**UPDATE 2** Henry Catchpole of EVO has now replied: The Koenigsegg One:1- One Giant Waste of Everybody's Time.

"Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)" (thejonnyedge) 03/10/2014 at 12:14 • Filed to: KOENIGSEGG ONE:1, ONE:1, KOENIGSEGG, GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2014, TIMEWASTER, WHAT IS THE POINT?

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UPDATE 2: Henry has now very kindly taken the time to reply to my article in the comments section below, so check out what he had to make of my moaning, my opinions, and where he stands with regards to the world's first 'Megacar', and other going on's at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. I've recommended it so it should be showing up somewhere at the bottom, if not, let me know and I'll do a copy and paste into this article. You'll also find my reply to it underneath. Once again, thanks for reading guys.

UPDATE :Henry Catchpole (Features Editor at Evo Magazine) who originally inspired me to write this article by inadvertently annoying me has tweeted me to say he'll try to reply to this. Which is pretty cool. Hopefully he'll get involved when he has the time, so stay tuned. Also, sorry if it was wrong of me to re-post this up. I didn't know how else to update everybody! Also-Also, thanks for reading Henry, go easy on me I'm an amateur.

Perhaps I'm a bit grumpy this morning, maybe the single cup of coffee hasn't quite been enough to get my brain working to the point where I can avoid getting annoyed by the slightest thing. Or perhaps I have a point, and the following rant is perfectly reasonable.

Either way, I'm hoping you guys here on Oppositelock will tell me which side of the argument you're on after you've read what I'm about to say. Fasten your seatbelts because I don't think you're going to like this one much.

Henry Catchpole has made me very, very annoyed. In a very recent Evo YouTube video he said that he thought the Koenigsegg One:1 is the most exciting car at the show.

Can we have some perspective here for a minute please? You, Mr Catchpole are telling us that a car costing $2.8m limited to a production run of six cars that will only EVER be seen on a plinth or at another motor show is the 'most exciting car of the show'? That is the most ridiculous statement I've heard all week. What an absolute pile of rubbish.

For a start, no car costing that much money and limited to such few numbers can ever be called either the most exciting or be awarded the 'car of the show' title, because it has ABSOLUTELY ZERO relevance to any of us not fortunate enough to be sitting on a multi-billion pound business empire. It is totally and utterly out of touch with the real world. Can you not understand that? This car is pure plinth porn, and don't ever try to tell me it's anything more.

As an engineering attempt, it's awesome of this I have no doubt, but this gives the world absolutely nothing. It gives me and you absolutely nothing. It contributes nothing at all to the current or future automotive world. It merely shows off some pretty fancy and elite engineering abilities that some guys in Sweden have and that's about it. I actually couldn't care less about this car. It's not even pretty; it's just another sexed-up, pointless, inaccessible and just plain boring variation on a shape we first saw IN 2002.

Yes, it's YET ANOTHER CC8S with a facelift and internal tweaks. Big deal.

This car is one giant waste of everybody's time. To think of it as anything else means you are totally out of touch with reality.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:26

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If you read this all the way through, thank you very much guys. If you could refrain from using personal insults and attacks now in the following burnageddon that's about to hit me that would be great, cheers.

I think you'll know by now I'm usually quite a positive giver of opinions and reviews and I don't tend to dwell too long on the negative. So, hey! At least my writing style has varied a bit here right?

High five? Anybody? No...?

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:33

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There are impressive and exciting elements in any extreme engineering exercise, but you are right here on so many levels. Well written too. High fives and fist bumps.

Once_upon_a_pvt > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:34

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I feel strange about it, but I have to agree.

When I first heard about the One:1 I was excited as shit to see it run all the racetracks, the inevitable comparisons, the normal crap we do with cars we will never afford. But only 6 will be made? They will never so much as need an oil change, much less a new set of tires.

Engineering awesomeness? Yes.

Usefull to eveyone else? No.

Its usefullness was exhausted when me and my buddies went "Holy crap thats cool, 1 to 1 ratio? That thing will be ridiculous" and promptly moved on.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:37

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I agree with you on almost everything, the only thing I somewhat disagree with you on is that it won't give you or me anything. I believe that the stuff Christian and his boys does will at some point perhaps trickle down to the more mundane cars. But I won't start a heated argument over it :)

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username 03/05/2014 at 06:39

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Thank you sir. Much appreciated. I will use your cooling cream of a comment to apply to the many burns I'll receive this morning from the automotive community.

I've just tweeted this to @HenryCatchpole too in the hope he comes at me with some kind of response. He seems like a great guy and I'm sure he'll enter the debate if he has time.

Stay tuned though because I'm just about to publish another article that is absolutely positively wonderfully happy. And it has a video!

Tekamul > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:40

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The coffee worked, your points are relevant and valid. 6 cars do not support relevance. A shot box with a fancy new iPhone interface would have more impact on the world.
Still, all that power.....

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 03/05/2014 at 06:40

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Thank you for your opinion Andy, I always like to hear from you!

