engine, clearly showing off the bespoke and unique Koenigsegg Block casting.

The Interior

There are further 2 inches of space in headroom, making the CCX the most spacious super car on the market.

In corporation with Sparco, and Koenigsegg test driver Loric Bicocchi, Koenigsegg has developed a new seat design for the CCX. The structures of the seat are still carbon fiber, but now fully padded front surface and a tilting backrest.

Wheels and Brakes

The optional 382 mm front discs are coupled to 8-piston calipers and in the rear the 362 mm size is retained with 6-piston calipers. The optional industry-first carbon fiber wheels save another 6.6 lbs per wheel compared to the already lightweight magnesium wheels that come as standard.

Ram Air Engine Booster

Between the raised speedster bumps there is a new type of vortex generator implemented as a Ram Air engine booster by Christian Koenigsegg on the CCX. Due to the fact that there is a fresh air intake right below the rear window, the vortex generator redirects the air directly into the air intake and thereby creating a positive pressure in the air box.

Unique Koenigsegg Engine

The engine in the CCX retains the incredible performance and power of the CCR engine, while running on US 91 octane fuel and complying with California emission regulations. In order to reach this challenging goal, extensive rework had to be done to emission related items, such as new cylinder heads with larger valve area and more optimally flowing cylinder head ports. Dual smaller injections per cylinder were integrated, as well as new camshafts, a new carbon fiber individual runner intake plenum, a new engine management system, updated fuel and EVAP system.

The Koenigsegg engineers also incorporated the most powerful internal piston coolers in the industry - bringing down the piston temperature by as much as 80% more than competing systems, which was a must in order to run high cylinder pressure with 91 octane fuel.

Koenigsegg stands out among low volume super car manufacturers, because they engineer the engine completely in-house in combination with the fact that it is also built, assembled, and dyno tested in the Koenigsegg production plant.

Made for a Select Elite of Enthusiasts

Koenigsegg manufactures exclusive sports cars for a select elite of enthusiasts. Spaceage materials and uncompromising quality both in finish and function make these cars among the very best in the automotive history.

by Koenigsegg

The CCX features a completely new set of body and interior parts. The new body incorporates a new front bumper design, engineered to function well in the stringent 2.5 mph bumper test, including enhanced brake cooling, fog lamps and US side position lights. The front lamps have been slightly redesigned to suit the new bumper line.

There is a new scoop on the front bonnet acting as a larger fresh air-intake for the occupants and new air vents have been added behind the front wheels in order to further evacuate air from the cockpit. The frontal shape revisions now allow for effective track use options to be added. The side rocker panels feature side skirts in order to further enhance downforce by increasing underbody area. The new exterior of the car has been created using the industry leading Icem Surf CAD software, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish as well as optimal highlights.

The car is 88 mm longer in order to comply with the US rear impact regulations and in order to free up space around the rear muffler. The rear clamshell now features a glass window over the new CCX engine, clearly showing off the bespoke and unique Koenigsegg Block casting. The mufflers have received improved cooling, by incorporating grill vents above in the clamshell. The number plate area is now adapted to suit both US and Euro size number plates.

Space

There is a further 50 mm in headroom, making the CCX the most spacious super car on the market, truly considering the taller drivers needs. Koenigsegg believes to have found a niche by enabling really tall drivers to fit well inside the car, still with its highest point only 1120mm above the tarmac.

Seats

In corporation with Sparco, and Koenigsegg test driver Loris Bicocchi, Koenigsegg has developed a new seat design for the CCX. The structures of the seat are still carbon fibre, but now feature fully padded front surface and a tilting backrest. The striking and very comfortable Tempur padded CCR seats can still be fitted in the CCX on special order.

Wheels / Brakes

The optional ceramic 382 mm front discs are coupled to 8 – piston callipers and in the rear the 362 mm size is retained with 6 piston callipers. The optional industry first carbon fibre wheels save another 3 kg per wheel compared to the already lightweight magnesium wheels that come as standard. The ceramic discs save another 2 kg per wheel, giving the Koenigsegg CCX lower unsprung weight than any other super car.

Koenigsegg now also offers the ceramic discs and carbon wheel upgrade to all previous Koenigsegg models. Aerodynamic Enhancement

Between the raised speedster humps there is a new type of vortex generator originally conceived and patented by Torbjörn Gustavsson at Vortaflow and implemented as a Ram Air engine booster by Christian Koenigsegg on the CCX. Due to the fact that there is a fresh air engine intake right below the rear window, the vortex generator redirects the air directly into the air intake and thereby creating a positive pressure in the air box. To normally obtain this phenomenon in a mid engine car a roof scoop is required, increasing frontal area. In the case of the CCX, the small frontal area can still be kept and reward visibility is unaffected, even though it has now got a true ram air intake over its mid mounted engine.

Electronics

The CCX now features wholly digital, intelligent fuse and relay unit. This means that there are not physical fuses or relays as such. The unit is programmable and is can-bus connected to a display unit which sends crucial information to the driver. The main advantages of this system are its reliability, light weight, small physical size, programmability and direct information to the driver. The system is prepared for future upgrades and functions.

Unique Koenigsegg Engine

The Engine in the CCX retains the incredible performance and power of the CCR engine, while running on US 91 octane fuel and complying with California emission regulations. In order to reach this challenging goal, extensive rework had to be done to emission related items, such as new cylinder heads with larger valve area and more optimally flowing cylinder head ports. Dual smaller injectors per cylinder were integrated, as well as new camshafts, a new carbonfiber individual runner intake plenum, a new engine management system, updated fuel and EVAP system.

New exhaust system where the catalytic converters are moved closer to the engine for earlier light-off time. A returnless fuel system has also been implemented with pumps integrated into the new fuel tank. All in all, a heavy rework in order to retain the unique performance of the CCR engine and at the same time comply with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

The new and cleaner CCX engine also incorporates the first engine block design that is specifically created and cast for Koenigsegg, with the Koenigsegg shield embossed in the casting on both left and right side of the engine block. This new block design is an all aluminium construction made out of 356 aluminium with a T7 heat treat that has undergone a High Intensity Pressure process in order to further enhance block integrity as well as a cylinder bore chill during casting.

The new block reaffirms the future development of Koenigsegg engines and makes Koenigsegg stand out among low volume super car manufacturers, due to the fact that Koenigsegg engineer the engine completely in house in combination with the fact that it is also built, assembled, and dyno tested in the Koenigsegg production plant. The Koenigsegg Engineers also incorporated the most powerful internal piston coolers in the industry – bringing down the piston temperature by as much as 80% more than competing systems, which was a must in order to run high cylinder pressure with 91 octane fuel.

by Koenigsegg

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 Jessican Donaldson