2013 Koenigsegg Agera

Although sharing the same values and philosophies as previous Koenigsegg models, the 2013 Agera takes the Koenigsegg experience to a completely new level.

Similar to all previous Koenigsegg hypercars, the new Agera is the brainchild of Christian von Koenigsegg. The Agera sets new benchmarks for hypercars when it comes to control, handling, speed, comfort, practicality and sheer driving enjoyment, while combining these features with clean, efficient and beautiful design.

The Agera name set the tone for the new project. Agera means 'to take action' in Swedish. It is also short for the ancient Greek word Ageratos which means 'ageless'. These are both suitable meanings for a car that is building the future of Koenigsegg.

The design
The Agera is designed with a minimalistic 'less is more' philosophy in mind. This philosophy dictates that the shape of the car has to be purely functional, with no added features except those needed to meet regulations, or enhance safety, ergonomics, practicality or aerodynamics. We believe that if this philosophy is followed, the car will be as beautiful as it is purposeful. A good analogy is the evolution of the dolphin, a species that has had to meet similar criteria in order to reach its present configuration through the evolution of nature.

The Agera has handsome proportions. It´s compact and muscular. Its timeless, efficient and distinctive shape is a true testament to good design. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created over 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Agera manages to stay true to the philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future.

The engine


Not only are the engines developed in-house, they also have class-leading characteristics in many important areas. They are the lightest and most compact hypercar engines in the world, weighing only 197kg complete with flywheel, clutch, dry sump system, Inconel exhaust manifold and turbo. The low engine weight is quite astonishing as the Agera engine also has class-leading power and torque characteristics. The Koenigsegg 5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine develops more than 960 hp on 95 octane regular fuel. (concept carz) The Agera has over 1000 Nm of torque from 2500 rpm and 1100 nm from 3500 to 6000 rpm, showing great flexibility.

These are extraordinary numbers considering the size and reliability of the engine and they are obtained with no sacrifice of either drivability or flexibility. This is truly downsizing without compromise. These characteristics make it one of the most flexible and easy-to-use hypercar engines in the world.

To give a hint of how different the Agera engine is compared to other production car engines, it is easy to look at the Brake Mean Effective Pressure value (BMEP) in the cylinders during maximum power output. The best production diesel and petrol engines from other leading manufacturers have a maximum BMEP of around 22 bar. The Agera engine has a BMEP of 28 bar, when running on 95 octane fuel. (concept carz)

This shows how extreme the Agera engine is when compared to any other production engine in the world. The reason the Agera can obtain such high cylinder pressures is due to some proprietary and critical factors, such as:
- The unique shape of the combustion chambers, improving the resistance against detonation.
- High cylinder head clamp load, enabled by a specially designed engine block. This has proven to give a zero failure rate to combustion overpressure, even considering the extreme cylinder pressures.
- A unique engine block design, where the cylinder sleeves are used to further stiffen the aluminium block.
- A connecting rod design that reduces TDC dwell time and thereby enables higher mean pressures without detonation.
- Exhaust manifold and intake plenum trumpets designed to ensure the absence of peak RPM resonance and back pressure.
- An efficient ejector pump system reducing the crankcase pressure and aerodynamic losses.

Koenigsegg engines also meet all required emission standards around the world. This is nothing short of astounding, given their size and power output.

Furthermore, no other production engine in the world, regardless of car type, has the same amount of power potential compared to its EÚ cycle average CO2 emissions (310g of CO2) or cycle fuel consumption (14,7 litre per 100 km / 16MPG). However, what makes Koenigsegg most proud is how drivable, smooth, responsive, torquey and reliable the Agera engine is - especially given its extreme performance.

The Agera engine complies with the most stringent environmental regulations in the world, EÚ5 and LEV2, and delivers a significant power increase compared to previous Koenigsegg engines.

Fuel consumption, and thus CO2 emissions, have been lowered. This is an astonishing feat for a 900+ hp hypercar. Turbo response is of vital importance when it comes to driving pleasure and the possibility of controlling massive amounts of power. Koenigsegg has coupled the latest generation turbo technology with a patent-pending and proprietary response/back pressure reduction system, invented by Christian von Koenigsegg, to really give the Agera engine a competitive edge when combining maximum power while complying with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

The large air-to-air intercooler on the left side of the engine exchanges enormous amounts of fresh air, eliminating the need for water in the intercooling system, thereby saving weight and avoiding heat soak issues during extended performance driving.

