Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut: The Fastest Production Car That Just Shattered Records

The automotive world has witnessed a revolution in speed, performance, and engineering as the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has officially crushed multiple world speed records. Designed with a singular goal in mind—to be the fastest street-legal car ever—the Jesko Absolut has now made good on its promise, making headlines with jaw-dropping numbers that left even seasoned hypercar fans stunned.

During recent record runs, the Jesko Absolut achieved 0–400–0 km/h in just 27.83 seconds and reached a top speed of 412 km/h (256 mph), all in a production-spec car on a closed Swedish runway. These numbers are not only stunning—they are historic, redefining what’s possible in a road-legal hypercar.

The Jesko Absolut: A Hypercar Built for Speed, Not the Track

Koenigsegg developed two versions of the Jesko: the track-focused Jesko Attack and the top-speed-oriented Jesko Absolut. Unlike its downforce-heavy sibling, the Absolut was designed to slice through air with minimal resistance. It eliminates the massive rear wing, features extended rear bodywork, and boasts a dramatically reduced drag coefficient of just 0.278 Cd—one of the lowest ever seen on a hypercar.

While other manufacturers attempt to balance luxury, comfort, and track precision, Koenigsegg has taken a more focused route with the Absolut. Every design decision—from its narrow frontal area to the smooth underbody—has been engineered for aerodynamic efficiency and ultra-high-speed stability. The result? A car that remains stable even above 250 mph.

Powering the Beast: A 1,600 Horsepower Engineering Marvel

At the heart of the Jesko Absolut is a bespoke 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces an astonishing 1,280 horsepower on regular gasoline and up to 1,600 horsepower on E85 biofuel. Unlike traditional V8 engines, Koenigsegg’s version features a flat-plane crankshaft, allowing it to rev to a screaming 8,500 rpm while remaining lightweight and balanced.

The true genius, however, lies in the engine’s responsiveness. Koenigsegg has integrated a pressurized air tank and electric compressor system that pre-spools the turbos, eliminating lag and ensuring immediate throttle response. This setup allows the Jesko Absolut to launch with explosive power and maintain acceleration through its entire range.

Paired with the engine is Koenigsegg’s proprietary 9-speed Light Speed Transmission (LST). This in-house developed gearbox is unlike any dual-clutch or conventional automatic; it enables gear skipping, which allows the driver to shift from any gear to any other gear instantly. In high-speed runs, this results in no loss of momentum and optimized power delivery—crucial for breaking acceleration records.

The Record-Breaking Run: 0–400–0 km/h in 27.83 Seconds

On June 27, 2024, on a closed airstrip in Örebro, Sweden, Koenigsegg factory driver Markus Lundh piloted the Jesko Absolut through a set of world-record sprints. In what may be remembered as the greatest hypercar performance of the decade, the Absolut reached 400 km/h (248.5 mph) in 18.82 seconds, and then returned to zero in just 9.01 seconds, resulting in a total 0–400–0 km/h time of 27.83 seconds.

For comparison, the previous production car record—also held by Koenigsegg’s Agera RS—stood at 31.49 seconds. The Jesko Absolut didn’t just break that number; it obliterated it by nearly four seconds.

The same run also translated to the imperial equivalent of 0–250–0 mph in 28.27 seconds, making it the quickest production car ever measured across these metrics.

Half-Mile Sprint: Jesko Absolut Hits 223.6 mph in 13.27 Seconds

In addition to its acceleration-deceleration records, the Jesko Absolut set a new benchmark in the standing half-mile category. On its test runway, it reached 223.6 mph (359.8 km/h) in 13.27 seconds, faster than any other street-legal car in recorded history for that distance.

This half-mile record is particularly significant because it shows real-world acceleration from a dead stop, unlike top-speed records that often require multi-mile tracks. It’s proof that the Jesko Absolut’s performance isn’t just theoretical—it’s immediate and accessible.

Jesko Absolut vs Other Speed Monsters: Comparison Chart

Feature	Jesko Absolut	Bugatti Chiron SS 300+	SSC Tuatara
Engine	5.0L Twin-Turbo V8	8.0L Quad-Turbo W16	5.9L Twin-Turbo V8
Max Horsepower	1,600 hp (on E85)	1,578 hp	1,750 hp
Transmission	9-Speed LST	7-Speed DSG	7-Speed Auto
0–400–0 km/h	27.83 sec	N/A	N/A
Half-Mile Speed	223.6 mph	N/A	222 mph (claimed)
Top Speed (Tested)	256 mph	304 mph (one-way)	295 mph (disputed)
Drag Coefficient (Cd)	0.278	~0.36	~0.33
Production Spec	Yes	Yes	Controversial Claims

Aerodynamics and Stability: Defying Physics

The Jesko Absolut’s stability at speed is due not only to raw power but also to aerodynamic mastery. Koenigsegg’s engineers invested thousands of hours in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel testing to ensure that the car remained stable, predictable, and efficient.

Unlike most hypercars that rely heavily on downforce (which increases drag), the Absolut aims for a minimal downforce figure—just 150 kg at top speed—to reduce aerodynamic drag. This allows the car to slice through the air with unmatched efficiency while remaining grounded, aided by Michelin Cup 2 tires and active chassis control.

Real-World Speed vs Simulated Top Speed

Koenigsegg has openly stated that the Jesko Absolut has the theoretical capability to exceed 310 mph (500 km/h). However, a full-speed top-speed run on a longer track like Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien or Nevada’s Highway 160 has not yet taken place.

Despite this, the current real-world achievements solidify Koenigsegg’s engineering dominance. While Bugatti reached 304 mph in a one-way run and SSC’s claims are still debated, Koenigsegg has delivered multiple timed, repeatable, and verifiable runs using production-spec hardware. That level of transparency sets a new benchmark in the hypercar world.

Technology Beyond Performance

What makes the Jesko Absolut even more impressive is that it remains street-legal and relatively drivable. Inside the car, the driver is greeted with a modern digital display, carbon-fiber bucket seats, climate control, and infotainment. It may be optimized for high-speed performance, but it doesn’t sacrifice driver usability.

Additionally, Koenigsegg’s commitment to innovation is evident in their Triplex suspension system, rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, and a monocoque carbon-fiber chassis that weighs just 90 kg—helping keep total curb weight around 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs).

Final Thoughts

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is not just another fast car—it’s a technological marvel that pushes the envelope of physics, engineering, and performance. With verified record runs and a powertrain unlike anything else on the road, it firmly positions Koenigsegg as the frontrunner in the race for speed supremacy.

More than just numbers, the Absolut represents a philosophy: that limits are meant to be shattered—and Koenigsegg has once again proven that they’re masters at doing just that.

Read: Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear: A Track-Focused Hypercar That Honors Racing Heritage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What world records has the Jesko Absolut broken?
The Jesko Absolut holds production-car records for 0–400–0 km/h in 27.83 seconds, 0–250–0 mph in 28.27 seconds, and standing half-mile at 223.6 mph.

Q2: How fast is the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut?
It has reached a tested top speed of 412 km/h (256 mph), with simulations suggesting a potential of 310+ mph (500 km/h).

Q3: What engine does the Jesko Absolut use?
A 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1,280 hp on petrol and 1,600 hp on E85 fuel.

Q4: Is the Jesko Absolut a production car?
Yes. All record runs were completed in production-spec cars, making the Jesko Absolut a road-legal hypercar.

Q5: How much does the Jesko Absolut cost?
Prices start around $3 million USD, but each vehicle is highly customized per customer specifications.