Internal combustion isn’t done just yet, because it’s just beaten the insane Rimac Nevera electric hypercar
But Koenigsegg has gone one step further and beaten the Nevera to reclaim the 0-400-0km/h acceleration/braking world record with its retired Koenigsegg Regera, stopping the clock in just 28.81 seconds.
That time is more than 1.1sec faster than the ballistic Rimac Nevera, which set the previous record (29.93ssec) only a month prior.
Koenigsegg has long been the master of 0-400-0km/h sprints, having held the record with both the Regera and the preceding Agera RS, so it’s fair to say the Swedish brand wasn’t too happy about being beaten by the Croatian EV upstart.
No changes were made to the 1119kW/2000Nm Regera – which features a twin-turbo 5.0-litre V8 hybrid powertrain – beyond a new set of Michelin Cup2R tyres that were tasked with gripping the smooth runway surface at Örebro Airport.
Koenigsegg founder and CEO Christian von Koenigsegg was predictably delighted with the result and said he’s already looking forward to seeing what the succeeding Koenigsegg Jesko is capable of.
“This specific record is one that means a lot to Koenigsegg as it’s a record that covers every aspect of extreme performance,” he said.
“The fact that the Regera can still surprise and amaze the automotive world after all this time is a testament not only to its timeless design, but to engineering and technology that was way ahead of the curve.
“It’s something that makes me extremely proud, and as the Jesko customer cars are being delivered, we can’t wait to show you what’s next.”
First revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show, the Regera was produced between 2018 and 2022, during which time 80 customer cars were manufactured and delivered.
At no point in Koenigsegg’s official record video or press release does the brand mention or even reference the Rimac Nevera’s feat, instead declaring it brought the superseded Regera back for another record attempt “because it can”.
“Because it is still the king reigning supreme in today’s super competitive automotive landscape, and that is something that should be celebrated with a new record,” Koenigsegg said in a statement.
Breaking down the Regera’s run reveals it reached 400km/h in only 20.68sec, before coming to a stop in just 8.13sec – 0.63sec sooner than the Rimac, meaning the Regera beat the Nevera in both acceleration and braking rather than just one or the other.
We’re sure Rimac will be back for another shot at the record given it’s cleaning up just about every other performance measure in the industry at the moment, but what makes this newfound rivalry even more intriguing is that it’s internal combustion (albeit with hybrid tech) versus battery-electric power.
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: WATCH: Koenigsegg Regera reclaims its 0-400-0km/h record