Following the Koenigsegg tradition, the engine has dry sump lubrication in order to lower the engine as far as possible in the chassis whilst maintaining full control of the crankcase oil, even given the massive g-forces that can be generated.

The large 80-litre fuel tank ensures a long driving range due to the relatively low average consumption. The Agera follows the previous generations of Koenigsegg vehicles with its fuel tank being well protected, built centrally into the carbon fibre monocoque chassis. Since the fuel is placed centrally within the car, the weight distribution does not change regardless of whether the tank is full or empty. Thanks to the safe fuel tank position, the challenging ÚS high-speed rear impact test was passed at the very first attempt.

The Agera has four intelligent return-less fuel pumps to deliver the correct amount of fuel at any given time. This reduces the energy needed to operate the fuel pumps and eliminates the waste of excessive fuel transport.

The Inconel/Titanium patent-pending exhaust system is key element in the Agera achieving its remarkable emissions and power levels. The exhaust system uses a completely new principle created by Christian von Koenigsegg. The new technology drastically reduces back-pressure and gives earlier catalytic light-off than any other turbo exhaust system. At the same time, the acoustics of the exhaust have been examined carefully in order to maintain Koenigsegg's typical, thunderous growl.

The transmission

The newly developed 7-speed gearbox for the Agera features a world's first dual clutch system for a single input shaft gearbox.

In order to keep the gearbox light, compact, strong and reliable, Koenigsegg chose to develop a new gearbox type in partnership with Cima, one that enables the use of a combination of both a dry and wet clutch systems in order to get class-leading shift times.

First, there is the normal twin-disc dry clutch that operates in a traditional fashion. Then there is a hydraulically operated wet clutch-brake inside the gearbox that is engaged during each upshift in order to slow down the input shaft as the gears are changed and prior to the normal synchronization. This cuts the synchronization time by two thirds as the gear is pre-synchronized. The result is a very sporty, smooth and extremely fast shift.

Compared to a traditional DCT system, this gearbox is lighter, smaller, has less moving parts and gives a more distinct shift feel with almost no interruption to acceleration. Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic shift mechanism actuates the shift forks directly with no intermediate mechanical parts. This brings down the inertia of the shift mechanism and any potential slack is minimized since the shortest possible path of engagement is achieved. The entire transmission weighs only 81kg, which is by far the lightest 7 speed hypercar transmission in the world. The transmission can also be set in full-auto mode.

The small size and very low weight, considering the longitudinal 7 speed layout, made it possible to maintain the shortest-in-class rear overhang, thereby giving an excellent central mass position and maintaining neutral behaviour in extreme conditions.

Koenigsegg E-Diff


The Koenigsegg Electronic Differential (E-Diff) is both lighter and faster when compared to traditional E-Diff solutions. The difference lies in the fact that Koenigsegg has retained a limited slip differential with plates and ramps that have a built-in amount of analogue limited slip functionality. Consequently, the active hydraulic element can be more compact and therefore faster and lighter compared to traditional E-Diff solutions. The analogue part of the functionality also has zero processing time as it reacts directly. The analogue system is supplemented by a digital active system.

Koenigsegg has therefore obtained one of the lightest and fastest E-Diff solutions on the market. The algorithms that control the E-Diff - also developed by Koenigsegg - take inputs from throttle angle, g-force, steering wheel angle, yaw angle, car speed, engine rpm, selected gear, plus the prevailing weather conditions.

The manner in which the car analyses and then reacts to this data makes the Koenigsegg E-Diff unique. It ensures that the Agera is very safe on the limit, with improved performance and feel.

The Koenigsegg E-diff works in harmony with a new traction control system, the fastest reacting system in the industry with auto-adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as a number of manual settings.

The chassis

The Koenigsegg carbon monocoque chassis has an astonishing level of stiffness, measures at 65.000 Nm/deg. It weighs just 70kg, including the integrated fuel tanks.

The result of constant weight saving exercises is a dry weight of only 1330kg, making the Agera the lightest, fully homologated hypercar presently in production.

Suspension

The suspension geometry of the Agera was designed to further enhance the award winning behaviour of the CCX. The Agera's track is wider at the front, compensating for the narrower front tires and giving the car a square stance of 2 meters in both the front and the rear.

