Koenigsegg Company
History (Koenigsegg Press Release)
1994 – The Koenigsegg project was launched.
With a long tradition of building high quality cars and a large number
of suppliers to the racing car industry, Sweden offered a suitable
breeding ground for the development of a world-class supercar.
The concept for this supercar was set from the start, a two-seat mid
engine construction with a hardtop; all based on state-of-the-art
Formula One technology. A network of competent designers and engineers,
with connections to both the Swedish car industry and the universities,
was tied together.
1995 - Koenigsegg moved into new premises in Olofström, Sweden. The
company was then ready to construct the first prototype. The newly
assembled Koenigsegg team made an extraordinary effort: in just one and
a half years a fully operational prototype vehicle was finished, ready
for media promotion and further testing.
1996 - This was a year of heavy testing on racetracks, roads, and in the
Volvo wind tunnel. Among the well renowned racecar drivers to test the
prototype were Picko Troberg, Calle Rosenblad and Rickard Rydell. They
were all very impressed by its outstanding performance. The concept
worked. It was time to present the car to the public.
1997 - Koenigsegg CC prototype was shown during the Cannes film festival
and it was received with great enthusiasm. The satisfactory test results
and massive media coverage at Cannes enabled the company to proceed and
create a finished product. An entirely new car was brought into the
world. Sticking to the basic concept of the prototype, the entire
chassis was now made of carbon fiber, and a unique module system was
developed so that the car can be configured to every desired setup.
1998-99 - The Koenigsegg team worked full speed ahead for the specified
product model. The car went through fiftyseven different tests in order
to comply with international certification regulations. Maintaining a
low profile towards the media, all concentration was focused on
perfecting the final product.
An ideal new facility near Ängelholm was purchased, and the build up of
a series production infrastructure was started. Since nearly every key
part of the Koenigsegg CC is specially designed and unique, highly
qualified composite engineers and CAD/CAM technicians were employed.
Modelers with experience from SAAB, Bentley and Bugatti created the
final body. A three dimensional measuring system with full CAD/CAM
capabilities was set up in the modeling workshop.
2000 - The first production vehicle was assembled and tested during the
spring and summer. The deadline was set for September 28th, when the
finished product met the jury of the world: the Premiere at the Paris
Motor Show. Meanwhile, at the Koenigsegg facility a full-scale
production line for manufacturing the cars was being organized.
2001 - The silver production prototype CC 8S created a sensation
following its presentation at the Paris Motor Show. Articles about it
have been published in most of the world’s car magazines. It has
received several design awards, among them the prestigious German Red
Dot award and a prize for excellent Swedish design. The Swedes recently
voted the Koenigsegg CC the Car of the Year in the Swedish magazine
Automobil. The magazine Car and Driver performed a series of tests on
the car and found it beating its competitors on most counts, such as
acceleration, lateral G and braking.
2002 - The first customer Koenigsegg CC 8S has been assembled and handed
over to its proud owner at a ceremony at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
This stunning red car is scheduled for an attempt at breaking the world
speed record later this year.
