Watch a Koenigsegg annihilate the production record at Spa-Francorchamps

22 July, 2015

 

The crazy team at Koenigsegg have underlined the sublime performance of their new Agera One:1 by thrashing the production lap record of Belgium’s illustrious Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Clocking in at 2min 32.14, the Koenigsegg beats its nearest rival by almost six seconds. Check out the memorable on-board video below:

This is the second time that Koenigsegg have had a crack at the Spa record, following a successful attempt in June where they managed to set a lap record of 2min 33.26s — beating the previous benchmark set by a McLaren P1 — a car New Zealand Classic Car magazine featured earlier in 2015.

What makes official Koenigsegg test driver Robert Serwanski’s lap particularly impressive is how he is forced to weave through dense traffic from start to finish. Yet despite the conditions, the One:1 manages to hit 270kph on the approach to Eau Rouge, before reaching a mind-boggling 320kph just before piling on the brakes at the bus stop.

Brand founder Christian von Koenigsegg had initially suggested that the One:1 would try and take down the lap record at Germany’s infamous Nürburgring. But after a speed ban was imposed at the facility due to safety concerns, Spa was the most logical replacement playground for the brand to set their 1341hp monster loose.

The record has been toppled just as motorsport royalty from around the world prepare for the 24 Hours of Spa, held on July 25–26. Included in that list is Kiwi V8 Supercar ace Shane van Gisbergen, as well as Australian motorsport legend Craig Lowndes.

Project Adder – an MGB with bite

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.

One lady owner

Well, at first glimpse, as soon as the lady opened the garage doors, I knew I was going to buy it. Dark metallic blue with two-tone blue vinyl trim, with a cream American-style steering wheel — I just could not believe my eyes! The Falcon was in as new condition as you could expect from a 30-year-old car. The owner was Mrs Iama Dzenis, aged in her late 60s, at a guess. Mrs Dzenis had bought the car new in September of 1965 from the Ford agents of North Canterbury, Palmer and Doak. Their headquarters were in Rangiora, with branches in Kaiapoi and Amberley.