01 Mar 06
In the end, this hasn't turned out to be the fastest production car in the world, despite the rumours: Swedish supercar-builder and former record-holder Koenigsegg says that its CCX (Competition Coupe X) is capable of a mere 245mph, not quite enough to challenge the 250mph Bugatti Veyron.
Still, its 4.7-litre twin-supercharged V8 should be enough for most, pumping out 806bhp and 678lb-ft and capable of propelling the carbon fibre-constructed CCX 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds. It's also a unique product not bankrolled by the Volkswagen Group, which makes it a little bit more special as far as many wealthy enthusiasts and supercar aficionados are concerned.
Developed from Koenigsegg's CC models produced over the past 10 years, the CCX has been designed specifically with US regulations and market demands in mind. The dry-sump engine, developed in-house at the Swedish firm, can now meet the California emissions requirements, thanks to new cylinder heads, ports and valves, new camshafts and intake plenum, and revised engine management. It can now run on US 91-octane fuel, too.
It's had the 'federal' bumper treatment, enabling it to meet the 2.5mph crash test criteria and has received US-regulation side lights and redesigned fog lamps, front lamps and brake cooling. A new air scoop has also been added on the front bonnet and vents behind the front wheels, allowing for further track-use modifications and enabling it to meet rear-impact requirements, its body has been lengthened by 3.4 inches. The rear clamshell engine-cover has a glass window to show off the new engine and there's a removable hard-top for the full super-roadster experience.
The cabin's roomier than the previous CC, with an extra two inches of headroom, and new Sparco carbonfibre seats with tilting back-rests fitted. Options include 382mm, eight-piston ceramic front brake discs and carbonfibre (instead of magnesium) wheels.
