Say hello to the Toyota Prius’s newest competition, the Koenigsegg Regera. Based on a heavily modified Agera chassis, the Regera mates an 1,100-hp 5.0L twin-turbo V8 to a 700-hp, 4.5kWh battery pack mounted in the center of the car for proper weight distribution. Combined, the pair is good for 1,500 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque… that’s more power than the new Bugatti Chiron, and it only comes in rear wheel drive. Since the Regera first appeared as a concept car, it has undergone many alterations before it became the car you see in front of you.
Acceleration figures include a claimed 0-62 mph time in under 2.8 seconds, 0-180 mph takes less than 11 seconds, and the company states 0-252 mph can be accomplished in just over 20 seconds for those who have the nerves to try. Instead of a regular transmission, Koenigsegg has fitted the hypercar with its “Direct Drive” system, which launches the car in pure electric mode. Once underway, at about 20 mph, the hydraulic coupling starts to close and the crank-mounted motor starts contributing to the bottom end of the torque curve.
To keep the car well-behaved at speed, it is equipped with all sorts of aero enhancements to keep it from lifting off. Among them are the foldable top-mounted rear wing, ginormous side scoops, front diffuser, and active aero flaps on the underbelly of the car. To accommodate for the weight distribution of the battery pack, the Regera’s front tires are actually wider than the rears.
Start calling around now if you’re interested. Only 80 examples of the Regera will be produced and almost half of them have already been ordered, with four of them being sold before anyone even saw the car. Prices for the world’s most extreme hybrid start at around $2.1 million. Ok, so maybe the Prius doesn’t have much to worry about.
