2021 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut First Look Review: Bugatti Beater
There was no way Christian von Koenigsegg was going to sit back and watch Bugatti take all of the glory. Last year, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ set a new top speed record, breaking the one previously set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS. Although the Agera RS's successor, the Koenigsegg Jesko, already promises to be even faster, the Swedish hypercar company wanted some additional insurance. Additional competitors, such as the upcoming Hennessey F5 Venom, are also in search of record-setting glory. That insurance policy is the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, a more extreme version of the standard Jesko.
Although it looks similar, the Jesko Absolut features a number of modifications to differentiate it from the Jesko, all of which are aimed at high-speed stability. Will the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut become the fastest production road car in the world? Judging by the figures and Koenigsegg's own ambitions, we fully expect it will be.
High Speed Exterior
One look at the Jesko Absolut's exterior and it's immediately obvious this thing was designed and engineered to go fast. It just so happens to be the fastest Koenigsegg ever made. And yes, chances are it'll also be the fastest production car of all time. Not only is it fast, but it's also been engineered to handle the track in ways the regular Jesko doesn't. Although it looks a lot like the Jesko, there are many differences. Take a look at the pair of fins out back. They replace the Jesko's large rear spoiler and were inspired by the F-15 fighter jet. These fins were designed to clean up airflow over the rear end in order to provide greater stabilization at high speeds. Drag will also be reduced.
Also, take note of the extended rear hood, covered rear wheels, and lowered ride height. The air duct on the front hood is also closed in order to further reduce drag and downforce. There's also a removable roof panel that can be stored in the front trunk.
High-Tech But Straightforward Interior
Koenigsegg has yet to officially release photos of the Jesko Absolut's interior, but we do know it'll strongly resemble that of the regular Jesko, pictured here. That's not at all a bad thing. Like all Koenigseggs, the Jesko Absolut does a marvelous job of blending advanced new technologies and luxury for a one-of-a-kind interior experience.
The Jesko features a TFT touchscreen, USB inputs, inductive phone charging, Bluetooth, automated climate controls, and leather or Alcantara trim with contrast stitching. Again, these are all included in the standard Jesko and it's likely they'll be carried over to the Jesko Absolut. Other noteworthy features here include a five-inch, racing-focused SmartCluster digital dashboard mounted on the steering wheel. There's also a nine-inch central display. The steering wheel is also quite something. It actually has two small touchscreens with haptic controls enabling easier access to the driver's phone, audio, and vehicle lift system. Drivers will also benefit from over-the-air updates thanks to Koenigsegg teaming up with a software development company.
Power And Performance
Power comes from the same in-house built twin-turbo V8 as the Jesko, rated at 1,600 horsepower and sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed Light Speed Transmission, also designed and built by Koenigsegg. Amazingly, this gearbox is capable of doing gear changes in a split-millisecond from any gear to any other gear.
For now, Koenigsegg has not made any official performance claims, although it's impossible to imagine the Jesko Absolut not being capable of breaking the 300 mph barrier. Christian von Koenigsegg himself told CarBuzz it should be able to achieve a top speed of 330.5 mph. The Jesko Absolut also has a drag coefficient of just 0.278.
"This car is capable of incredible speeds, we probably will be restricted more by road and driver willingness than the car itself," von Koenigsegg told us.
Pricing, Production Numbers, And Competition
It goes without saying the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut's main target is the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. Eventually, it'll have to contend with the Hennessey Venom F5. In the meantime, Koenigsegg has yet to confirm a total production tally and price tag, but if the regular Jesko is anything to go by, the answers are "limited" and "very expensive."
Just 125 examples of the Koenigsegg Jesko are planned and all quickly sold out. Each carries a starting price of $2.8 million. Given that the Jesko Absolut is even more hardcore and exclusive, expect the production count to be down and the price tag up. It's just how the world of ultra-exclusive hypercars works.