In typical Koenigsegg tradition, the Agera has the longest wishbones of all hypercars presently in production. Long wishbones have several advantages - for example: less track width deviation during wheel movement or cornering and improved geometry over a longer wheel stroke. This is one of the reasons why F1 cars have very long wishbones. The wishbones are produced from seamless aeronautical chrome-molybdenum tubing in order to minimise weight while offering maximum strength and stiffness.

The extremely strong and light uprights are machined from 7075-T6 aeronautical grade aluminium, and contain 240mm SKF dual angle contact bearings, normally only found on LeMans prototype cars. The very large bearings contribute to the overall stiffness of the wheel assembly and therefore give better control, handling and comfort. The uprights have large 4.5' diameter carbon fibre cooling ducts for the brake discs in order to maximise brake cooling.

Brakes

The Agera is equipped with the absolute latest ABS technology, which is based on a lightweight, performance-oriented racing system. The system makes it possible for the ABS function to react differently, depending on the performance mode. Furthermore, the ABS braking system operates on massive 392×36mm and 380×34mm ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade, regardless of track or road condition.

Dedicated Michelin tires

Koenigsegg has continued its longstanding partnership with Michelin with regard to tire development for the Agera. Hence, the Agera features specially developed, latest generation Michelin Super Sport tires.

Due to the tires, advanced suspension and aerodynamics, the Agera achieves lateral acceleration up to 1.6g in dry conditions and offers improved handling in the wet.

These new tires were developed for the Agera during testing at the Michelin Ladoux test centre in France.

The tires are rated for speeds over 420km/h, making them the highest top-speed rated tire in the world, whilst offering cup tire levels of grip and outstanding wet performance, all in one package.

Koenigsegg is very proud of being a selected development partner with Michelin.

VGR - Vortex Generating Rim spokes

The Koenigsegg VGR wheels are not just magnificent to look at. They are real air turbines, increasing the downforce of the car by measurable amounts and improving brake cooling. All four wheels are individual so that turbine blades always face the correct direction for extraction. Given that the offset and width is different front to rear, all four wheels have their own unique design. The VGR wheels are forged and then fully machined to the final shape. All excess material is removed during the forging and machining process, thus minimising weight whilst displaying outstanding levels of stiffness.

The aerodynamics

The Aerodynamics of the Agera have been honed and perfected over many years in CFD and wind-tunnel testing in order to ensure the best possible results. Even with the massive dynamic rear wing, the drag of the Agera is only Cd 0.33 in high speed mode and Cd 0.37 in track mode. Even though the Agera is a full 2 meters wide, it only has a frontal area of 1.87m². This results in a Cd*A value of only 0.62 and thus a theoretical top speed of approximately 440km/h (Agera R), given the gear ratios and power available. All Agera models are limited to 375km/h in standard mode, but can be unlocked by Koenigsegg for short periods of time if all necessary conditions are met, such as road condition, tire wear, service levels etc. The car is set in full-speed mode by unlocking the setting via the Infotainment system.

The two large side air intakes greatly add to the Agera´s high speed stability as they ensure that the pressure point of the car is behind the mass centre of the car. This gives the car greater directional stablity with increasing speed. This is a crucial safety feature when it comes to driving at extreme speeds. Great care has been taken to ensure that the car remains stable during high speed braking. The front splitter and rear diffuser have been designed and optimized with this in mind.

For maximum performance and safety, it is important that the downforce stays as constant as possible, even in yaw situations. The rear diffuser was developed and evaluated specifically to give substantial down force even at wide yaw angles.

The interior

The interior of the Agera is like no other car. Only those materials deemed worthy by Koenigsegg are allowed in the interior. The only materials you get to touch and see inside the Agera are aluminium, carbon fibre, precious metals, alcantara and aniline leather. All switchgear is original and features wonderfully unique solutions.

For example, the Koenigsegg Ghost light, which makes solid aluminium buttons gleam with LED powered symbols that appear as if out of nowhere. It is a world first in the car industry. The illumination shines through the billet aluminium buttons and surfaces by way of almost invisible micro holes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols as well as a very clean and stylish appearance that is framed by an all-new carbon fibre centre console and tunnel assembly.

The new, lightweight, full carbon airbag steering wheel incorporates many vital functions directly in front of the driver. As with the CCX, the shifting paddles are mounted directly on the steering wheel to enable shifting without taking your hands off the steering wheel during hard cornering. The central, high-definition touch screen infotainment system provides control for audio functions, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and secondary functions such as performance meters and telemetric data.