We'll find out if you're right in a few years time hopefully!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Once_upon_a_pvt 03/05/2014 at 06:41

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You've hit it on the head there sir. It's a 'THAT'S COOL!' moment. Nothing more. Thanks for the opinion!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Tekamul 03/05/2014 at 06:45

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Thanks very much! This has all gone rather better than expected so far.

It angers me people are focusing so much on this car. It's wasting all of our time.

To counteract my moody rant I've just uploaded a very happy and fun article I was working on at 4am when I couldn't sleep last night, I really think everybody will like that even if this Koenigsegg one doesn't go down too well!

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:51

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The reason the shape is the same is because it works, and works very well so there are absolutely zero reasons to change it. And who gives a shit if you can afford it or not it is still fucking AWESOME.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/05/2014 at 06:54

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Thanks for your opinion! I'm sure the shape does work, those nutters over in Sweden know what they are doing just as much as anybody else. My point is that this car is nothing new or relevant.

KnowsAboutCars > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:55

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I can understand your point but I don't think that most exciting car in the show must be even somewhat accessible to normal people, it just means that most people are excited about it.

I personally find the One:1 to be very exciting car but at the same time I'm bit saddened by the truth that all this go fast technology is probably just going to sit in some rich guys garage. Sure there are rich people who enjoy their super cars by driving them hard but they are minority.

What comes to "not giving anything to us" I don't agree with you. Koenigsegg is developing lots of new stuff including camless engines and I'm going to assume that they are getting at least little profit out of these cars. The One:1 also contributes to the research of carbon fiber which is going to have increased importance in car manufacturing in future.

Sn210 > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:59

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I think you won't get too many negative comments. I too, am sick of the multi million dollar cars that they only produce a handful of. Everyone is doing it to the point where it's not very exclusive. Besides the Veyron, we've seen the Lambo Egotista and Vernano or whatever, the Mercedes SLR Sterling Moss, the Aston one-77, Ferrari FXX, and I'm sure there's more. Like you said, it looks like the CC concept with a facelift and tweaks.

SnowBallin > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:59

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You call this car "inaccesible" and that "It gives me and you absolutely nothing."

So what your saying is all cars should be econoboxes that everyone can afford? You're make it seem like the rich are wrong for having nice things

Simplify, then add beer > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 06:59

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These are honestly my favourite posts. I am a fan of the counterpoint .

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

However, allow me to list some points:

Yes the design is similar to the CC8. But it is a completely new body, suspension, aero, and traction control. Just because the outline is close to something you've seen before, doesn't make it a simple rehash.

This is more than just engineering porn. Keonneisssgigeggege are truly moving ahead in technology. Flexible carbon fibre for dynamic air flow, ecu trickery to for brilliant stability, and of course the camless engine they are working on are going to benefit every vehicle in the future.

Finally, Keonigsegg owners are not the usual vapid 'plinth posse' crowd. I fully expect to see one of these being driven like stink.

jayemwhy > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 07:00

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Think of this car as a marketing tool for koniggfsdgdsh (I'm not even gonna try). Much like the the Lambo egoista and even the Venom GT, they're pretty much vaporware but it attracts attention to the company and showcase what they're capable of. Now I don't know how much profit this car makes but cars like this MAY help fund projects Freevalve. Now tell me your aren't interested in camless engines. Either way, I love seeing engineering feats like the one:1 and I'm happy they exist.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > KnowsAboutCars 03/05/2014 at 07:02

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Thanks for your opinion! I'm going to attempt to argue with you, despite the fact your user name is rather intimidating and I might be getting into this with somebody with far superior knowledge!

Firstly; the camless engine. Fantastic! That's important I like that, no debate to be had on that at all. It isn't however related to this particular car in any way as far as I know. Profits? hmmm... they'll make plenty I don't have any worries about that. Research yes, maybe. I think the hard truth of the matter is that most of Koenigsegg's research into carbon fibre construction and variable turbos and all that stuff will go straight back to....... Koenigsegg.

I personally don't think we will see any trickle down effect from this car for several decades if at all. But maybe I'm being pessimistic.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > SnowBallin 03/05/2014 at 07:06

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Thanks for the opinion! I did say that, but everything else you've said in your post I absolutely did not say.

The rich can have whatever they like, I really don't mind. I hope they enjoy it. But don't for a second think that I'm going to accept that a car that costs this much money and contributes this little to at least the current automotive world as 'car of the show'. At no point did I attack the wealthy for 'having nice things'. I didn't mention anything about economy, boxiness, or everyday affordability either.

Let me know what this car means to you. What does it do for you?

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Simplify, then add beer 03/05/2014 at 07:14

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Thanks for your opinion!

Everybody is coming back at me with the camless engine, and at no point have I attacked that. I think its phenomenal. But I fail to see what any of that has to do with this car, perhaps with the exception of generating funding, but with over a decade of selling high level supercars behind them I simply don't believe they will be lacking in that department.

