Koenigsegg has produced the world’s first ever car finished completely in Koenigsegg Naked Carbon – KNC.
KNC involves no lacquer, varnish or alternative coating being used on top of the carbon surface. The thin layer of epoxy that normally covers a high-end autoclaved cured carbon piece is carefully removed by hand polishing. This is an extremely sensitive process; one stroke too many will ruin the visible weave structure underneath the thin epoxy layer.
The end result is a striking new look for carbon fiber. The body of the car becomes cold to the touch as the material is pure carbon, instead of an insulating epoxy or lacquer layer with carbon underneath. The sheen takes on a more metallic graphite appearance as each graphite strand is now fully exposed.
This bold specification – a first for Koenigsegg and as far as we know, a world first – was ordered and specified by our new Swiss dealer, Carage. A Grand Opening for Carage will take place after the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019.
Koenigsegg has been perfecting the KNC method over several years, applying it to parts such as wheels, wings, splitters, winglets and steering wheels, with great effect.
Before deciding to do a whole car, samples were exposed to summer heat and sun, as well as winter wet and cold. Parts were kept outside for several years in order to make sure the elements did not negatively affect the amazing surface.
Carbonfibre parts are finished in one of three different ways at Koenigsegg:
– Exterior panels are sanded and then painted with a colour, a clear coat or a combination of the two.
– Some under-hood carbonfibre parts have their epoxy layer polished, giving an effect similar to clear-coat paint.
– Most under-hood and interior parts have their epoxy layer removed and are then polished to a raw carbon state; a very delicate process involving both sanding and polishing. The margin for error is extremely fine and can result in either a perfect, high-lustre finish or ruined threads of exposed carbonfibre.
This final process is the one used – for the very first time – for the exterior of this KNC Regera.
One interesting upside to KNC is that lacquers are much softer than the exposed carbon. The KNC surface is actually much less sensitive to stone chips and sharp objects causing scratches compared to conventional surface treatments.
The KNC process requires an absolutely perfect production tool producing perfects parts. Imperfect surfaces cannot be smoothed out, adjusted or compensated for on the final body panel. Every panel must, therefore, be perfect before being considered for use on a KNC car.
That the KNC process is even possible is a true testament to the extreme tolerances and quality control inherent in the Koenigsegg production process.
Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO:
“It’s not unusual for a customer to specify their car with visible carbonfibre. 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.”
As there is no paint or clear lacquer at all on the car and the thin layer of epoxy is polished away, the KNC Regera is actually around 20 kg lighter than a painted Koenigsegg.
The resulting finish is subtle but distinctive. Instead of reflecting the shape of a panel covered in clearcoat, the light plays off each strand of carbonfibre. It’s familiar and yet unlike any Koenigsegg that has come before, and it is a unique method developed by Koenigsegg as a world’s first.
The KNC Regera, recently delivered to its owner in Switzerland, is the first Koenigsegg ever made using this extreme and exciting solution.
All images by Keno Zache Photography, for Carage
16 comments
Comment by Christian Hall Wilson
Christian Hall Wilson December 5, 2018 at 18:56
I would love it if you uploaded the pictures in high quality – 4K preferably for backgrounds on all possible devices.
The car looks insanely awesome. Good job as always.
Comment by Christian Hall Wilson
Christian Hall Wilson December 6, 2018 at 13:06
Your site used to have a distinct media page with high res pictures. Would be great if you made another one. It would grant you some easy PR exposure as well.
Comment by Cedric Malfait
Cedric Malfait December 5, 2018 at 22:07
Amazing! Good job!
Comment by Cedric Malfait
Cedric Malfait December 5, 2018 at 22:09
One day I’ll be sitting in your office to order one of your masterpieces! One day…
Comment by Corey
Corey December 6, 2018 at 00:53
Unbelievable!!!
Comment by Taurus
Taurus December 6, 2018 at 02:55
Never ever thought that I’d see a machine of this quality.👍
Comment by Anders Hansson
Anders Hansson December 6, 2018 at 05:43
So beautiful. As if the Regera needed more beauty. Best looking car in a looong time.
Comment by Kazimierz Fit
Kazimierz Fit December 6, 2018 at 08:30
Are You serious?! Admin, please upload at least 1920×1080.
Comment by Robbie
Robbie December 6, 2018 at 12:48
Another fabulous creation! Keep it up Christian and team! 🙂
Comment by LL
LL December 7, 2018 at 09:12
How would you maintain the paint in daily use? Can it be waxed or coated?
Comment by Daniel Schultheiss
Daniel Schultheiss December 7, 2018 at 19:44
I love Koenigsegg
Comment by William Gordon
William Gordon December 7, 2018 at 21:27
Won’t the whole effect be negated when the owner applies a protective film?
Comment by Esteban Serrano
Esteban Serrano December 8, 2018 at 13:48
Mind blowing! A Master Piece!
Comment by Eddy Degras
Eddy Degras December 8, 2018 at 17:53
Koenigsberg Koeni et restera pour moi une marque a part entière dans l’automobile et le milieu des hyper et méga car ! Ces voitures resterons pour moi des œuvres inaccessible autant a l’achat que a l’essai ! Je rêve a chaque fois que j’en vois une ! J’applaudis la technologie et la qualité de travail deployd pour ces véhicules ! De l’orfevrerie a l’état pur ! Bravo Mr Van koenigsegg !
Comment by Tobbe Stenberg
Tobbe Stenberg December 10, 2018 at 12:33
Having some understanding of the lengthy process of preparing, painting and polishing a Koenigsegg, the mind boggles trying to fathom how many man hours it takes to do this.
The panel fit is out of this world.
Comment by leentje danneels
leentje danneels December 10, 2018 at 23:06
i’ll do 2000km a week in my vw van,but …….rather on this ride….fabuless,finely best ride ever been made