Koenigsegg-related bits of news are a rare occurrence on the internet, unless the Swedish carmaker really has something to communicate. In fact, since Christian von Koenigsegg announced that Koenigsegg appointed Alexander ‘Sasha’ Selipanov as its Head of Design, there’s been complete radio silence.

But with the 2020 Geneva Motor Show already profiling on the horizon, we are now presented with rumors about a Koenigsegg Jesko-based concept car slated to make an appearance in March. Its purpose? At this point, rather unclear, but it could involve reaching or breaking the 500 kph or 310 mph speed barrier.

According to The Supercar Blog, It's purpose is to spearhead the Swedish carmaker’s attempt to hit and go beyond the 500 kilometers per hour (310.6 miles per hour) threshold - hence the name.

The outlet also mentions that the concept ‘could be based on the Jesko,’ which would be understandable since it picks up where the Agera RS left off with an impressive track-focused design (yet still road legal) and top-shelf performance.

The information makes sense competition-wise, too. Bugatti hit 304.77 miles per hour (490.4 kilometers per hour) with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ at Ehra Lessein in September 2019, and it is hard to believe that Koenigsegg will let that feat slip.

So, with the Jesko, the Swedish supercar maker has a potent platform to build on. The Jesko features outstanding aerodynamics that can add in up to 1,000 kilograms (220 pounds) of downforce when needed. It is also powered by a newly-designed twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 good for as much as 1,600 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque on E85 biofuel twinned to the fancy nine-speed, dual-clutch Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission.

2020 Koenigsegg Jesko specifications

Engine

twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8

Horsepower

1280 HP @ 8,500 RPM/ 1,600 HP on E85 fuel

Torque

1,106 LB-FT

Transmission

nine-speed, dual-clutch Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission

Top Speed

+300 mph

0 to 60 mph

2.5 seconds


We can’t tell you for sure how Koenigsegg will tweak the Jesko for the attempt, but body mods and better streamlining are a must. But to find out the specifics, we’ll have to wait and see if the report is accurate.

Koenigsegg and Speed Record Attempts

Koenigsegg likes its speed records. Moreover, the maker has an affinity for those that also include bringing the car to a halt after hitting the target velocity. Back in September 11, the Agera R set a new world record for the 0-300-0 kilometers per hour (186.4 miles per hour) run with a time of 21.19 seconds.

The record stood until June 2015, when factory driver Robert Serwanski completed the same run at Koenigsegg’s test track in Ängelholm behind the wheel of a Koenigsegg One:1. He was clocked in at 17.95 seconds, a 3.24-second improvement over the Agera R’s run.

Two years later, Koenigsegg went back at it. In October 2017, Niklas Lilja drove the Agera RS on an airfield in Vandel, Denmark from zero to 400 kilometers per hour (248.5 miles per hour) and then back to a standstill in 36.44 seconds.

In this context, is Koenigsegg shooting for a 0-500-0 kilometers per hour run with this allegedly modded Jesko? It could very well be, but we’ll let time tell us more, since the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is not that far away. We’ll keep you posted as more info surfaces on this topic.

Illustrations: Koenigsegg Zero, Luca Menicacci on Behance