I was deliberately harsh comparing it with the CC8. It probably is entirely new parts etc, etc. But the point is exactly what you've said. The outline is similar to something I've seen before. And not something I saw last year. Something I saw 12 years ago. Did you get excited when you saw the new Mini?

That technology is all great... for Koenigsegg. Are we ever going to see that come down to us? I have high doubts. I expect most of the great stuff will be patented and kept in house.

Finally, if one of these cars is going to be driven like stink I want it posted on Oppo with the title 'JONNY EDGE YOU WERE WRONG- THIS GUYS THRASHES HIS ONE:1' and I will crawl up to the gallows of the comments section for my execution.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > jayemwhy 03/05/2014 at 07:17

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Again, camless engine. I didn't mention it at all. I think it's awesome. It doesn't have anything to do with my attack on the One:1 though, apart from it might generate more funding, but that is something I refuse to believe this company suffers a problem with.

Don't even get me started on the Egoista and Venom GT... I'm going to need more coffee if we're going to discuss those! Thank you very much for posting your opinion though, I welcome all debate on this matter.

Simplify, then add beer > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 07:26

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I'll try to remember that!

BTW - what do you think was the most exciting car at the show?

KnowsAboutCars > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 07:27

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Ha ha, my user name doesn't imply that I'm some sort of an automotive guru (I guess I know quite a lot about cars though). I just didn't want to ponder user name for hours and didn't want it to refer to any specific car as I love pretty much anything automotive related (hybrids and most electric cars aside).

But now to the point. My point about the profits and the camless technology was that more money = more research. I might have written that bit poorly as I tried to rush my opinion out there before everything worth saying had already been said.

I agree that there is indeed a chance that all of their research is going to stay in house but if they really master the use of carbon fiber and other tech they are developing there is equal chance that they start making money by making stuff for other companies. Remember Koenigsegg isn't the most financially stable company.

Some of these advancements are probably finding their way into cars more widely available to the public (carbon monocoque in BMW i3 for example) and, I agree again, some of this is going to take time and maybe even never reaches wider public.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Simplify, then add beer 03/05/2014 at 07:42

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I honestly haven't found anything exciting about the Geneva Motor Show yet with the exception of the Maserati Alfieri which I think is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

However, the Alfieri sounds a bit optimistic in places I'll admit. If I really had to pick what my 'car of the show' or most exciting car would be I'd probably pick either the Alfa Romeo 4C Spyder (on the basis that it is light and gorgeous and not out of everybody's reach) or the Renault Twingo (because a rear engined, rear-wheel drive city car is different and cool and will shake up the segment).

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Sn210 03/05/2014 at 07:43

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Thanks for your opinion, I agree entirely with you. You'd be very welcome to share a few cups of coffee with me!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > KnowsAboutCars 03/05/2014 at 07:50

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More money does indeed equal more research, but if they really really wanted to make more money, they'd build something that perhaps didn't cost so much to develop and something they could sell more of. I think the One:1 is just another entrant to the sausage measuring party also known as the horsepower war. Christian and the guys are trying to show off.

The i3 was without a doubt the car of 2013, and the construction of that car is impressive. It is still too expensive though.

If Koenigsegg really aren't that stable we will never see their amazing work passed down into future mass-production cars anyway. They simply won't be around long enough.

KnowsAboutCars > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 08:14

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The i3 is expensive now but wait 10-15 years and similar cars will be as affordable as hybrids are now.

I actually double checked my claim about Koenigseggs financial stability. It seems that they are better off now than they were little over 5 years ago. One:1's goal is without a doubt is to take part in the horsepower war but I think Koenigseggs approach is little bit more 'mature' and more awesome compared to say SSC who basically built a Diablo replica with different body and bucket loads of power.

BTW I might be bit of a Koenigsegg fanboy since they are supporting the good ol' combustion engines by making them more eco friendly as opposed to almost everyone else jumping to the electric bandwagon. Also because the same animation that inspired Von Koenigsegg to build cars sparked my love towards old group 7 racing cars.

BengtBo > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 08:27

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When Koenigsegg first released the CCR it was thought to be near impossible to have 800 hp power in driveable a car. 500 hp was seen as an absurd number. Today you can get an M6 with 500 hp and 800 hp in a supercar is not uncommon.

"The water raises all boats".

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > KnowsAboutCars 03/05/2014 at 08:31

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Hey, there's nothing wrong with being a fan. I don't hate Koenigsegg, I don't hate any manufacturer. I just call things how I see them or interpret them.

Hopefully the electric cars will come down in price, we'll wait and see.

They are going about the horsepower war in the right way, sure. It's just that war is a waste of everybody's time and effort in the first place. I really have no time for companies like SSC or even Hennessy. If that's how you spell it. See, I don't even have time to learn how to spell their names.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > BengtBo 03/05/2014 at 08:33

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Nobody actually needs 500bhp though. Figure quoting means nothing to me.

The boats don't need to be raised. They need to be lighter and more efficient.

