Koenigsegg Agera R supercar

Mean and green? Niche Swedish supercar company Koenigsegg has unleashed the Agera R machine, a vehicle capable of reaching 400km/h, yet runs on E85 biofuel

Geneva International Motor Show

The Geneva Autosalon has been the motor show of choice for exotic car launches for decades, and in 2011 we'll be seeing around half a dozen supercars uncovered in Switzerland, including this one from Koenigsegg, the Agera R.

The Swedish supercar company will no doubt steal some of the lime light from the Ferrari FF et al with its new twin turbo V8 machine, which is the next vehicle in the Agera range that was first seen in 2010, when it signalled a shift in the design language for the iconic brand.

Like all of the company's "hypercars" the Agera R was designed by Christian von Koenigsegg and the Agera name apparently means "to take action" in Swedish.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the new model, beyond the swoopy styling, are the wheels. The Vortex Generating Rim, or VGR wheels, features a unique spoke design that is purported to generate a turbine effect, in turn improving downforce. Shod with a brand-new Michelin compound which was developed especially for the Agera R, the tyres have the highest speed rating ever developed for a road car, designed to maintain integrity at up to 420km/h (260mph).

Though Koenigsegg has not revealed performance figures for the Agera R, it's expected to eclipse the Agera's top speed of 390km/h (245mph) and zero to 100km/h sprint time of 3.1 seconds, and has the potential to become one of the fastest vehicles of all-time.

The Swedish company issued a press statement that reads: "Although sharing the same values and philosophies as previous Koenigsegg models, the Agera takes the Koenigsegg experience to a completely new level."

Power has been boosted than to a larger capacity V8 engine, up from 4.7- to 5.0-litres, outputting stratospheric 820kW and 1200Nm - but those figures are only possible with E85 biofuel. Interestingly, the car will 'only' output 691kW/1100Nm when filled with 95 octane petroleum.

Nevertheless, the highly strung twin turbocharged V8 engine has a rev ceiling of 7250rpm and power is transferred to the ground via a seven-speed dual clutch AMT transmission.

With so much power and torque on tap, the Koenigsegg Agera R features a powerful electronic differential that "works in harmony with the new traction control system that is the fastest reacting in the industry" says the company. The traction control has an 'auto adapt' setting that can adjust traction levels instantly to suit conditions and driving styles.

The brakes also need to be very powerful to haul the car in from its potential top speed of 400km/h; massive 392x36mm front and 380x34mm rear ventilated and drilled ceramic rotors work in tandem with an an adjustable ABS system design for "Unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition."

According to the company, the new Agera R sets "...new benchmarks for Hypercars when it comes to control, handling, speed, comfort, practicality..." Yes, practicality. The company commissioned European roof rack specialist, Thule, to design a custom made carbon fibre roof-mounted ski box that can be (relatively) easily attached and detached from the supercar's roof. Imagine rocking up to Mount Buller or Thredbo in this vehicle?

Like some exotic vehicles, pricing is best described as: If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Koenigsegg Agera R Specifications:

    Engine: Aluminium/carbon fibre, dry sump, 32-valve, Twin Turbo, V8 engine developed in house
    Torque: 1100 - 1200Nm - depending on version and fuel
    Displacement: 5.035-litres. Bore: 90.7mm. Stroke: 95.25 mm. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Max rpm: 7250
    Power: 940-1115hp - depending on version and fuel
    Transmission: 7-speed, dual clutch, single input shaft, AMT Transmission with E-diff.
    Luggage space: 120 litres
    Dry weight: 1330 kg
    Curb weight 1418 kg (all fluids plus 50% fuel)
    Maximum laden weight: 1600 kg(full tank, two passengers, full luggage)
    Dimensions: Length: 4296 mm. Width: 1998 mm. Wheelbase: 2662 mm. Front Track: 1700 mm. Rear Track: 1650 mm. Front overhang: 885mm Rear overhang: 752mm Height: 1120 mm
    Frontal Area: 1.873 m2 CD 0.30(no rear wing) - 0.33 (fixed normal Agera rear wing) - 0.33 to 0.37(adaptable wing)

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.