Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut reclaims the 0-400 kmph world record from the Rimac

Abu Dhabi : Koenigsegg has recaptured the speed record with some smart updates to its software.

• The Jesko Absolut completed the run in just 25.21 seconds, improving on its own 2024 record by more than 2.5 seconds. 
• The credit goes to its new Absolut Overdrive software that offers sharper traction and drivetrain control.
• Powering the rear wheels with a combustion engine, the Jesko Absolut outperformed AWD electric rivals.

Koenigsegg’s Jesko Absolut has set a stunning new benchmark, launching from zero to 400 kmph (248 mph) and back to a stop in just 25.21 seconds. The speed test took place at the Örebro airfield with Markus Lundh, Koenigsegg’s in-house test driver, at the wheel. This was the same Jesko that previously held Koenigsegg’s record in 2024.

With this latest effort, Koenigsegg edged past the Rimac Nevera R, which had held the previous best. The way each car achieves these speeds is quite different, but the real surprise is that the Jesko Absolut, a car with a petrol V8 and rear-wheel drive, can compete at all.

A Fair Fight Against Electric Hypercars

The actual margin is slim. The Jesko Absolut’s 0-400-0 kmph time of 25.21 seconds beats the Nevera R’s 25.79 seconds by just over half a second. These numbers are impressive, especially when you consider the Rimac Nevera R uses four electric motors, making 2107 hp and 2340 Nm of torque. 

Getting that sort of power to the ground requires serious engineering. Koenigsegg, on the other hand, uses a twin-turbo V8 with 1,600 hp – but only sends power through two rear tyres.

Software Magic Behind the Record

Despite the difference in design and power delivery, the Jesko Absolut now holds the top spot for this performance test. Christian von Koenigsegg credits much of this progress to improvements in the car’s software. Their team updated the Lightspeed transmission and added a feature to help control torque, which cuts down on how much the traction control needs to step in.

This upgrade, which Koenigsegg calls Absolut Overdrive, played a big part in the new record. The company says all future Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut variants will get this software, so drivers everywhere can experience the same level of control.

The records were officially timed with Racelogic equipment, including a fresh 0-250-0 mph run completed in 25.67 seconds. If the team had aimed only for the 400 km/h mark, the results could have been even quicker.

2026 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Launch and Market Details

With the hypercar already creating a buzz with its record, people, especially in the Middle East, are talking about the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut price and what variants will be available. If you want to know about the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut price, or when the 2026 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut launch will take place, keep an eye out for updates – there is more news to come as Koenigsegg continues to develop this model. 

The manufacturer is also reportedly working on multiple Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut variants, which will be revealed closer to the official release. For those curious about the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut price in the UAE, availability and final figures will be announced closer to launch.

Battle Not Over

The Jesko Absolut’s accomplishment shows that petrol engines still have a strong future. This record highlights what years of development and passion can deliver. Many enthusiasts are now waiting to see if Rimac will respond and try to reclaim the crown, or if Bugatti will make a move with its upcoming hybrid Chiron replacement. 

For now, the Jesko Absolut stands at the top, showing that smart engineering and software updates can still push performance cars to new horizons.