the koenigsegg regera goes naked with new carbon exterior

the koenigsegg regera has been given an all-carbon fiber makeover. koenigsegg has built its first ever model finished completely with a self-developed ‘naked carbon’ that the company has dubbed KNC, and its completely reinvented the hypercar.

images courtesy of koenigsegg

koenigsegg has been perfecting the KNC method for some time now, applying it to parts such as wheels, wings, splitters, winglets and steering wheels, with great effect. the development process involves creating multiple samples and exposing to varying elements for several years. variations included extreme heat and sun, as well as the winter wet and cold, ensuring that these conditions did not negatively affect the surface.

the margin for error is extremely fine and can result in either a perfect, high-lustre finish or ruined threads of exposed carbonfibre. the exterior of the KNC underwent a very delicate finishing process usually used to treat under-hood and interior parts. first the epoxy layer is removed and then the surface is polished to a raw carbon state.

the end result is a body which is both visually and tactically striking. the car becomes cold to the touch as the material is pure carbon, instead of an insulating epoxy or lacquer layer with carbon underneath, and the sheen takes on a more metallic graphite appearance as each graphite strand is now fully exposed. without paint of clear lacquer on the car, and with the thin layer of epoxy polished away, the KNC regera is around 20kg lighter than a painted koenigsegg. instead of reflecting the shape of a panel covered in clearcoat, the light plays off each strand of carbonfibre. 

a significant difference between KNC and exposed carbon is that KNC is much stronger. other softer lacquers are sensitive to stone chips and sharp objects causing scratches, whereas exposed carbon proves more durable. the KNC regera was recently delivered to its owner in switzerland.

‘it’s not unusual for a customer to specify their car with visible carbonfibre,’ says christian von koenigsegg, CEO. ‘it’s a beautiful material from a visual perspective and our customers love to show what the car is made from. KNC takes the idea of visible carbonfibre to a whole new level, revealing a beautiful lustre and a very silky finish. the koenigsegg philosophy has always been about exploring extremes. it’s great to extend that idea to a whole new way of finishing and presenting a car.’

product info

manufacturer: koenigsegg
model: koenigsegg regera