Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Shatters Half-Mile Record: Hypercar Supremacy Redefined
The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has once again cemented its place in hypercar history, obliterating the standing half-mile world record with a blistering 13.27-second run at 223.59 mph. This achievement isn't just another feather in Koenigsegg's cap; it's a bold statement challenging the very limits of automotive performance and physics itself. With this record setting performance, the Jesko Absolut steals the Half Mile record from Hennessey and the Venom F5.
Christian von Koenigsegg's philosophy, "You can't lead by following – Therefore, I am different," perfectly encapsulates the company's relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. The Jesko Absolut, designed with aerodynamics that border on aviation technology, has now become the benchmark against which all ultimate-performance cars will be judged.
The record-breaking sprint, timed by Dragy GPS instruments, highlights the Jesko Absolut's mind-bending acceleration capabilities. Consider this: 0-60 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds. But the true spectacle begins from there. Koenisegg's test driver, Markus Lundh, achieved these stats on the company's test track: 60-130 mph in 3.10 seconds, 100-150 mph in 2.54 seconds, 100-200 mph in 6.38 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 8.88 seconds at 180.84 mph.
What makes these figures even more astonishing is that they're achieved by a rear-wheel-drive car powered by a classic internal combustion engine. The 1,280-bhp (1,600-bhp on E85) twin-turbocharged V8 boasts the world's lightest crankshaft – a 25-lb flat-plane marvel – enabling the fastest-revving engine on the planet. All this power is transferred to the rear wheels via a nine-speed gearbox, boasting near-instant gear changes.
Aerodynamics play a critical role in the Jesko Absolut’s performance. The twin vertical fins, inspired by aviation, keep the car stable at speeds exceeding 250 mph. When fully unleashed, the car generates a surprisingly low 150 kg of downforce, enabled by incredibly lightweight materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar, the car tips the scales at just 3,064 lbs (curb weight), translating to a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 1,000 bhp/ton when running on E85 fuel.
Koenigsegg has previously indicated that a top speed run is not currently a top priority, due to the lack of suitable, safe locations and the requirement of third-party verification. As for the record it took away from Hennessey, the Venom F5 reached a top speed of 221.9 mph last July.
While the Jesko Absolut's achievements are undeniable, questions linger about its ultimate top speed. Simulations suggest it could reach 311 mph, but Koenigsegg remains cautious, citing safety concerns. Will Koenigsegg attempt an official top speed run? And how far can current tire technology be pushed? Only time will tell. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
