The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack has just obliterated the Gotland lap record

To absolutely nobody’s surprise, Koenigsegg has strutted its way to yet another feat by smashing the lap record at Swedish racetrack Gotland with its hardcore Jesko Attack. 

For some measure, its time of 2m 56.9s is around 7.9 seconds quicker than the already-deranged Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR, putting into perspective just how blistering the Jesko is. Christian Von Koenigsegg’s brain size really needs to be investigated.

The 4.5-mile Gotland - which is where Top Gear magazine held its 2023 Speed Week - is known for being not only one of the lengthiest tracks in Europe but also one of the more technical. It’s packed with tight hairpins and sudden switchbacks, and provides a healthy serving of undulations and full-throttle sections to add to the challenge.

The Jesko had all the tools to succeed however, with a diehard focus on aero contributing to as much as 1,500kg of downforce generated at 170mph. This is further bolstered with a 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which sends 1,280bhp and 1,106lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via a ‘Light Speed’ nine-gear transmission. Ample name, given that the Jesko probably could take you to infinity and beyond.

The scariest part is this wasn’t even the very best performance the Jesko is capable of, with Koenigsegg claiming the car was ‘only’ running at 90 per cent potential. Surely 100 per cent would be enough to provide actual sentience to a Buzz Lightyear toy.

There are a few other points to consider here too: the Jesko was only using standard 98 octane petrol and the 18-degree track temperature was not optimal for its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. 

Had the Jesko and its driver, Niklas Lilja been aided by an E85 fuel mixture to push the hypercar to 1,600bhp, it’s terrifying to think how much quicker the time would be. Something tells us we won’t have to wait long to find out…