Lekker > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 08:38

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I personally think you need more coffee, although you hit a very good point with this article. Given the pace at which technology advances however, I do believe this car is a cusp in terms of development and progress. I do however agree that it by no means should be give a "Car of the Show" award for the very reasons you state. Yes, it is a ridiculously limited edition Hyper-car.

The one thing I believe is the main difference in my opinion is the real value of the car, because as far as I am concerned this is the firs non-tubular frame only car (Like the Atom, or some Caterhams) that has 1:1 power to weight ratio. And lets not forget this car is still considered comfortable (I'd think). So I do believe in brings a lot for us in terms of what we know is possible now. Before, there was no amount of money that could make an achievement like that possible for any car outside a stripped out Atom, whereas now while it still is highly inefficient it is no longer a feat considered impossible. And as time passes this technology will become more accessible, look at cellphones, computers, even things like automated machines. Most of this developments cost billions, and were highly exclusive when they first were announced. Now however thanks to outsourcing research as well as manufacturing, we can all afford a cellphone, or a machine would have been the size of a room on our pockets! So yeah, you have a very good point. A lot of fuss for that car, but it will pay off in the future I'm sure.

KnowsAboutCars > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 08:44

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You didn't come out as hating Koenigsegg at all.

I personally would be happier to see alternative fuels and hydrogen really take off and overtake electric motors as go-to power plant for eco cars but this might be just my little fantasy. Audi's g-tron and e-gas gives me hope.

It's spelled Hennessey BTW.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Lekker 03/05/2014 at 08:46

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Great response, thank you for taking the time to reply. I can always go for more coffee!

You make a very good point about the technological achievements across society as we progress through time. I am skeptical as to whether any of the stuff the supercars are doing right now will ever filter down to us here on the bottom level. I make one exception to that though, and that's the hybrid power trains seen in the 918 etc. If Koenigsegg had seeked to use hybrid power train in this and given their engineering genius to the way the world really does need to go forward, we'd all benefit from the collective of the main car companies all developing in competition.

I'll concede that perhaps this car does bring some lightweight engineering potential. But I expect that all to be patented. If we ever do see this technology being used in cars accessible to the masses I'll either be very, very old or very suprised. Just which remains to be seen.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > KnowsAboutCars 03/05/2014 at 08:49

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Oh that's good then! Because I really don't. Besides, my girlfriend loves the Agera R to bits so I can't hate them fully. Her little face lights up at the sight of a picture of one.

I'm with you on the alternative fuels, but it seems impossible for now so electric motors appears to be the way forward. If Koenigsegg had done something like that (however small) with this car I'd be far, far more in favour of it. As it is, I'm underwhelmed, annoyed and bored.

Thanks for the spelling tip, I'll try to remember!

Jayhawk Jake > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 09:13

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All of these speed and power record cars just bore me.

Who gives a shit how fast you can go down a runway? It's 100% irrelevant to anything ever. The only thing it's good for is making a decent Top Gear film.

Frankly I'm tired of Koenigsegg getting so much attention for what is a 12 year old car. I know they've put tons of work into the underpinnings and the engine, but I agree with you, the shape is old and tired .

Cars like the C7 Corvette are far more exciting in my opinion. Real, honest to goodness production cars that are realistically attainable. The one-off or super limited production hypercars are just dumb, and I'm sorry, they aren't accomplishments. Hennessy bragging about how fast the Venom can go is no more interesting than someone putting a jet engine in a schoolbus and racing it at air shows.

When I read the news out of these car shows, I might glance at the supercars. 'Oh that's pretty' and then move on. But cars like the Renegade? I've been looking at it for days, pouring over every detail that comes out. That car is exciting because I could expect to drive one in my lifetime, and maybe even own one. While supercars are cool, I can't get excited about them because I'll never have them

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Jayhawk Jake 03/05/2014 at 09:18

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This is exactly the response I was hoping to get, thanks very much for this. I hope everybody else reads this. This is gold.

Lekker > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 09:21

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And thank you for taking the time to write about the new kid in town. I totally agree with you that most of it we might not be benefit from, but we do not need to look that far out of the scope to see that it already has. The Alfa Romeo 4c is probably as close to anything like it we will ever be, and if you think about it it truly is space-age material for a car that gets, and lets face it, almost as good MPG as a dreary Prius. And that is a huge benefit for us. Sure we may not be able to get a 4C, but that is not nearly as out of the reach as a Koenigsegegeggfgefgggg (a la Top Gear). My point is, it may not be in our lifetime (although we might be surprised, especially if the military decides to take part on the Hybrid race) but this technology could be what saves cars. The biggest problem is efficiency, and what best way to achieve that than lightness? So we may not realize it just yet, but this technology is already helping us out today.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:31

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My problem with it, is that it has too much power. Nearly 1400hp is going to cause it to be a handful in the corners. Instead of lowering the weight they just gave it more power. . . that just seems lazy to me. Any supercar with a 1000hp+ V8 always kind of bores me, it is a formula now.

