Koenigsegg CC850 Is The Most Powerful Production Car With A Manual Transmission

The Most Powerful Manual Car

Koenigsegg CC850 Front - Source Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unveiled on 19 August 2022 at Pebble Beach, California, the Koenigsegg CC850 pays homage to the CC8S launched back in 2002. A total of 50 units were planned at first however due to the overwhelming response, the Swedish brand decided to add another 20 units 6 days later.

The Koenigsegg CC850 is a unique car not only because of its engineering but also because it features a rare and thrilling manual transmission called Engage Shift System (ESS). The big V8 under the hood is coupled with the precision of a manual gearbox, creating a driving experience unmatched by its automatic counterparts.

Koenigsegg CC850 Transmission - Source: Koenigsegg Media

What makes the CC850 even more special is that the transmission can act as both a 9-speed automatic as well as a gated 6-speed manual with rear clutch. The 9-speed LST (light speed transmission) has been taken from the Jesko however features a clutch pedal right next to the brake. Unlike traditional stick shifts, the CC850 shifts gears entirely by wire. The ESS depending on the mode adjusts the gear ratios as well which makes it one of a kind.

Koenigsegg CC850 Engine

Koenigsegg CC850 Engine - Source: Andrew Basterfield, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While the CC850 may not make it as Koenigsegg’s fastest car, its 5.0L V8 engine borrowed from the Jesko mated with a manual transmission gearbox still makes it truly extraordinary. The twin turbochargers force-feed the engine with air, resulting in an astonishing output of 1,185 horsepower on the regular fuel. The power figures bump to 1,385 horsepower when using E85 bio fuel. Torque output stands at 1020 lb-ft with either fuel types. Such power figures are rare in the world for a car, especially for a car with a manual transmission. Official figures for 0-60 MPH and top speed are yet to be disclosed.

The CC850 also happens to be one of the few supercars to feature a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. Weighing 1,350 kgs (3,053 lbs), it makes the equal amount of power when running on E85 fuel. The feat was first achieved with the One:1 model of the Koenigsegg Agera launched back in 2014.

Koenigsegg CC850 - Source Koenigsegg Media

Not only is the power output the highest for a manual car but the engine's architecture is also a work of art. It features a lightweight aluminum construction to keep weight down and enhance performance. Advanced engineering techniques, like the implementation of a flat-plane crankshaft, contribute to the engine's extraordinary responsiveness and high-revving characteristics. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Lightweight forged telephone dial aluminum wheels also help to keep the overall weight in check.  

Interior Of The Koenigsegg CC850

Koenigsegg CC850 Interior - Source Koenigsegg Media

While Koenigsegg is primarily known for its breathtaking speed and power, the interior of the CC850 is equally impressive. The cabin of the CC850 combines fine materials and cutting-edge technology. The CC850 offers a driver-centric layout that ensures complete control. Moreover, a combination of premium leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber adorns the interior, giving it a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. The seats in the CC850 are also ergonomic works of art that work for both comfort and performance as they provide excellent support during high-speed drives while maintaining a luxurious feel. 

Koenigsegg CC850 Chronocluster - Source Koenigsegg Media

The infotainment system features a state-of-the-art touchscreen interface that offers seamless connectivity, navigation, and entertainment options. As for the instrument cluster, the Koenigsegg calls it Chronocluster which was first used in CCX. Keeping the classic look, the CC850 uses single analog dial with three hands to display the rpm, speed, and turbo boost. It also offers bespoke customization options and a level of personalization that extends to materials, colors, and finishes. The CC850 is also one of the most expensive cars from the automaker with an price tag of nearly a quadruple millions. 

Conclusion

Koenigsegg CC850 - Source Koenigsegg Media

The CC850 lies a bit low in the fastest cars Koenigsegg list, but it still is an impressive piece of work, being the most powerful manual car in the world. As the hypercar segment embraces automatic gearboxes and even electrification in the upcoming future, the CC850 with its manual transmission keeps the old-school feeling alive. For those of you who crave a car that can deliver enormous power and features a bona fide stick shifter, the CC850 is undoubtedly the one. Now, that's a debate for another day that some of us might not consider it to be manual because of the electronics involved and the fact that it under the skin is an automatic.