Koenigsegg Quant: Too Good To Be True?

Motoring Channel Staff - 6/March/2009

Geneva, Switzerland – Electric cars will eventually populate public roads just as petrol and diesel-powered vehicles do so today, but even the creme de la creme of performance cars could end being battery powered.

One of the world's best-known super car companies, Koenigsegg, launched an all-new model at the Geneva Motor Show.

Meet the Koenigsegg Quant.

Like all good Swedish super cars the name itself is a mouthful, but unlike its previous cars such as the CCX, the Quant follows in the footsteps of the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera: this one's a 4-seater.

And as is the trend these days, it's also powered by not electric motors. Two of them.

This wild-looking concept, which Koenigsegg claims it will build and sell in a few years, has some other cool features like the photovoltaic film that covers every inch of the car's exterior.

Essentially one large solar panel, this innovative system can generate small amounts of backup energy. 

Koenigsegg joined forces with NLV Solar AG, a pioneer in photovoltaics and accumulator technology, to create the Quant and the companies are working on prototypes to that will eventually be scaled up for series production.

Koenigsegg is known for its outlandish designs and high performance, and it delivers yet again on both fronts as the Quant's twin electric motors output a combined total of 381kW (512hp).

Because it uses electric motors, the car generates the force needed for acceleration, torque, instantly. This makes it a very rapid vehicle in a straight line, able to complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds. 

The Koenigsegg Quant's vital statistics are as follows:

Power: 381kW @ 1 rpm
Torque: 715Nm @ 1 rpm
Top Speed: 275km/h (172mph)
0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds

FAES Technology 

The energy to power the twin electric engines comes from an advanced battery system called a mobile redox Flow Accumulator Energy Storage (FAES), which is claimed to be vastly superior to current battery systems being proposed for mass-produced electric cars.

Developed by Koenigsegg's technology partner NLV, the FAES contains no hazardous materials, no heavy metals and can withstand almost unlimited recharging cycles according to NLV.

This sounds too good to be true, as does the full capacity charge that takes just 20 minutes with a heavy duty commercial power line. 

We are slightly dubious of the system's claims as neither Koenigsegg or NLV has given an insight into how the FAES technology works, just that it's significantly better than any other technology in the world today.

If these claims are supported, and costs aren't too steep, it will revolutionise the automotive industry. 

Koenigsegg says the Quant can travel 500 kilometres on a full charge, adding that the thin-film photovoltaic coating further increases the range potential.

The twin electric motors power the rear wheels in true sports car style, and the FAES system comprises 450 kilograms of the car's overall 1780kg weight.

Design

The design is a unique blend of supercar looks and the space of a traditional luxury sedan, says Koenigsegg, which will carry four large adults in comfort but also have lots of boot space for luggage.

It gets tricked-up gull-wing doors that set it apart from potential rivals from Porsche and Aston Martin. Koenigsegg says these unique doors provide easy access to both the front and rear passenger seats.

It rides on large 22-inch wheel rims shod with high performance Michelin tyres.

It's got lots of luxury features, including tri-zone climate control and adjustable rear seats. 

Rear seat passengers can watch TV or read Internet news stories via a pair of infotainment panels and safety systems comprise of ABS, electronic stability control and half a dozen 'smart' airbags.

If the Koenigsegg Quant does reach production and does live up to its claims, it will be a very special moment in the history of the electric car. If it fails to keep its promises, it could destroy the company's reputation.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Power: 512 bhp

• Torque: 715 nm

• 0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds

• Top speed: 275 km/h

• Kerb weight: 1780 kg

• Wheelbase 3102 mm

• Track – Front: 1730 mm Rear: 1729 mm

• Wheels/Tires – Front: 245/35 - 22”, Rear: 265/35 - 22” - low friction tires by Michelin

• Width: 2016 mm incl rear-view mirrors, Length: 4879 mm, Height: 1335 mm

• Rear-wheel drive

• Four-wheel brake regeneration

• Minimum 6 smart airbags, ABS and ESP

• 3 infotainment panels(one in front, two for the rear)

• Adjustable rear seats

• 3 zone Climate Control system

• Large leg room in the rear

• LED front and rear lights

• Body covered in NLV photovoltaic thin flm solar coating

• NLV mobile redox Flow Accumulator Energy Storage system - FAES

• Space for 4 full grown individuals

• Price: TBD

Related Links:
- Koenigsegg CCXR 'Edition' (2008)
- Koenigsegg CCX (2006)
- Koenigsegg CCR (2004)