Koenigsegg has made a surprising shift with its Gemera model, deciding to abandon the planned three-cylinder engine option in favor of a V-8. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG), a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter three-cylinder, customers overwhelmingly preferred the V-8, prompting the company to pivot.
In an interview on the Top Gear Magazine podcast, Koenigsegg CEO Christian von Koenigsegg revealed that the three-cylinder engine, while innovative, did not attract the anticipated level of interest from buyers. As a result, Koenigsegg has opted to offer the Gemera exclusively with the twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8, which delivers an impressive 2,300 horsepower and 2,028 lb-ft of torque on E85 fuel.
The V-8 engine’s popularity was not surprising to von Koenigsegg, who acknowledged that the TFG, despite its raw and engaging performance, couldn’t match the demand for the more powerful V-8. The Gemera, featuring the V-8, will enter production later this year with customer deliveries set to start in 2025. The automaker plans to build only 300 units of this high-performance hybrid model.
The Gemera, originally designed to feature the TFG engine, was intended to showcase a blend of high technology and eco-friendliness. The three-cylinder engine was part of a hybrid system that combined with three electric motors to produce a combined 1,700 horsepower and 2,581 lb-ft of torque. The V-8 engine, however, proved to be a more attractive option for buyers, leading Koenigsegg to shelve the TFG for now.
Despite the shift, Koenigsegg is not abandoning the TFG technology altogether. The company is continuing to develop the three-cylinder engine and has not ruled out its future use in the Gemera or other models. The TFG remains an intriguing piece of engineering that may find a place in Koenigsegg’s lineup at a later date.
For now, the Gemera will be powered solely by the V-8, a testament to Koenigsegg’s commitment to performance and customer preferences. The V-8 engine, a close relative of the one used in the Jesko, features various enhancements and retains the high-revving, intense character Koenigsegg is known for. With 2,269 horsepower on tap, the Gemera promises to be a formidable four-seater hypercar, redefining what a family car can be.
Elizabeth Puckett