Koenigsegg Remains True to Internal Combustion Engines
Christian von Koenigsegg, the founder of the eponymous company, stated that the demand for electric hypercars remains “extremely low.” He compared electric cars to “robots” that lack the emotionality of traditional engines. Instead, Koenigsegg continues to develop its gasoline engines, as, for example, in the new Jesko-based Sadair’s Spear model, which produces 1,603 hp and revs up to 8,500 rpm.
Emotion vs. Technology
Despite the general trend towards electrification, Koenigsegg does not plan to produce electric cars. Thanks to European regulations for small manufacturers, the company can avoid the ban on internal combustion engines after 2035.
“If you are a car enthusiast, you want to hear the car ‘breathe,’ feel its mood. You need vibrations, sound, gear shifts – all that makes it alive. An electric car is more like a robot,” explained von Koenigsegg.
He also drew a parallel with the watch industry: mechanical watches did not disappear with the advent of digital ones because people value handcraft and uniqueness. Similarly, Koenigsegg creates cars with thousands of parts, each with its own character – something that electric models will not be able to replicate.
While other manufacturers experiment with hybrids or exotic engines (like Cosworth with their V12 and V16), Koenigsegg is betting on the evolution of its turbocharged V8s. This is an approach that resonates with fans of mechanical mastery and emotional driving. Given the statements from the leadership, the company does not intend to abandon this philosophy in the near future.