From Sweden to Miami: The Koenigsegg

The rarest of exotic cars — the Koenigsegg CCXR, a $1.4 million, 1,018-horsepower, 254-mph supercar running on algae-based bio fuel — makes its Miami debut at Festivals of Speed. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

The rarest of them all, the Koenigsegg has been previewed at various high-profile events throughout the US to bring more exposure to the brand — Festivals of Speed Orlando, the New York Auto Show, Universal Auto Sports in New York, and now Festivals of Speed Miami.

With lines of perfection and sparkles like a diamond, the Koenigsegg CCXR was the rarest of exotic cars in a gathering of luxury autos and supercars on display at the Epic Hotel Miami. It is dubbed the fastest supercar and it is environmentally friendly. There are currently only 8 Koenigseggs in the US, 2 in Florida — one owned by a private collector in Naples.

Christian von Koenigsegg is the brainchild behind this speed machine. He grew up dreaming of creating the perfect sports car, and in 1994 he launched the company. The Koenigsegg was awarded the fastest production car in the Guinness World Record, and the CCXR was listed in Forbes Magazine as the sixth most beautiful car in history.

PGM: Give us an overview of the Koenigsegg.

KP: This particular car is a Koenigsegg CCXR owned by an individual in Naples. The CCX has a 4.7-liter 806-horsepower engine. The CCXR has an 880-horsepower engine and uses E85 bio fuel — the horsepower is increased to 1,018. We will build around 20 cars next year, of which 6 or 7 will come to the United States. It is a very limited production, custom-built car, and we are just getting into the United States looking for dealers on the east coast and west coast to represent the product.

PGM: How are people responding to the Koenigsegg?

KP: Many people have heard of the car and haven't seen it. There are only two of these cars in Florida and only eight in the US, so it's not a car that you are going to see everywhere. For the people here to be able to see a Koenigsegg is quite something. This car right here is a 254-plus miles-per-hour car. It is the fastest production car. It is a very special situation for people to actually see the car.

PGM: What is the price tag on the Koenigsegg CCXR?

KP: This particular car is $1.4 million.

PGM: Where can you actually drive this car?

KP: Kansas is probably a good space. It also holds the record for the highest speeding ticket in the country — about 230 to 240 miles an hour. It is a great car to drive on the highway. Even though it has that performance capability, it is a great daily driving car. Now would you drive it that fast? I would not recommend driving over the speed limit. However, you do have the capability if you happen to be somewhere where you can exercise the power that this car has.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .