The Show - Production Notes - Koenigsegg

One of the reasons for the Koenigsegg's incredible top speed is its slippery aerodynamic shape. Unfortunately, when we first tested it, that shape didn't include a big rear wing like you see on many supercars, which meant the CCX had little rear downforce. This, combined with a very oversteery suspension set-up, resulted in the Stig's biggest ever crash when he lost control on the follow-through and smashed through one of the tyre walls.

Koenigsegg dutifully took the CCX back to Sweden, fiddled with the suspension and fitted it with a small rear spoiler, before returning it to our test track. It behaved itself and this time the Stig smashed the previous lap record.

Koenigsegg's owner and founder, Christian von Koenigsegg, made his first millions by importing frozen chickens into Estonia. Glamorous or what?

In February 2005, a Koenigsegg CCR set a new record for fastest production car with a speed of 242.9mph, beating the McLaren F1. Koenigsegg held the record for seven months before the Bugatti Veyron came along and spoiled all the fun.

When we tested the original CC8 a few years ago, we had to share it with Top Gear magazine. Koenigsegg only makes 40 cars a year, so test mules are pretty hard to come by. The magazine boys sat by the track for most of the day, waiting patiently for Jeremy to finish filming his review. When Jeremy finally handed over the keys and the magazine's test driver set off on his first high-speed run, the supercharger belt broke and the car came to a shuddering and expensive halt. Sorry chaps.

Koenigsegg's novel approach to the thorny issue of environmental awareness comes in the form of the CCXR - a bio-ethanol powered version of the CCX that actually produces more power. A scarcely believable 1004bhp, in fact. We doubt it will be exempt from the congestion charge.