The Koenigsegg CC850’s crazy gearbox is both an automatic and a manual



The CC8S was the car that put Koenigsegg on the map, with many critics – including one Jeremy Clarkson – naming it as the supercar to beat. This year, the CC8S is turning 20 (and founder Christian Von Koenigsegg, 50), so to celebrate, the Swedish supercar maker has now unveiled the Koenigsegg CC850 in conjunction of the 2022 Monterey Car Week.

Designed as a contemporary homage to “the single most meaningful car in Koenigsegg history”, the CC850 features a familiar design inspired by the sleek Nordic shapes that first graced the CC8S.

The telephone-dial style rims and triple tail lights on the outside are instantly recognisable, while the interior showcases a “symmetrical and minimal design” akin to that of the CC8S. But aside from the design, however, everything underneath the CC850 is all-new.

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The engine comes from the Koenigsegg Jesko, which is a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers up to 1,385 hp (on E85 fuel) and 1,385 Nm of torque, giving it a 1:1 power to weight ratio. But more interestingly here, however, is the gearbox, which functions as both a three-pedal, six-speed manual transmission, as well as a “super-fast, smooth-shifting” nine-speed automatic. Yes, you read that right.

Thanks to what Koenigsegg calls the Engage Shift System (ESS), drivers are able to seamlessly switch between an “unadulterated” manual transmission for spirited, and a full auto mode for when you’re stuck in a traffic jam. The ESS system also allows for different gear ratios depending on the driving mode, providing tailored experiences based on road and track use.

The Swedish marque is also particularly proud about its gated ESS shifter, which it says is “a work of mechanical art and is reminiscent of Swiss chronographs”. The company also adds that they’ve taken extra care to make the ESS “one of the most engaging manuals ever created”.

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Koenigsegg said the CC850 was not created to break the Jesko’s track records or set new high-water marks for top speed. Instead, it’s made to “offer the highest level of driver satisfaction and enjoyment”, starting with a manual (but also automatic) gearbox.

In conjunction with Christian Von Koenigsegg’s birthday, the company will only be making 50 examples of the CC850 worldwide. No pricing has been announced, but as always with these cars, if you have to ask…


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