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Koenigsegg Test Driver Storms Nurburgring In His Miata, New Record Run Rumored

Ever wondered what Koenigsegg test driver Robert Serwanski does for fun? He blitzes the Nurburgring, of course. Then again, the man doesn't attack the infamous German track in an Angelholm machine. That would require complex logistics, so the aficionado prefers to go undercover in one of his personal cars, namely a 2007 Mazda Miata.
Koenigsegg Test Driver Storms Nurburgring In His Miata 5 photos
Photo: turningperformance/YouTube
Koenigsegg Test Driver Laps Nurburgring In His MiataKoenigsegg Test Driver Laps Nurburgring In His MiataKoenigsegg Test Driver Laps Nurburgring In His MiataKoenigsegg Test Driver Laps Nurburgring In His Miata
This isn't anything new, as we've previously shown you the man and his machine giving the Nordschleife their best effort - here's the 2017 adventure.

Well, Serwanski has recently returned to the Ring, lowering his time from last year's 7:49 to a sweet 7:37. Note that we're not talking about the complete layout of the track, which is the one carmakers use, as we're referring to the Bridge To Gantry (the main straight is missing) course used during tourist days.

A piece of footage documenting the lap has surfaced and while the 180 hp of the two-liter engine mean this isn't the quickest lap out there, it's definitely one of the cleanest.

There are a few aspects of the little MX-5 Roadster Coupe that might surprise you. Fist of all, the thing still uses an open diff, along with street tires, albeit with a track focus.

Secondly, we'll talk about the little bits that are new for 2018 and which have actually cause the thing to lose a bit of power, while also being 10 kilos lighter - the thing tips the scales at about 1,090 kg including half a tank and an 80 kg driver (apparently, the one behind the wheel has also been on a diet).

The loudness of the car meant the exhaust had to be upgraded with caused the car to lose 1.9 horsepower.

More importantly, the rev limit has been increased to 8,000 rpm. Despite the engine being less efficient at the new top end, this means there's less shifting involved.

"8000rpm? On a stock engine? Yes, that is to avoid shifting a few seconds before braking. The car is actually losing a significant amount of power at those revs compared to peak power at approx 6900-7000rpm. However, it is still quicker than shifting to the next gear, driving for a second or two, braking, just to find yourself changing back to the same gear again + the extra hustle and balance/momentum/harmony disturbance," the test driver explains.

Despite Serwanski's constant Nurburgring stints, we can help but wonder if his recent presence means anything in particular for the K carmaker.

After all, the Swedes did fail to set a lap record back in 2016, when their Agera RS crashed, and promised they would return.

At the moment, the Agera has been retired, with the 1,500 hp Regera hybrid being the only model of the company. Then again, the 2019 Geneva Motor Show will see the company introducing a successor.

Reportedly bearing the Ragnarok name, this should deliver 1,440 hp and perhaps ace the Ring production car lap record.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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