New Koenigsegg Raw concept imagines entry-level supercar

Koenigsegg has revealed a concept that shows what a future entry-level model for the Swedish hypercar maker could look like.

Named the Raw, after the design house owned by Koenigsegg, the striking three-seater combines a carbonfibre occupant cell with an innovative three-cylinder engine from partner firm Freevalve. 

This means it weighs just 700kg while producing 690bhp, giving it a one-to-one power-to-weight ratio – a feat previously brought to production by Koenigsegg in 2015 with the Agera-based, 1341bhp One:1.

The Freevalve engine made its debut earlier this year in the 1700bhp hybrid Gemera, a grand touring coupé and Koenigsegg's first four-seater. In that application, it makes 600bhp thanks to a pair of turbochargers. 'Free valve' means camshafts are replaced by electronically controlled actuators to open and shut the valves.

Inside, the Raw has the same three-seat layout as the McLaren Speedtail, with a central driving position for optimum control and visibility and a passenger seat behind on either side.

The body is much more angular than those of previous Koenigseggs, with a retro-futuristic front end that includes a wrap around light bar. However, the brand's traditional wrap-around windscreen and double-bubble roof are present. It also incorporates active aerodynamics, with what the firm terms a "through-flow architecture" and "jet fighter afterburner-inspired articulated rear diffuser".  

A 0-62mph time of around three seconds can be expected.

The Raw was created by Finnish designer Esa Mustonen as his graduation thesis, under the supervision of Sasha Selipanov – head of the Raw Design House and Koenigsegg's head of design since last October, after a stint at Genesis – and approved by company founder and boss Christian von Koenigsegg.

Koenigsegg is receiving substantial investment presently, as Sino-Swedish electric vehicle company NEVS, which was formed from the ashes of Saab and owns its old Trollhättan factory, bought a 20% stake for £130 million last year.