THE SMALLEST ENGINE EVER TO POWER A PRODUCTION SUPERCAR
Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Bugatti are all examples of high-profile supercar manufacturers that have created some of the most intense production vehicles in automotive history. That said, you'll rarely find any less than eight cylinders under the hood, with some even employing 16 to get the blistering performance they desire. With the auto industry adopting more and more hybridized power sources in order to get impressive power, it was only natural that the high-end landscape also experiment more with the technology available.
And while there are a few noteworthy hybrid supercars, like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and McLaren P1, they still stand by the big-engine ethos: there's no replacement for displacement. This is where the mad scientists over at Koenigsegg flip the script. They've not only downsized the displacement and cylinder count, they took hybrid super-power to the extreme. Let's check it out!
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Koenigsegg, and other authoritative sources, including Top Gear Magazine.
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The Koenigsegg Gemera Offers A 3-Cylinder Engine Dubbed The "TFG"
To say Koenigsegg is taking big leaps in the hybrid and EV landscape would be an understatement, as their technology is quite literally ground-breaking, even by supercar standards. The production version of the Gemera was released with a twin-turbo V-8 option, which is the power source Koenigsegg is known for in its popular models. However, there was another option that may just intrigue those interested in futuristic hybrid integration. A 2.0-liter three-cylinder engine, called the Tiny Friendly Giant, or TFG, was originally set to be the only engine option for the nameplate.
Koenigsegg Gemera (TFG) Specs
Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 2.0-Liter 3-Cylinder PHEV w/ Electric Motor |
Horsepower | 1,381 Combined |
Torque | 1,364 Lb.-Ft. Combined |
Transmission | 9-Speed Auto |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 1.9 Seconds (pre-production figures) |
Top Speed | 249 MPH (pre-production figures) |
Layout | Rear-Engine, 4-Passenger, 2-Door Coupe |
The twin-turbo inline-three engine at the heart of the Gemera produces 592 horsepower on its own, and is the world's most powerful three-cylinder engine that is also road emissions compliant. It uses intuitive tech, called Freevalve, that increases the engine's versatility and efficiency. The three-cylinder engine doesn't have a camshaft. Instead, the Freevalve camless valve actuation system uses solenoids to activate intake and exhaust valves. This increases the potential and range of variable valve timing, duration, and lift, and can be controlled individually via driver input at will. Koenigsegg claims this innovative system can cut emissions by 15–20 percent while driving, as well as reduce cold-start emissions by up to 60 percent.
Even the turbocharging system in place is next-level, with each cylinder porting two exhaust valves, and sending gas to either of the engine's two turbochargers depending on the load requirements. The new two-stage turbo system allows variable turbocharging, employing only a single turbo at low RPM, and then activating both at high RPM. Peak spool crests at 1,700 RPM for the first stage, and as you continue to increase RPM and pressure, the second stage will activate, wherein you'll be able to produce maximum torque from 2,000 to 7,000 RPM before redlining at 8,500 RPM; maximum boost pressure is 29 PSI.
The Dark Matter e-Motor Goes Beyond Modern Capabilities
The original TFG engine debuted in the Gemera concept with three electric motors; one at the crankshaft of the engine and one at either rear wheel. Though when the three-cylinder arrived, as well as the "Hot V-8" option, both powertrains featured a single electric motor, called the Dark Matter e-Motor.
The Dark Matter e-Motor tech was developed by Koenigsegg, and uses a Raxial Flux layout, which is a combination of radial and axial, to produce 800 horsepower on its own, leading to it being recognized (by Koenigsegg) as the world's most powerful automotive-grade e-motor with 6-phase technology.
Lightweight Packaging Makes The TFG Even More Versatile
Not only is the TFG extremely powerful (nearly three times more powerful than the second most powerful inline-three), but it's also very lightweight and small. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise since it only has three cylinders, but hearing of its immense capabilities, one would automatically think of a large unit. Weighing only 70 kilograms, or about 154 pounds, the TFG is truly a tiny, friendly giant, with its small size allowing gigantic automotive possibilities; the 'friendly' aspect of its name likely stems from its efficiency and environmental improvements. The Gemera takes advantage of this small engine by allowing more passenger space, which is enough to seat four, as well as reaping the rewards of passive weight shaving.
