We’re not really known as huge supercar or hypercar guys around here but we have some big time respect for Koenigsegg and their One:1. For those of you not paying attention the One:1 is the first production car being assembled with a one horsepower per kilogram power to weight ratio. The 1,371hp turbocharged engine is built from scratch by the company as is every other component of the car. Virtually everything from the wheels up is made of carbon fiber, they sell for like $3-million dollars, and one of them got completely mangled on the ‘Ring during testing the other day.
Apparently the one that was busted up is the first completed One:1 and we have both the company’s statement and the video of the car being loaded onto the ramp truck after the wreck below. Somethings to note. First is that when you look at the video you will see that the lifting straps are tied to what looks like an exposed chromemoly roll cage. Are our eyes lying or do you see it, too?
Secondly it looks like the car flew a little way after mowing down the guardrail. The way the steel guardrail is bent over the end end resting place of the car make it seem like one acted as a ramp for the other. It does look to us like there was some fire as well. Look at the rear corner of the car and you will see it kind of crispy looking. We do know that the driver was OK and that the only harm done was to the car.
That’s a testament to the quality of these things for sure. Now…when’s the next one hitting the track?
Here’s the statement from Koenigsegg about the crash –
Koenigsegg Automotive AB can confirm reports online that a Koenigsegg One:1 was involved in a crash during testing as part of Industry Pool at the Nurburgring on Monday, 18 July. The driver was taken to hospital as per standard procedures in such situations and was released the same afternoon.
Koenigsegg has participated in Industry Pool testing for a week in each of the last two months, working primarily on vehicle setups both for ongoing vehicle development and for an attempt at a Nurburgring lap record at some time in the future.
A Koenigsegg is an extreme performance car and must be tested accordingly. This is an inherently dangerous undertaking that must be conducted progressively and methodically, working point by point on all areas of our highly adjustable vehicles. Our primary concern is always driver safety and any testing is structured and conducted accordingly.
This incident is confirmation of just how difficult it is to drive at this level on the world’s ultimate proving ground. Obviously we are dismayed with this development but pleased that our safety systems worked as designed to protect our driver.
The One:1 is 1hp per kilo, not 1 hp per lb. Badass automobile for sure.
These are the blow-up dolls of the car world. They are bought by rich cretins who haven\’t the cojones to take up racing for real as its is too dangerous but take them out in secret when nobody is looking. For a tenth of the price you could buy a fine replica of a Ford GT40 or Ferrari P3/4 but that would be like cruising the red light district when you have your vinyl lover safely stashed in your closet at home.
In every dream garage a heartache indeed..
Koenigsegg put out a few photos and statement. Rebuilding the car as the monocoque was not damaged. Driver unhurt. ABS front sensor failure. Front wheels locked, rears still rotating during crash. Fire was carbon body touching hot components after impact. Fire put out by driver with on-board system.