THE TEST DRIVER
LORIS BIOCCHI
The vastly experienced test driver Loris Bicocchi has been an integral part in optimizing and developing the Koenigsegg. Here are his comments:
– I first came in contact with Koenigsegg at the Paris motor show in 2000 when they exhibited a preproduction version of the CC. I was immediately attracted to the compact and efficient shape of the car.
– What I really like is the chassis and suspension layout. The long, double wishbones, which give small camber deviation during travel, the ingenious progressive anti-roll bar system, plus the fact that everything is correctly placed from a weight distribution viewpoint. The fuel tanks are centrally placed maintaining perfect balance at all time. The batteries are also centrally located in front of the engine, giving a perfect mass centre.
– High speed stability is among the best I have tested. On the CC the aerodynamic pressure point unusually is behind the mass centre of the car. This makes it naturally more stable the faster it is driven. Most of today’s mid-engine supercars have huge air intakes and outlets at the front of the car, making them nervous at high speed. Directional stability during braking is superb. Vertical control of the body is unmatched by any competitor, resulting in a feeling that the car is sucked to the ground even when driving over bumpy surfaces.
– I have spent a lot of time optimizing the comfort of this thoroughbred. The suspension is not only compliant and supple, but also firm during cornering, acceleration and braking. To me it is an excellent design compromise. Even potholes will not upset the car.
– The ABS system is very much on the sporty side. It locks with some slip through the whole process, making it very efficient. For a supercar I think it is the correct strategy not to make the ABS too intrusive, yet still allow the driver braking control instead of letting the ABS take over too early.
– The steering is well balanced for my liking with a fantastic centre point with no lash. The engine’s power is smooth and safe, especially considering the very high power output.
– My overall impression of the CC is that the car deserves recognition as one of the most competent road cars ever produced.
Loris Bicocchi
Official test driver for Koenigsegg
– I first came in contact with Koenigsegg at the Paris motor show in 2000 when they exhibited a preproduction version of the CC. I was immediately attracted to the compact and efficient shape of the car.
– What I really like is the chassis and suspension layout. The long, double wishbones, which give small camber deviation during travel, the ingenious progressive anti-roll bar system, plus the fact that everything is correctly placed from a weight distribution viewpoint. The fuel tanks are centrally placed maintaining perfect balance at all time. The batteries are also centrally located in front of the engine, giving a perfect mass centre.
– High speed stability is among the best I have tested. On the CC the aerodynamic pressure point unusually is behind the mass centre of the car. This makes it naturally more stable the faster it is driven. Most of today’s mid-engine supercars have huge air intakes and outlets at the front of the car, making them nervous at high speed. Directional stability during braking is superb. Vertical control of the body is unmatched by any competitor, resulting in a feeling that the car is sucked to the ground even when driving over bumpy surfaces.
– I have spent a lot of time optimizing the comfort of this thoroughbred. The suspension is not only compliant and supple, but also firm during cornering, acceleration and braking. To me it is an excellent design compromise. Even potholes will not upset the car.
– The ABS system is very much on the sporty side. It locks with some slip through the whole process, making it very efficient. For a supercar I think it is the correct strategy not to make the ABS too intrusive, yet still allow the driver braking control instead of letting the ABS take over too early.
– The steering is well balanced for my liking with a fantastic centre point with no lash. The engine’s power is smooth and safe, especially considering the very high power output.
– My overall impression of the CC is that the car deserves recognition as one of the most competent road cars ever produced.
Loris Bicocchi
Official test driver for Koenigsegg
