November 24, 2009

Expensive Cars: Koenigsegg Ccx

One of the world’s most expensive cars is the Koenigsegg CCX, which will set you back at least a good $545,000 if you’re able (and willing) to buy it. As far as expensive cars goes, the Koenigsegg CCX is near the top of the heap, and it’s a monster on the road. It’s a spec model created by Koenigsegg to celebrate their tenth anniversary, and if you ever get the chance to drive it, you’ll instantly understand the feel and speed that warrants the high price tag.

The first thing you’d notice if a Koenigsegg CCX showed up in your driveway is the small size of the car. At only 44 inches tall and 169 inches long, it seems almost diminutive. As it’s completely made of carbon fiber, the Koenigsegg CCX is also a very light car, weighing in at just over 2600 pounds. It’s also a convertible with vertically opening doors and a nice satellite radio (as well as a brake cooling system, fog lamps and more). However in order to get see how fast this baby can go, you’ll want to throw the top back up, click off the sound system and simply put the pedal to the medal.

And, you’ll want to take advantage of the speed. That’s because this is one of the fastest cars you can legally buy – with a top speed of 245 mph. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. With a twin-supercharged 4.7L V8 developed by the Koenigsegg Company itself, the CCX pulls 806 bhp. Quite obviously, it’s a manual transmission and its torque rates at 678 lb-ft at 5700 rpm. It’s very low to the ground and aerodynamic, with insanely low wind resistance. All of this combines to make the Koenigsegg CCX one of the least restrained, fastest and most dangerous vehicles that could possibly be on the road. Simply put, if you were to drive it at its top speeds, you’d be insane – especially considering the cost of the vehicle. The back wheels do not feel glued’ to the road as with some other expensive cars. The CCX isn’t toned down in any way, and requires a very experienced driver to avoid catastrophe.

Those lucky enough to drive the Koenigsegg CCX appreciate the cooled breaks, the steady driving and the incredible power of this sports car. It ranks with some of the best cars in the world for both drivability and speed, but again, this is not a car for inexperienced drivers. Even on a racetrack the Koenigsegg is dangerous at its highest speeds. The good news is that given the price tag, it’s unlikely that it’ll ever end up in the wrong hands.