Also, the most exciting car at the motorshow is the 919.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:34

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The 3D Printing, Computer Modeling, and Carbon Fiber development in this car is going to redefine manufacturing (not just cars) over the next 10-20 years. It's not another "car", it's another way of making cars.

That's why its exciting.

That's like being at a locomotive show and someone says "Hey! That new bullet train is the most exciting thing here!" And you go "BORING, it's just another maglev that none of us will get to ride!"

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > YSI-what can brown do for you 03/05/2014 at 10:36

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The 919 is exciting, I'm really looking forward to it race. I think they have lowered the weight of the One:1 haven't they? There's a whole load of new parts and the Agera weight is listed as over 1400kg.

I might be wrong, I know Wikipedia isn't the best of sources.

GhostZ > YSI-what can brown do for you 03/05/2014 at 10:37

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They did lower the weight. They added it back in a more complex suspension and better cooling systems. If they had just "Added more power", the car would weigh about 100-200kg more than it does. That's one of the reasons the carbon fiber chassis had to be completely, from the ground up, redesigned.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:40

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Koenigsegg has done more for "light and efficient" manufacturing than any other company. They were using carbon fiber 15 years ahead of anyone else, and ethanol fuel 5-10 years ahead of anyone else. They wouldn't have those insane power numbers if they didn't also have a proper car around it.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:41

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Well, it is probably 1380kgs and 1380hp. So they may have lowered it a bit, but it isn't enough to be honest, they probably could have done more, but that would have probably made it unbearable on the road(not that it isn't already). I think you need 500hp and 2500lbs, that would make any road car perfect. No need for 1300 unless you like to show your pee pee size.

GhostZ > Jayhawk Jake 03/05/2014 at 10:44

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Frankly I'm tired of Koenigsegg getting so much attention for what is a 12 year old car.

The suspension, engine, chassis, body, electronics, tires, transmission, interior, aerodynamics, headlights, tailights, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust, intake, and everything else on every car Koenigsegg has made has changed multiple times in 12 years. You can argue that the One:1 is "basically the same" (though it's quite different) than the Agera R, but that's only a 2-3 year old car, not 12.

Cars like the C7 exist because cars like the Mclaren F1 were built. Cars like the C8 or C9 will exist because cars like the One:1 are built. Otherwise, you'l just be complaining that the C8 or C9 corvette is "just a facelifted C7" because no one innovated in the manufacturing process.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:45

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Someone's a little grumpy.

Casper > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:48

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I think I see your point, but I don't agree. For example, one of the most exciting cars I have seen recently is the P1. Just because I, nor anyone I might possibly know, will not ever have one does not diminish this.

The One:1 is a tech demo, like a more rare P1. The excitement is knowing such a thing exists and that we are now capable of achieving xyz numbers. Is F1 less exciting because you can't afford one of the cars and will never be good enough to be one of the drivers?

YSI-what can brown do for you > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 10:50

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The Agera weighs 1430, so they didn't lose 100kg to 200kg of weight. I think it was around 80kg. Don't know if they redesigned the chassis or not though. I know Lamborghini used to say they redesigned chassis of their newer models but they all were pretty similar in the end. Like the Murcielago chassis looked a lot like the 6.0l Diablo.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 10:50

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Function > Form. The One:1 looks a little similar to the CC8S because Koenigsegg found a winning aerodynamic formula. Look at it and then look at an LMP1 car. Then look at how similar all of hte LMP1 cars are.

As for the technology, Koenigsegg's stuff in the 90s and early 2000s is half of the reason that Carbon Fiber is ubiquitous among high performance road cars. Automakers would be insane to not try to adopt the technology in one way or another, look at the Tucker. It might have taken 20 years before seatbelts were standard and mandatory, but they did it first and proved that it worked. Koenigsegg is to Efficiency as Tucker is to Safety.

GhostZ > YSI-what can brown do for you 03/05/2014 at 10:52

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I should have been more clear, they LOST weight in the chassis and GAINED weight in the parts that support that power (suspension, cooling, engine, tires).

But yes, the chassis is entirely redesigned. If I remember right, the type of carbon fiber is different, as well as the shape and support. If nothing on the old car will fit or bolt up onto the new one, then it's a redesigned chassis.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 10:53

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Great response thank you!

The manufacturing techniques are interesting, I'll give you that. But I don't believe Koenigsegg were the first to do any of those things were they? I might be wrong. You make a good point though, this is the kind of counter response I was hoping for so thanks for reading!

P.S: I love Maglevs!! Amazing things. Have you been on one?

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > E30Joe drives a Subaru 03/05/2014 at 10:54

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You think I'm just a bit grumpy? Maybe I am. I can see it is a rather extreme reaction to poor old Henry's opinion.

I did just have another coffee so I'm far tamer now.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 10:57

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That's a very bold claim. Koenigsegg pushing the boundaries of efficiency? I can't stand with you on that Ghost! You're on your own with that one. Again, nice point made about pioneering and everything.

