This is the production‑spec Koenigsegg Jesko

Things like the reworked flat-plane crank engine, new turbos and all-new ‘Light Speed Transmission’ gearbox have needed to be pushed to their limits and proven before production and sales can begin. Now, though, 27 months and a pandemic on, the Jesko has entered the final pre-production stages of its development. Meet #258, the Jesko pre-series production-representative car, resplendent in Tang Orange Pearl.

A bright orange Koenigsegg ringing oddly familiar to you? It should. It’s this colour, more or less, that was prominent in the 2004–2006 CCR series Koenigsegg offerings. Otherwise known, the CCR was the first Koenigsegg to crack 250mph. The Jesko is planned to be the first to crack 300mph, at least in low-drag ‘Absolut’ Specification.

As a reminder, the Jesko is set to feature a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of producing 1,298PS (955kW) on pump fuel, or 1,603PS (1,195kW) on E85. That ‘Light-Speed Transmission’ is so named for Koenigsegg’s claim that it could be the fastest-shifting transmission yet made, with seven clutches and nine forward speeds. As well as being the fastest-shifting, it also affords the driver freedom of selection. A double click on the ‘shift knob’ will instantly put the car in the right gear for optimum power delivery – sixth to second in the blink of an eye.

Its aggressive aero kit, with an active top-mounted rear wing, can produce up to 1,400kg of downforce. On the low-drag 300mph-plus Absolut, this is reduced to just 150kg. The car is named after the father of Christian, the company’s founder.

So how many are being made and when will deliveries begin? Cars should be landing with each of the lucky 125 owners from Spring 2022. We can’t wait to hear it going up the Hill at the Festival of Speed… The 2022 Festival, anyone?