Geneva show was cancelled but we got our Grinch story
It's that time of year. Car Heaven; the center of the super car launch - The Geneva International Auto Show. Except, it's not. The show was cancelled due to the coronavirus. Manufacturers still had new cars to unveil though, and not in the Canadian unveilings we get here. Actual, proper never before seen cars. A few didn't let the cancellation get in the way, one manufacturer even continued on with their setup that was already completed in Geneva.
Like the masochist I am, I was already awake at 4 in the morning in time for Porsche to unveil the 911 range-topper, the 911 Turbo S. Nothing we didn't expect, but still appreciated. The new Turbo S gets the new generation treatment, with the new motor, the tail light bar, and refreshed looks.
Powered by a twin turbocharged 3.8 liter boxer engine which now delivers an impressive 650 hp and 590 ft-lb, 70 more hp than before. The engine's air cooling has been completely redesigned, along with using new turbos with electronically adjusted wastegate flaps, all to improve response, power and emissions. Connecting that power to the road is now done with staggered wheel sizing, a first for this car, with the rear sitting on 21" rims and 20" for the front. Reaching 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker, and able to climb to 330 km/h.
The new design language continues on with the new generation, with a slightly more than simple refresh to the look. It's as we expect from the 911 series, some hate the steady design, others love it. Somehow, the already wide rear end is 10 mm wider, and 42 mm wider at the front axle.
Thankfully the cabriolet was released at the same time unlike some other manufacturers who try to get the extra sales from those who simply can't wait.
Koenigsegg had completed their stage before the show was cancelled, so rather than let their efforts go to waste, the show went on in that empty center. That meant taking the covers off of the Jesko Absolut; essentially the Jesko minus the wing.
Why no wing you ask? Well, that's because this version is all about speed and in the words of Mr. CVK himself, "this is the fastest Koenigsegg we will ever endeavor to make." Seems like an odd statement from a brand that has been so focused on breaking speed records, but also, there's an interesting choice of words there, the fastest 'Koenigsegg' ... hmm. Anyways, there's now a track and high speed version of the mighty Jesko. Very quick numbers, 1600 hp (from E85, 1280 hp from Gasoline) and 1100 ft-lbs of torque coming from a twin-turbo 5 liter V8. Downforce drops from a max of 1400 kg to 150 kg, in big part due to the rear hood fins in place of the rear wing. The dry weight is 1320 kg putting it near that 1 hp per kg mark when using gasoline, even better with E85.
Christian Von Koenigsegg had something else hidden away too.
This is the Koenigsegg Gemera, a jaw-dropping new addition to the fleet. To start, this can seat 4 adults, a first for Koenigsegg. The Gemera doesn't add extra doors to accommodate this but rather uses massive doors which open in the signature Koenigsegg way. These extra long doors make it so the front seats don't even need to be moved to access the rear seats, unlike other coupes. They were designed for the average garage but if height is limited the door will stop automatically. To continue with the 4-seater theme there is surprisingly a lot of luggage room. There is room for 3 full-size carry-on bags in the rear and 1 in the front, plenty more than others like the Pagani Huayra. Cup holders, heated and cooled cup holders at that, 4 seats, and luggage space, this is far from your average supercar, let alone megacar.
This is so much more than just a 4 seater Koenigsegg. With an all new engine, paired with electric motors there is a focus on sustainability. With that in mind, we come to the insane technical bits of this car. First there is the new engine, a 2 liter, twin turbo 3-cylinder unit they have dubbed the Tiny Friendly Giant. Alone, the output is 600 hp and 440 ft-lbs of torque. In addition to the TFG there are 3 electric motors, 1 for each rear wheel and 1 that's paired with the ICE. With these 4 working together the total output is 1700 hp and 2500 ft-lbs of torque, all of this in a car that should be under 1900 kg. Running on flex fuel with a focus on renewable fuels the aim is to have the Gemera be as carbon neutral as a full electric vehicle.
This new offering from Koenigsegg is seriously impressive, and based off of looks alone might be my favourite. It's a new direction for Koenigsegg, for supercars, and for what is capable. Koenigsegg is showing a promising future. What they aren't showing, just yet, is the price, but expect that to be well north of 1 million of whatever currency you fancy.
Some other cars made their debut, a new GTI, Bugatti made another Chiron, and many more. I only caught the live presentation for these cars, but let's be honest...nothing is as impressive as that Gemera.
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