February 24th, 2006 – To meet international regulations and take advantage of the market potential in America, Koenigsegg have revamped and retooled their CCR supercar into the CCX. Named to commemorate 10 years since the first prototype saw the light of day, the CCX now meets the strict California emissions limits as well as other tough US safety laws. Fortunately, this process let Koenigsegg improve the CC, and as a result the CCX is larger and more refined.

So much so, the Koenigsegg won Top Gear’s coveted test track challenge, but not without infamy. First time the around, the Koenigsegg went off the track, swallowing a tire, and was ridiculed for not having enough downforce. Fortunately, Koenigsegg weren’t turned off by the mishap when they repaired and returned the car with a new downforce lip to suit Top Gear’s presenters. The effort became worthwhile when 1:17.6 was achieved, beating the Zonda F, Maserati MC12 and Ferrari Enzo.

For certification, one of the major issues Koenigsegg faced was conforming to bumper tests and safety issues while retaining the same basic shape that claimed the title of world’s fastest 2005 production car. To do so they drafted a new set of body panels that lengthened the CC and made many more performance revisions possible. Changes now include a new front end with scoop for cockpit cooling, wheel extractors behind the front arches and new side rocker panels that enhance the under tray aerodynamics. At the back, more room is made for the exhaust, and better ducting helps the engine bay stay cooler. And just for that added flair, the supercharged V8 engine can now be seen through a clear covering.

Koenigsegg also spent a lot of development time to cast their own V8 that could drink US-grade, 91 octane fuel, yet still run at a high compression ratio. In the past, these engines were controversial, as they used a Ford Racing block with Koenigsegg manufactured components. However, for the CCX, Koenigsegg have made their own block casting, leaving no connections to Ford or the Mustang.

Despite all the regulatory changes, the CCX is still one of the world’s fastest supercars. Back in early 2005, a CCR supercar had won the fastest production car title when it achieved 241 mph (387.87 kph) on at Italy’s Nardo Track. However, with the introduction of the long awaited Veyron, Bugatti became the king of the hill and made the CCR second.

With the CCX debut slated for an upcoming debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, we can only hope that Koenigsegg might get sweet revenge. Their supercar, engineered and constructed in Sweden, certainly has the hallmarks of modern design: a carbon fibre monocoque, a supercharged V8 located mid-ship and an inboard, double wishbone suspension.

Each CCX is will be specially ordered, and for 2006, Koenigsegg have added a tasty list of new ingredients. Now on menu are carbon fibre wheels and carbon fibre disc brakes which can shed 11 lbs (5 kgs) per corner. Each car comes with a storable hard top and long list of equipment. A ‘standard’ car is delivered for $540 000 USD, while a fully laden car, like the one in our spec table comes for $610 910 USD.

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