Earlier this month, a Koenigsegg Jesko was completely destroyed by a fire in Greece. The incident, now widely referred to as the “Jesko Fire,” resulted in the hypercar being reduced to ashes within minutes, prompting the Swedish automaker to launch an immediate investigation. A Koenigsegg engineer was dispatched to retrieve the vehicle and determine the cause of the Jesko Fire, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and quality.
Immediate Response and Owner Advisory
In an effort to prevent similar incidents, Koenigsegg quickly advised all Jesko owners to refrain from driving their cars until further notice. This precautionary measure was taken while the automaker conducted a thorough analysis of the burned vehicle and other Jesko models to uncover the root cause of the Jesko Fire.
Findings from the Investigation
The investigation revealed that the fuel tank, engine oil, and gearbox oil system of the incinerated Jesko remained intact and were not compromised by the fire. However, a significant clue was discovered in the form of a streak of hydraulic fluid found on the road behind the car. This led the team to focus on the pressurized hydraulic system, the only system containing this type of fluid.
Further examination uncovered that a pressurized hydraulic hose located at the back of the car had been compromised, leading to a leak that caused the Jesko Fire. This finding prompted Koenigsegg to inspect the installation of all hydraulic hoses on both existing and newly produced Jesko models to ensure their safety and reliability.
Safety Enhancements and Software Update
To address the issue that led to the Jesko Fire, Koenigsegg is developing a software update designed to detect pressure drops or leaks in the hydraulic system within less than a second. Upon detecting a leak, the system will automatically shut down to prevent any potential fire. The first version of this safety-enhancing software is expected to be released before the end of the week. Once the update is implemented, Jesko owners will be allowed to resume driving their cars.
Assurance to Affected Owner
In a gesture of goodwill and commitment to customer satisfaction, Koenigsegg announced via Instagram that they would replace the Jesko involved in the fire with a new one for the affected owner. This announcement, signed by Christian von Koenigsegg, highlights the company’s dedication to its customers and their safety.
Record-Breaking Performance Amid Safety Measures
Despite the setback caused by the Jesko Fire, Koenigsegg has continued to push the boundaries of automotive performance. On June 27, at an airfield in Sweden, a Jesko Absolut set new records with test driver Markus Lundh at the wheel. The vehicle, equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, achieved an astonishing acceleration from 0 to 400 kph (248.5 mph) in just 27.83 seconds. It then hit 402 kph (250 mph) in 19.20 seconds and completed the 0 to 400 kph and back to 0 run in 28.27 seconds. Notably, the record-breaking car was a standard model running on E85 fuel, fitted with a roll cage, and carrying a single seat.
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