Why Koenigsegg Decided to Abandon Their Groundbreaking 3-Cylinder Engine

In an unexpected twist that has rippled through the automotive world, Koenigsegg has decided to halt the development of its innovative 2.0-liter TFG three-cylinder engine for the Gemera hypercar. Initially hailed as a marvel of engineering, boasting 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, the Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG) now finds itself shelved due to overwhelming consumer preference for the alternative V8 engine.

The Rise and Fall of the TFG

During a telling interview on the Top Gear Magazine podcast, Christian von Koenigsegg divulged that orders for the Gemera predominantly swung towards the V8 option. "So, in a nutshell, they all turned into V8s," he remarked, further revealing that the number of customers initially interested in the three-cylinder variant was minimal. The few who had placed such orders were ultimately persuaded to switch to the more popular V8 engine.

Why the V8 Dominates

This decision stems not from any shortcomings of the TFG, but from market dynamics. Hypercar enthusiasts have clearly shown a stronger affinity for high-displacement, high-cylinder count engines. The current iteration of the Gemera will therefore feature a monstrous 5.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-in Hybrid engine, delivering a staggering 2,269 horsepower and 2,028 lb-ft of torque through its cutting-edge nine-speed Hydracoup Direct Drive transmission.

The Unmatched Power of the V8

The V8’s performance is mind-blowing, dwarfing other hypercars in terms of raw power. It underscores a broader sentiment within the exotic car market: bigger is usually better. Potential buyers, when presented with the option, overwhelmingly chose to go with the V8’s astronomical horsepower over the technical novelty of the TFG engine.

Future Prospects for the TFG

Yet, this isn’t the end of the road for the TFG engine. Christian von Koenigsegg hinted that this three-cylinder marvel could still find its way into future Koenigsegg models. "It's still interesting; we're still working on it," he said, leaving the door open for the TFG’s potential inclusion in later versions of the Gemera or other projects. This slight glimmer of hope suggests that while the present may favor the V8, the TFG’s revolutionary technology hasn’t been fully abandoned.

The Power of Freevalve

At the heart of the TFG’s impressive specs is its Freevalve technology. This innovative camless technology utilizes electro-pneumatic actuators to control the engine’s valves, which allows for unprecedented precision and variable timing, boosting both power and efficiency. Although it never went into production with Qoros, its potential remains vast, holding promise for future combustion engines to achieve both higher performance and environmental friendliness.

A Sense of Humor

During the podcast, there was even light-hearted banter about creating a Koenigsegg city car called the "Eggster," using the TFG engine. Despite the humorous intent, the concept underscores the versatility and promise of the TFG engine’s technology, which could be tailored beyond high-performance hypercars to more accessible and environmentally friendly urban vehicles.

What’s Next?

While those who were eagerly awaiting the TFG engine in the Gemera might be disappointed, the shift to the V8 highlights Koenigsegg’s adaptability and willingness to heed market demand. Future prospects for the TFG and Freevalve technology remain promising, and the automotive world will be watching closely to see how Koenigsegg continues to innovate at the cutting edge of engine design.

Source: Top Gear Magazine Podcast