The exceptionally comfortable carbon seats are great for long journeys but also give excellent lateral support when needed. They can be heated as an option.

The Interior of the Agera is truly minimalistic and efficient in the purest Swedish sense. There is nothing in the interior merely to add visual drama; everything is there for a functional purpose. This is the essence of beauty as it follows the same less-is-more philosophy that typifies every engineering aspect of the Agera.

CI - Configurable Instruments

The CI system was specifically developed for the Agera by Koenigsegg. It features a unique and configurable interface that can be adapted to the driver's specific demands. As it is connected to the cars CAN bus system, it communicates freely with the infotainment screen and all other functions in the car.

Graphical information can be prioritised and selected by pushing the left stalk button. For example, in track mode there is a focus on RPM, pressures, temperatures, lap times, and g-forces. Compare this to GT mode, where vehicle speed, auto shift, satnav, power, music, etc. are prioritized.

The luggage space

The luggage space in the Agera is something Koenigsegg is particularly proud of. It is the largest luggage compartment in the hypercar world, with a capacity of over 120 litres. It is so well shaped that it can actually fit the one-piece Agera roof/hardtop, meaning the driver can choose to go open or closed at any given time during a longer trip. What might be more surprising is that it is also possible to fit a set of golf clubs in the luggage area, something that is unheard of in the hypercar world. Given the high comfort level and the large luggage space, the Agera can truly been viewed as being one of the first GT hypercars.

The electronics

Semiconductor Electric Control Central.

Not only do Koenigsegg develop their own engines, but many of the electronic control units, CAN protocols, and management strategies are also developed in-house. If you could look closely at many of the circuit boards in the car - inside the control units, for example - you would find the name Koenigsegg imprinted directly on the circuit boards.

Of course there is no need to develop so many critical items in-house unless it gives the car a competitive edge, which is indeed the case for Koenigsegg. This type of in-house competence gave Koenigsegg the possibility to pioneer the CCXR and Agera R - the first two environmentally conscious hypercars in the world.

One typical example of this internal development regime is the Semiconductor Electric Control Central. The ECC controls most of the electronic functions in the car. Most physical fuses or relays have been replaced by software-controlled semiconductors, which are configurable in function and enable monitoring of all power and threshold values. The ECC communicates via CAN with the infotainment system in order to display necessary information to the driver.

For example, if a door is open, a lamp is broken, or if one of the roof locks are not tightened properly, the driver will be informed via the instrument display as all electrical functions are controlled and monitored by the ECC.

Intelligent Lifepo4 Battery - ILB

The Agera is the first combustion engine production car in the world with an intelligent Lithium Iron battery as standard equipment. This battery type saves significant weight and is more compact compared to traditional lead acid batteries. Also, Lithium Iron cells cannot reach thermal runway - a state that can mean meltdown and/or fire - like Li-ion batteries. This makes them very safe for automotive use.

The ILB carries many intelligent functions developed by Koenigsegg together with our battery supplier. Hypercars tend to be parked for long periods of time and it is not unusual for the batteries to be drained if the car is not connected to a trickle charger. Even though all Koenigsegg cars come with a trickle charger as a standard accessory, it is not unheard of for its use to be neglected. Depending on location, it may not even be possible to use it. There is also the potential for a driver to occasionally forget to turn off all accessories in the car, such as the parking lights, for example, which may cause early battery drainage.

Koenigsegg has therefore implemented a minimum current protection mode, to make accidental battery drainage something of the past. The new ILB has an intelligent circuit built into it so that if the car is left on, or left standing for a long time, the battery will shut down when the voltage drops below a certain threshold. Later, if any essential buttons or a door knob is touched, the battery kicks back into life for 5 minutes and has enough power to operate all of the functions in the car and start the engine, thereby giving charge back to the battery.

Concerns about battery charge are now a thing of the past, irrespective of the behavior of the vehicle user. It is remarkable, but true: you can leave the car in the evening with the high beam on, the stereo at full volume, without the engine running. When you wake up in the morning, you can open the car door, start the engine and drive away. Perhaps a situation more familiar to a hypercar owner would be one where they leave the car for several months, perhaps over winter, and yet they will still be able to open the door, start the car and drive away.

Source - Koenigsegg