THE SUPERCAR SPECIAL

Electrification is redefining what it means for a car to be extraordinary.

- Hannah Elliott

The Koenigsegg Gemera, which made its worldwide public debut last March, has a carbon-fiber body every bit as visually stunning as its predecessor, the Koenigsegg Agera—a vehicle that until January held the title of fastest production car ever. It also has an advanced version of the Agera’s dihedral doors that, when opened, give the impression of wings taking flight. Massive air vents and aerodynamic flourishes, meanwhile, make it look just as menacing.

But there’s a radical difference between the two super cars that isn’t apparent until you pop the hood: Instead of the mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that is the roaring 960-horsepower heart of the Agera, the €1.5 million ($1.8 million) Gemera has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-three engine—plus three electric motors. The combination of combustion and electric technology is good enough for a combined 1,700 hp. The Gemera is expected to shoot from zero to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds.

The Swedish manufacturer isn’t the only elite auto brand looking to electric power for its future. Pininfarina unveiled its 1,900-hp all-electric Battista in 2019, the same year Lotus revealed its 1,973-hp electric Evija. Both are slated for production this year. Ferrari is currently making its 986-hp SF90 Stradale hybrid. McLaren has also unveiled a $225,000 Artura hybrid that uses an electric motor to get to 205 mph.