2002 Koenigsegg CC8S

The CC8S is the second model produced by young automaker Koenigsegg of Sweden, and for a sophomore effort it certainly doesn’t feel unpolished in any way. In fact, the upstart CC8S is a direct challenge to more conventional supercars of its era, considering its highly advanced structure and powerful engine. The carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb structure of the chassis lends the CC8S incredible rigidity and lightness—in fact, it weighs just 137 lbs. on its own. Bolted into the middle of the chassis is a 655-horsepower supercharged V8 descended from a Ford unit, although significantly revised by Koenigsegg for lighter weight and greater power by extensively utilizing aluminum and titanium when possible, rendering the CC8S capable of a sprint to 100 mph in an astonishing 7.1 seconds. No cobbled-together limited production special either, the CC8S is stylish and refined both inside and out. It’s easy to see why Koenigsegg has since constructed an ever more extreme and beautiful series of cars since then. That being said, the CC8S’s lower weight and more balanced weight distribution gives it a particular poise and balance that many drivers will appreciate.