The aerodynamics I'm sure make perfect sense, I've mentioned that in a few other responses to some guys. It's not interesting though. It's not fresh, therefore to me, it isn't exciting.

I still don't think this car deserves to be 'Car of the show' or 'most exciting car'.

YSI-what can brown do for you > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 10:58

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Fair enough, I will go read up some more on this car(I have zero knowledge about the car). Having never driven one(or probably never will) I can't tell if the 1350hp is too much, or just right. I personally think that the 800hp CCXR was perfect, if a bit overpowered.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Casper 03/05/2014 at 10:59

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Now the P1/918 I am excited about. The way they are using electric technology is very interesting to me. The Koenigsegg just goes for outright power and performance and there isn't much in the heart of the car that I find particularly interesting.

Maybe I'm being too hard on it, the variable turbo is pretty unique I guess. Perhaps if Mr. Catchpole is able to join this debate we'll find out a bit more about that.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:01

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Koenigsegg produces a car under a single roof from raw materials. They have the ability to make their own custom wiring and circuitboards in the same building that they can dyno test an engine. They have designed their manufacturing process such that they can create prototypes within minutes by using a series of fast-moving carbon fiber ovens and computer-modeled metallic molds, meaning that unlike every other car manufacturer who has to build concept cars or test mules and "return and revise" them, Koenigsegg does all of their prototype development as the car is being built . They don't need test cars, really. They don't need to thrash the car around to figure out if they made the carbon fiber wheels jut a few grams too light, they can stress-test the wheels over and over again until they get it perfect without having to send away for someone else to build them and cost significantly more. Not only are they the first, they're the only one who does that. I also think that the 3D-printed titanium they used in some of the parts on the One:1 is also a first for automotive use (and THAT technology has only existed for a few years, I think).

If you want to hate a company for making a car that gives "nothing back", look at Pagani. At least with the Zonda, there was no aerodynamic, manufacturing, or performance benefits that hadn't either already been done (by either the Veyron, F1, or CCX/CC8S). I love Pagani, but outside of some interesting active aero (which isn't much of an improvement over what Mitsubishi was doing in the 80s, and is definitely behind La Ferrari from what I've seen, could be wrong though) there's still nothing particularly innovating about it. I think people often forget how different some of these hypercar companies can be, even when (to their eyes) the end result is similar.

I have been on a maglev. They're mind-blowing.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > YSI-what can brown do for you 03/05/2014 at 11:02

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That's certainly how I feel about anything above 300bhp. It's all just a sausage measuring contest after that. I'm purely interested in on the road performance. You could argue that I'm not talented enough to get the most out of 500bhp on the road; and that's probably true. This is why I'm interested in seeing how manufacturers can bring me a sub-300bhp, lightweight and forward facing car for sensible, realistic prices.

In many ways even talking about this car is pointless. Nobody we ever know will probably ever get close to one.

Casper > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:06

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Power is impressive regardless because they have to figure out how to control and use it. I feel the 918 was more of an odd ball conceptually, but the P1 seems to make more legitimate use of it's electric components. Electric cars have been around over 100 years, so it's not like the idea is new or really exciting. It's the application that makes it special and the performance stats it creates.

If a One:1 does the same or better without electrics, you have a nice dynamic showing the alternate methodologies to achieve the same result. A larger sample is always better.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 11:08

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I'm so jealous you've been able to go on a maglev. Majorly, majorly jealous.

This all is very interesting about the production methods. If Koenigsegg are the first and the only people who do these specific methods as you say; does that mean we'll ever see those methods being deployed outside of their high-end 'megacar' business?

I love Pagani too, the Zonda is last century for me. I'm with you on that. The Huarya is far more interesting with the aero, but to be honest I'm very biased with that car because it's so stunningly beautiful.

I have another question for you; do we really want just function over form in our cars? There comes a point doesn't there when we have to say 'no thanks i'll lose 1-2mpg or 3-4mpg because this nose looks sexy!'

brell > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:09

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You could argue that all Ferrari's and Lamborghini's are pointless and inaccessible (i don't agree) but i don't see your post about them. Out of all the cars at the show, the One:1 on a purely base level is the most exciting without question. Once you get above a certain number it's price is meaningless to most people.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > brell 03/05/2014 at 11:13

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I wouldn't argue that purely because they are mass produced cars.

Ferrari will make more than six of the new California T. I haven't found Ferrari's or Lamborghini's interesting since I was a child. I think a lot of people grow out of them. That's not to say I don't recognise their appeal though.

