Automotive
The hypercar rivalry between Koenigsegg and Rimac has entered yet another thrilling chapter. Less than a month after Rimac set a blistering 0-400-0 km/h record, Koenigsegg has taken back the crown with a mind-bending 25.21-second run in the Jesko Absolut, piloted by factory driver Markus Lundh. The new mark edges out Rimac’s previous record by just 0.58 seconds, proving that in the world of speed, every fraction matters.
Koenigsegg’s win comes not from sweeping hardware changes but from clever software refinements. Engineers updated the Jesko Absolut’s Light Speed Transmission for even quicker shifts and fine-tuned the engine management system. A new torque control system gave the car extra low-end traction, crucial for its explosive launch. The 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 remained in its factory form, delivering a staggering 1,500 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque on E85 fuel. These tweaks allowed the Jesko to rocket from 0 to 400 km/h in 16.77 seconds and slam back to zero in just 8.44 seconds, with independent verification from Racelogic confirming the achievement.
The record-setting run wasn’t just a single accolade—it also brought multiple new benchmarks, including 0-250-0 mph in 25.67 seconds and a 0-250 mph sprint in 17.18 seconds. It’s a feat that adds another layer to a rivalry stretching back to 2017, when Koenigsegg’s Agera RS posted a then-groundbreaking 33.29-second time. Since then, the two brands have traded records in a friendly but fierce competition, pushing the limits of both electric and combustion-engine performance.
Koenigsegg CEO Christian von Koenigsegg described the accomplishment as “almost magical,” noting that a rear-wheel-drive combustion car surpassing the times of all-wheel-drive electric hypercars shows how perceived limits can be redefined. He even hinted that the brand’s AWD, 2,300-horsepower Gemera might be the one to push the times even lower in the future.
Rimac CEO Mate Rimac took the news in stride, responding with sportsmanship and a smile. In a video we’ve included below, Mate congratulates Christian and his team, calling the Jesko Absolut’s run impressive and promising that Rimac’s engineers will be working hard for the next round. His “game on” message captured the spirit of this high-speed duel perfectly.
For now, the Jesko Absolut stands atop the leaderboard, its record-setting performance a testament to Koenigsegg’s relentless innovation. But with both brands already hinting at what comes next, it’s clear the race for ultimate speed is far from over.
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Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
