The Battle Everyone’s Been Waiting For
In the realm of hypercars, records aren’t just numbers — they’re declarations of engineering supremacy. The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has just fired the latest shot, completing the 0–400–0 km/h sprint in an astonishing 25.21 seconds, toppling the Rimac Nevera R from its throne.
The twist? It did it in less-than-perfect track conditions, on a drying surface. Yet, the result still sent shockwaves through the automotive world. This isn’t just about speed — it’s about software mastery, precision engineering, and pushing the limits of internal combustion.
How the Jesko Absolut Won the Battle
The Jesko’s times were staggering:
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0–400 km/h: 16.77 seconds (Nevera: 17.35s)
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400–0 km/h: 8.44 seconds
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0–400–0 km/h: 25.21 seconds (Nevera: 25.79s)
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0–250–0 mph: 25.67 seconds
Where did Koenigsegg find that edge?
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Absolut Overdrive Software – Updated algorithms control torque delivery, gear changes, and traction management with surgical precision.
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Lightspeed Transmission (LST) – Ultra-fast, near-telepathic gear shifts.
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Enhanced Launch Control – Eliminates wheelspin while delivering explosive acceleration.

ICE vs EV: The Showdown We Can’t Stop Watching
On paper, the Rimac Nevera R seems unbeatable:
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2,107 hp electric quad-motor setup
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All-wheel drive with torque vectoring
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Instant torque delivery
The Jesko, in contrast, wields a 5.0L twin-turbo V8, 1,600 hp, and rear-wheel drive. Yet, thanks to its weight advantage, gear logic, and traction tuning, it snatched victory by half a second.
This proves something huge:
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EVs dominate in instant torque and traction.
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ICE cars, when paired with cutting-edge software, still hold serious cards in high-speed and endurance runs.
Why 0–400–0 km/h Is the Ultimate Test
Many focus on 0–100 or quarter-mile runs, but 0–400–0 km/h is a hypercar’s full résumé:
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Acceleration tests traction, torque delivery, and gearbox efficiency.
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High-speed stability pushes aerodynamics and suspension tuning to their limits.
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Braking demands perfect heat management and tire grip at the edge.
The Jesko’s 8.44s braking segment is nearly scandalous, proof of the perfect harmony between carbon-ceramic brakes, aero balance, and driver skill.

The Numbers That Matter – Jesko vs Nevera
| Metric | Jesko Absolut | Rimac Nevera R | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 1,600 hp (V8) | 2,107 hp (EV) | — |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | — |
| 0–400 km/h | 16.77s | 17.35s | Jesko |
| 400–0 km/h | 8.44s | N/A | Jesko |
| 0–400–0 km/h | 25.21s | 25.79s | Jesko |
| 0–250–0 mph | 25.67s | 26.20s | Jesko |
What This Record Changes in the Hypercar Landscape
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Software is the new horsepower.
Fine-tuning launch control, torque curves, and shift mapping is now as important as raw power. -
ICE vs EV isn’t a settled fight.
Both have unique strengths, and both will keep trading blows. -
Updates keep cars relevant.
The Jesko’s performance leap came from a software update, proving that future records could be broken without touching the hardware.
What’s Next? Rimac’s Revenge?
If history is any guide, Rimac is already working on its counterpunch. EV hypercars are improving thermal management, battery weight distribution, and torque vectoring — all key to reclaiming the title.
And the rest of the hypercar pack? Expect Bugatti, Lamborghini, and even newcomers to join the fight with even more extreme performance tech.
Final Thoughts – Why This Matters
The Jesko Absolut’s 25.21s run isn’t just a new record — it’s a manifesto:
“Give an ICE car the right software, and it can still go toe-to-toe with the best EVs on Earth.”
With every update, the boundaries shift. This constant back-and-forth is exactly why the hypercar arms race is the most thrilling spectacle in the automotive world today.
FAQ: Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut vs Rimac Nevera
1. Is the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut the fastest car in the world?
Currently, the Jesko Absolut holds the official 0–400–0 km/h record at 25.21 seconds, beating the Rimac Nevera R. While it’s among the fastest accelerating and braking hypercars ever tested, “fastest car” depends on the metric — in top speed attempts, Koenigsegg projects the Jesko Absolut could exceed 500 km/h (310+ mph).
2. How does the Jesko Absolut’s Lightspeed Transmission work?
The Lightspeed Transmission is a multi-clutch, 9-speed gearbox that can skip gears instantly rather than shifting sequentially. This means it can jump from 7th to 4th without delay, allowing lightning-fast acceleration and seamless power delivery.
3. Why is the 0–400–0 km/h test so challenging?
It’s the ultimate hypercar benchmark because it pushes every system to the limit:
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Acceleration tests power and grip.
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High-speed stability tests aerodynamics.
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Braking tests thermal management and stopping power.
Even small errors in traction control or brake cooling can ruin a run.
4. Can EV hypercars like Rimac Nevera still beat ICE cars?
Absolutely. EVs excel in instant torque and AWD traction, making them dominant in short sprints and repeated acceleration runs. However, ICE cars like the Jesko still shine at sustained high speeds, lightweight handling, and thermal endurance.
5. How much does the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut cost?
While pricing varies depending on customization, the Jesko Absolut is generally in the $3 million+ range. Production is extremely limited, and every unit is built to order.
6. Will the Rimac Nevera reclaim the 0–400–0 record?
Given Rimac’s track record of rapid innovation, it’s very possible. Improvements in battery cooling, weight distribution, and software-controlled torque vectoring could see the Nevera or its successor break Jesko’s record in the near future.
7. What is the difference between Jesko and Jesko Absolut?
The Jesko Absolut is a low-drag, top-speed-focused variant of the standard Jesko. It trades extreme track downforce for aerodynamic efficiency, allowing higher top speeds and quicker acceleration in straight-line runs.
8. What are some other fastest cars to watch in 2024–2025?
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Bugatti Mistral – 1,600 hp quad-turbo W16 farewell model.
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Lamborghini Temerario 2026 – Next-gen hybrid hypercar.
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YangWang U9 Track Edition – EV with record-breaking torque delivery.
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Aston Martin Vanquish Volante 2026 – GT-class power with exotic speed.
















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