cars news 10: Watch Out, Chiron: 1,500-HP Koenigsegg Regera Bows in Production Form

Like the Bugatti Chiron, which also debuts at the Geneva auto show this week, the Koenigsegg Regera is a 1,500-hp beast. The Regera has evolved from last year when it was just a concept, shedding weight thanks to a number of engineering changes. In fact, Koenigsegg says that 3,000 individual changes were made to the Regera since the concept debuted.

Koenigsegg claims the Regera weighs just 3,505 pounds with all the necessary oils and fuel, or around 3,241 pounds dry. The production model sheds 55 pounds from its 4.5-kWh battery thanks to the use of Formula 1 grade cells. Further weight reductions come from a new external high-voltage DC charger, a smaller 800V AC compressor, and lightweight 800V DC/DC converter.

Along with three electric motors — one at the crank and one at each rear wheel — the supercar comes equipped with a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine. Total power output translates to more than 1,500 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. That should be good for a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds, Koenigsegg says.

Like the concept, the production Regera manages without a traditional gearbox to keep the car lightweight. Koenigsegg calls its substitute a “Direct Drive” system. A clutch-slip mechanism uses hydraulic coupling to convert torque at medium to high speeds during acceleration, allowing the engine to gain revs and power. It’s supposed to mimic the feel of downshifting.

One interesting feature on the Koenigsegg Regera is its Autoskin feature, allowing drivers to remotely open the doors and front and rear hoods in a unique fashion. Inside the cabin, the Regera comes equipped with creature comforts like heated seats, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay compatibility, Wi-Fi, and inductive charging for cell phones. Deliveries of the Regera begin at the end of this year.

On its website, Koenigsegg says it will only produce 80 copies of the Regera.

Koenigsegg Agera “Final” Series

Along with the Regera, Koenigsegg also announced a limited-edition line of three vehicles at the Geneva show. These vehicles represent the last copies of the Agera model line, and all have been sold. A special “One of 1” model features custom bits including a top-mounted rear wing with a second blade, custom badging, 3D-printed twin-exit titanium exhaust outlet, One of 1 front splitter, aluminum switchgear, and other details.