The FF was the most interesting Ferrari in years because it brought something new to the table.

ihm96 > Jayhawk Jake 03/05/2014 at 11:15

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It is anything but a 12 year old car, the only thing that is the same is the shape of the body. Everything on it has been redesigned, reengineered, upgraded, etc. I agree that I find the C7 more exciting, but some people do care about speed and power records, which are these things are more exciting. Its made to be a billionaires car, while the corvette is the everyman's dream car. Just because it isn't affordable doesn't mean it isn't an accomplishment, its amazing engineering and these one-offs often do trickle down to regular cars eventually, after things become more affordable. Saying something isn't an accomplishment just because you don;t find it interesting means nothing, I'm sure most people would say "Making an affordable RWD sports car like the BRZ is boring, talk to me when you make a safe car that gets amazing gas mileage" Its different for everyone, but these supercars are certainly accomplishments, even though 99.99% of us will never drive one

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Casper 03/05/2014 at 11:17

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I think Chris Harris explained the 918 best when he was talking about the calibration that went into it in his video a while back. The sheer amount of work it must have taken to do that was impressive. Let's try to remember the 918 is so far the closest of the big three (maybe four) to an actual everyday strikingly good hybrid car.

brell > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:18

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One of the reasons you gave for your disdain for the One:1 is it's inaccessibilty. Even though Ferrari's and Lambo's are mass produced, they are still inaccessible to most. I think my comparison is valid in that respect.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:20

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Carbon Fiber design in conventional cars actually allows for more freedom of design, since you can make abstract shapes that steel or aluminum would not be able to hold. For example, Koenigsegg can make the rear of the car wider and lower to the ground because they don't have to fit a fuel tank: it's integrated into the chassis. This also means that the can use pushrod suspension on a closed wheel car (including a very innovative damper design, which they called "triplex", that is half the reason their cars can get traction off of the line) since they can mount to this very uniquely shaped chassis.

GhostZ > YSI-what can brown do for you 03/05/2014 at 11:22

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Well, since the CCXR, they've added their triple-damped pushrod suspension design and continually stiffened the chassis, as well as improved and added significant downforce. I'd say that 1350HP in a One:1 probably feels like 800HP in a CCXR.

Casper > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:23

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Are you basing that on unit availability, unit production, or something else? As far as I know and everything I have seen, people find the 918 amazing until they drive the P1, then they are simply awestruck. Both from a logical and practical standpoint I would have to give the nod to the P1, it's systems seem a better application of the technology... the looks are just icing on the cake. It even had Chris Harris blathering like I would be if I were to drive the P1.

GhostZ > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:26

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(I actually didn't realize it was the same person I was replying to!)

Koenigsegg put the first E100 (pure ethanol/biofuel) engine into production (mazda had made an E100 rotary engine before), their advances in carbon fiber can reduce the weight of conventional aluminum cars by 30%-50% (partly through lighter materials, partly through not requiring additional materials due to freedom in design of the chassis's shape). And then there's the old horse we have to beat: Camless engines.

The VW XL1 is basically an economy car built to close (but not the same) technical standards as a Koenigsegg Agera R. It doesn't use biofuel however, and is still dependent upon electricity or diesel.

Christian has long said that while he makes rediculous hypercars, he believes that the technology they develop is good for the whole world and will help change the way cars are made. I, personally, agree with him.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > brell 03/05/2014 at 11:27

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Well yes to many people it is. But you can go out and rent a Ferrari for a few laps around a circuit, or hire one for a weekend if you really want to. You can't do that with a One:1.

I believe Ferrari and Lamborghini together sell over 10,000 units a year. So comparing them with a car in which only six are ever going to be made isn't getting us anywhere. But yes, I did make the point about inaccessibility. There's just different degrees of inaccessibility.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 11:36

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I can't hide the fact you know far more about this than me, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm struggling to keep up with you on this here!

All of the suspension setup and chassis integration is all very impressive, I've never doubted those clever Swede's engineering prowess for one moment. I think me and you are approaching this car from opposite ends of the spectrum. You can see the level of engineering going into the car and you're excited about what that means for both now and the future. That's great, I think what this means is I'm a bit of a pessimistic/cynical old git.

Why? Because I have strong doubts that a company like Koenigsegg will ever allow their unique methods to be duplicated outside of their own factory, and seeing as they aren't going to be making saloons and hatchbacks anytime soon that means everybody else will have to come up with something else, particularly if they patent the hell out of it all. My opinion is that while the suspension set ups and integrated fuel tanks and stuff are excellent (CVK I'd high five you if you were here for this work) they aren't actually relevant (at least yet) to normal automotive production.

I hope that makes sense. I need another coffee, jeez.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Casper 03/05/2014 at 11:39

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That might well be the case, without us being able to drive either of them we'd be guessing. But looking in through the window so to speak, the 918 is more refined and complete car than the P1. The P1 is more of a racing car in my eyes.

We really won't know until somebody lets us drive one though. We might have to wait a while for that.... having said that I'm not sure my backside is worthy of even being allowed into a seat in those!

Casper > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:41

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Quick, demand McLaren and Porsche give us one of each so we can go play with... I mean "test" them. I'm sure we will have more enlightened thoughts on the subject than the other hundreds of reviews ;)

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > GhostZ 03/05/2014 at 11:43

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No problem! I've been having a hard time keeping up with all these comments, it's great though I'm loving the debate!

