Koenigsegg Regera Goes Nude With New Naked Carbon Exterior

The Koenigsegg Regera reached sell out status in the summer of 2017, but the company has finally built its first model with a so-called “naked carbon” exterior.

Looking downright beautiful, the car’s carbon fiber body doesn’t have any lacquer, varnish or alternative coating covering its carbon fiber surfaces. The company is so set on the naked design that they even removed the thin layer of epoxy that normally covers carbon fiber. This was done by hand polishing and Koenigsegg notes this is a delicate process as even “one stroke too many will ruin the visible weave structure.”

Koenigsegg says the finish gives the Regera a striking new look as the car has a “more metallic graphite appearance as each graphite strand is now fully exposed.” The company also noted the car is now cold to the touch as people will feel pure carbon fiber instead of an insulating layer of epoxy or lacquer.

Despite sounding rather delicate, the naked carbon exterior can stand up to the elements. As Koenigsegg explained, they subjected several samples to the sun and heat of summer as well as the cold and wet of winter. The samples were kept outside for several years and this didn’t affect their appearance. As a result, the company felt confident enough in the naked carbon finish to use it on a full car.

While the model doesn’t have a protective layer of epoxy, Koenigsegg says this actually benefits the Regera as the car is “much less sensitive to stone chips and sharp objects causing scratches.” The lack of material also helps to Regera to weigh approximately 44 lbs (20 kg) less than a model that has been painted.

According to CEO Christian von Koenigsegg, “It’s not unusual for a customer to specify their car with visible carbon fiber. It’s a beautiful material from a visual perspective and our customers love to show what the car is made from.” However, he went on to say naked carbon “takes the idea of visible carbon fiber to a whole new level, revealing a beautiful luster and a very silky finish.”