Out of the Blue
Whenever Kimera is brought up in conversation, the usual topics are its classic Lancia-inspired designs, like the K-37 and K-38. The brand is no stranger to improvement and iteration, as is the case with the Kimera EVO38, whichfeatures a lightweight body, at just over 2,400 lbs, and up to just 650 horsepower. Now I say “just” because Kimera has one-upped itself again with the new Kimera K-39 – Powered by Koenigsegg.
Coming in at just under 2,500 pounds and fitted with a Koenigsegg V8 engine, the K-39 makes a “safe” 1,000 horsepower. This is the same Koenigsegg motor that goes into its hypercars like the Regeras and Jeskos.
Kimera Automobili
“Just” 1,000 Horsepower
It’s easy to forget just how impressive 1,000 horsepower was in production hypercars back in the day. When everything from supercars to extreme grocery getters is making 600, 700, or 800-plus horsepower, you tend to get numb to the news of a new-most-powerful-production SUV/crossover/sedan or whatever.
Christian von Koenigsegg said it himself, “the K-39 is exactly the kind of project that deserves something truly special: independent, emotional, technically ambitious, and built with a clear sense of purpose. We developed a dedicated version of our twin-turbo V8 to match the character Kimera wanted for the K-39, and I am confident that this engine will give the car the performance, response, and reliability it needs to express its full potential. This collaboration is also a strong example of how Koenigsegg technology can support selected projects beyond our own cars, when the values and ambition are right.”
What’s even more impressive is that Koenigsegg Technology Division (KTD) even detuned the twin-turbo V8 because Kimera wanted to “match the character” that the brand wanted for the K-39. While I think that’s the case, I wonder if Koenigsegg purposely did this to keep the One:1’s reputation with its power-to-weight ratio, because we know that the engine platform is capable of so much more.
Kimera Automobili
Same Values
Kimera Automobili’s design language hasn’t changed in the last three ‘K’ cars. The K-39 still takes from the classic Lancia designs of Group C machines. As expected from the brand, it delivered on its styling and nods to automotive history.
Then they hit us with the phrase, 1,000 horsepower and 8,85lb ft lbs of torque, and our attention was secured. Do note that the car only weighs just over a ton, or about 2,500 lbs, dry, so it’s safe to assume that this will be a very exciting drive. Also, with the Koenigsegg engine, owners will also be able to take advantage of Koenigsegg Cloud, a feature that’s exclusive to Koenigsegg vehicles to deliver over-the-air updates and calibration for their specific market straight to their cars, which can now be used by Kimera’s K-39.
The most extreme Kimera model yet still calls back to the brand’s other designs, taking cues from the 80s and molding them onto a modern engine and chassis. The brand is also planning to bring a race version of this car to Pikes Peak, and it might actually be one of the fastest cars on the grid. What’s more is that the first 10 people who place an order for the K-39 will receive the Pikes Peak configuration, which is also a road-legal specification according to Kimera, and it goes way over the top with its aero kit and its Martini livery.
Kimera Automobili