Are you aware of Koenigsegg are actually helping other manufacturers develop cars or are they just giving them all hints in how to do it? This is all stuff I don't know so I apologise for any questions that may or may not appear riddled with ignorance.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Casper 03/05/2014 at 11:45

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You ask first! I'll stand behind and try to look pro!

Wouldn't it be great if a manufacturer gave normal people a guide and look around these cars as an experiment. The only people who ever drive these are wealthy millionaires, development staff or lucky journalists.

I think sometimes they need to try them on strangers just to really demonstrate how radical they are. Even if it should be obvious.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:47

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So you're both wrong, and right. "Exciting" is a subjective word. My bother would not give two shits about a supercar (or hypercar, or whatever), but they get me all fizzy. I'll, in most likeliness, never have the means to afford a P1, 918, or TheFerrari, but they bring out the 12-yr-old in me, who had supercar posters on his wall and dreamed of the thrill they promised. Even though they are a dream to many, and reality to a very few, they still get me more excited than a new GTI. While I still lust over some attainable metal, cars out of reach provide an enhanced level of want that make then very special.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > It's a "Porch-uh" 03/05/2014 at 11:50

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That's a fair and well put response, thank you for contributing.

I do appreciate them. When I first saw the CCX I thought it was awesome, but a decade on it's tired and similar. It's the same as when somebody down your street gets a cool car. Each day after the first that you see it, it loses a little something. It's the erosion of coolness and feelings over time.

That's the best way I can think of putting it.

ksmay71 > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:50

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I disagree with you (fair warning).

The One:1 is exciting. Look at it. I did. I got excited. I imagined myself driving it. In my imagination, I peed myself. But also in my imagination, I knew I would pee myself and had the foresight to wear an adult diaper. Clever, I know.

It is exciting because it could be the fastest production car in the world. That title has always meant something, since the XK120. It means that the world of cars you can theoretically buy is progressing. Of course, as the speed gets higher, the cost will increase. It takes more technology to go faster. So fewer people can afford it.

In one of the big car magazines, one of the regular contributors was getting down on the Veyron because he thought it had ended the high-speed race. Boy, is he wrong. SO wrong. The Veyron stayed on top for a while, but now that everyone and their dog has twin-turbos, and the SSC people and Hennessey have mixed it up with the Veyron (the Venom GT being the current fastest at 270), the race is back on. Seriously.

So, as an engineering feat and for the sake of the production top-speed space race, the One:1 is exciting. And as we inch closer to a car that will do 300+ mph, I just get happier and happier.

Casper > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:51

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Well this is interesting, I was just listening to this. Jump to 8 minutes or so to hear about them talking about P1 and 918.

http://www.thesmokingtire.com/2014/tst-podca…

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > ksmay71 03/05/2014 at 11:54

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Great response I love it! Made me chuckle at the start there so tip of the cap for you.

My argument to that would be the SSC Bloodhound. I see your Venom GT and I raise you my 1000mph super-mega-tastic land rocket.

If we're going to get into a horsepower war why not do it properly? ;)

quirt > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:55

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You sound bitter that your not wealthy enough to afford it. He called it the most exciting car of the show because a 1,300 horsepower Koenigsegg with a 1:1 power to weight ratio IS exciting. Get over yourself.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:57

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I did see your point there, so I didn't argue with it. It doesn't look new, so it's difficult to get super excited about it. It promises to be very fast, so for me, that offsets it a bit for me.

This also may say something about the crop of cars being released at the show...

ksmay71 > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 11:58

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I stand with Ghost. Koenigsegg IS pushing the boundaries of efficiency. The Veyron SS does 268 but weighs a whole heck of a lot and needs that weight for cooling, crash safety and reliability. The One:1 has more power and more speed, with much less weight. Tell me how that is not efficient.

They have pushed their compression levels beyond any other manufacturer, and the proceeds from this car will help pay for the first modern camless production cars. EFFICIENCY.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > quirt 03/05/2014 at 12:01

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That's an interesting point of view, seeing as nobody else has said I appear 'bitter' for not being wealthy enough yet.

Convince me otherwise, tell me WHY it is exciting to you, tell me what it gives to you. Everybody else has so far, so I'm sure you can come up with something too rather than just telling me to get over myself. You'll need to come at me with more than that to help me understand why this car is what you think it is.

ksmay71 > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 12:01

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Obviously, all of the technologies Koenigsegg is developing are being patented and trademarked and protected.

That does NOT mean they won't be seen on common cars in the future. Patents expire, the Chinese don't care about trademarks, and industrial espionage is just as prevalent today as it has ever been.

Count on it.

ksmay71 > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) 03/05/2014 at 12:02

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Yep, wrong. The exhaust tip is the largest piece of 3D-printed titanium to date.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > It's a "Porch-uh" 03/05/2014 at 12:03

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Yes, quite. I don't think it's actually been that good. But maybe if I was actually at the show I'd feel differently.

Send me out to the next one Jalopnik! I can whinge and complain on site then at least!

ksmay71