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Capabilities Beyond Eye-Popping Power
The Koenigsegg Gemera is impressive under the hood, though there are a lot more perks that are only enhanced by the powertrain's ability. The Gemera is Koenigsegg's first AWD vehicle, as well as being the first four-seater in the Swedish firm's stable. The intuitive AWD system allows the Gemera to run on all four wheels, or the front or rear individually. This further increases the potential for the Gemera as far as tailored driving and efficiency go, with buyers able to alternate the vehicle's drive force depending on the situation without sacrificing the advanced torque vectoring capability.
The advanced torque vectoring system adjusts its behavior based on what driving mode the vehicle is in. According to the patent, modes range from FWD EV-only, RWD combustion, RWD Boosted, AWD, regen, and more. This simply means that the Gemera has a variable drivetrain that can not only shuffle its drive force, but also its power source, depending on driver input and load requirements.
Transmission Upgrade Brings More Precision
When first teased, the Gemera featured not only three electric motors, but it also sent power through a single-speed direct-drive transmission. When production specs were unveiled, the Gemera seemed to have ditched the trimotor and direct-drive transmission for a single Dark Matter e-Motor and a nine-speed auto transmission respectively. The nine-speed in question is Koenigsegg's Light Speed Tourbillion Transmission (LSTT), which was developed specifically for the Gemera. This lightweight mini-clutch gearbox further reduces weight and gives the supercar a more engaging driving atmosphere.
The LSTT employs advanced tech called UPOD, or Ultimate Power On Demand. The UPOD tech is the brain of the transmission system that instantly selects and engages optimum gearing for maximum acceleration. This is achieved via the UPOD tech as well as the LSTT's multi-clutch design, which uses vehicle speed and engine speed to determine the correct gear for maximum power. The most interesting part of the transmission system is its ability to bypass gears on its way to the optimum gear, able to go from seventh gear to fourth gear at light speed, and without touching sixth or fifth on its way down.
A Lightweight Chassis Is Icing On The High-Performance Cake
The Koenigsegg Gemera's body is largely composed of carbon fiber, which allows it to be extremely lightweight and durable. The monocoque chassis delivers wheel-to-wheel stiffness, which translates to control and precision when driving at high speeds and cornering. Adjustable, lightweight anti-roll bars on the front and rear, as well as robotized hydraulically-adjustable ride height in the front and rear, give the Gemera more versatility and precision that can be tailored to specific situations. These all provide the world-class powertrain with a solid platform to break the mold of high-performance requirements, while aiding in the legendary status that will inevitably be bestowed upon the record-smashing supercar.
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Future Of The Koenigsegg Gemera
The Gemera kicked off production in 2024, with orders said to begin filling in 2025. The Hot V-8 option introduced before production kicked off proved to be the engine that buyers wanted, considering the twin-turbo V-8 is synonymous with Koenigsegg models. Because of this, the Swedish manufacturer decided to delay the TFG's much-anticipated debut. That said, the offer isn't completely off the table, just tabled... for now.
Cristian Von Koenigsegg expressed his passion for the TFG, as well as the choice to include the V-8 option when speaking with Top Gear Magazine podcast, stating:
"There were so few left that asked for the three-cylinder [that] we managed to convince almost all of them [to buy the V-8]"
Even after the statement, CVS was adamant that the TFG's story wasn't over, and, in fact, just beginning, considering the ongoing testing and refining taking place over at Koenigsegg's facilities, as well as Cristian stating that there will only be V-8 Gemeras "for now". Regardless, the Gemera is a huge leap forward not only for the supercar landscape, but the auto landscape as a whole, thanks to the innovative technology that makes up nearly every aspect of the sleek vehicle. Many are calling for the advanced tech to make its way to some mainstream models, though the idea of future collabs has yet to be officially entertained.
2025-02-13T05:15:13Z