Koenigsegg’s Latest Beast Is a Mashup of Epic Proportions - Meet the Game-Changing Agera RS Chimera
Koenigsegg has long been synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, and their latest creation, the Agera RS Chimera, continues that tradition. Named after the mythical creature composed of parts from multiple animals, the Chimera combines cutting-edge technologies from three of Koenigsegg's most iconic hypercars: the Agera RS, the CC850, and the Jesko. This masterpiece took three years to complete, and the result is a supercar that is both a technological marvel and a testament to Koenigsegg’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Ultimate Hybrid of Pure Power and Innovation
The Agera RS Chimera might be based on the already legendary Agera RS platform, but it elevates the game by integrating the engine from the Jesko and the simulation manual gearbox from the CC850. The endeavor wasn’t just about slapping together existing parts; it required delicate calibration and precise engineering. The Jesko engine alone brings a staggering hypercar-nurburgring-testing">1,280 horsepower on regular fuel and can reach up to 1,600 hp on E85. This monstrous engine paired with the CC850’s innovative Engage Shift System (ESS) transforms the Chimera into a hypercar that sits in a league of its own.
From inception, the Chimera was envisioned by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who tasked Christian von Koenigsegg and his team to embark on this extraordinary project. Once the CC850 was unveiled at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, showcasing its groundbreaking simulated manual gearbox capable of toggling between manual and automatic modes, Sulayem envisioned similar cutting-edge technology in his Agera RS. Christian von Koenigsegg saw this as an opportunity not just to honor a client's request, but to innovate further.
A Symphony of Engineering Challenges
Creating the Chimera was a Herculean effort, demanding more than just blending parts from different hypercars. It required relocating the battery, designing new mounts for the powertrain, developing new harnesses, and calibrating new software and controllers. The complexity didn’t end there; Sulayem desired paddle shifters similar to those in the Jesko Absolut and Jesko Attack. Integrating this new functionality became part of the Chimera’s development journey, leading to notable upgrades now available as options for the CC850.
Beyond the drivetrain and gearbox, extensive redesigns extended to the car’s suspension components. Sections from the Jesko and the Regera were unified to form the subframe, while other suspension elements were meticulously adapted to ensure optimal performance and handling. A new transmission cooler scoop, seamlessly integrated into the design, further underscores the meticulous attention to detail.
The Result? An Iconic One-of-a-Kind Hypercar
Christian von Koenigsegg has no intention of replicating the Chimera, emphasizing that it would be more cost-effective and straightforward to build something entirely new than to recreate this intricate blend of high-tech components. Aptly named, the Chimera embodies a beast of hybrid engineering prowess, blending advanced mechanisms from three distinct hypercars into one unparalleled driving machine. And while minor tweaks such as the clutch pedal’s bite point are still in refinement, the Chimera is almost ready to unleash its full potential.
Koenigsegg’s Agera RS Chimera isn’t just another hypercar; it’s a driving testament to what can be achieved when imagination and expertise unite. It leaves us with the burning question: What could Koenigsegg possibly come up with next? Given their track record, anything is indeed possible.