In a rare and electrifying moment for hypercar enthusiasts, Mate Rimac—CEO of Rimac Automobili and Bugatti—recently got behind the wheel of the Koenigsegg CC850, a machine that’s as much a tribute to analog driving as it is a marvel of modern engineering. The occasion? A high-octane gathering at the Top Gear test track, where Rimac, Christian von Koenigsegg, and Rob Dickinson of Singer Vehicle Design swapped cars and shared raw, unfiltered reactions to each other’s creations.
This wasn’t just a casual meet-up. It was a celebration of three radically different philosophies in automotive design: electric innovation, mechanical purity, and retro-modern craftsmanship. And in the middle of it all was the CC850—a car that dares to blend a gated six-speed manual transmission with a nine-speed automatic, all in one gearbox.
🏎️ The CC850: A Masterpiece of Duality
The Koenigsegg CC850 is a tribute to the original CC8S, the car that launched the Swedish brand into the supercar stratosphere. But this isn’t just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a technological tour de force. At its heart is a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 producing over 1,185 horsepower, depending on fuel type. But the real magic lies in its transmission—a Koenigsegg-developed Engage Shift System (ESS) that allows the driver to switch between a traditional gated manual and a fully automatic mode.
For Rimac, who’s used to the instantaneous torque and digital precision of electric hypercars like the Nevera, the CC850 was a revelation. He was immediately drawn to the tactile feel of the manual gearbox, describing it as “old school in the best possible way”. It’s a rare sight to see a tech visionary so enamored with mechanical purity, but the CC850’s gearbox is no ordinary stick shift—it’s a symphony of engineering.
⚙️ Rimac’s Reaction: Respect for the Analog
Mate Rimac didn’t hold back. He drove the CC850 like he stole it, pushing it to its limits and reveling in the visceral connection between man and machine. His reaction was one of genuine admiration—not just for the car’s performance, but for the philosophy behind it. In an era where most hypercars are chasing lap times with electric motors and AI-assisted handling, the CC850 dares to be different. It’s a driver’s car, through and through.
Rimac’s praise for the gearbox was especially telling. He noted that while electric cars offer unmatched performance, they often lack the emotional engagement of a manual transmission. The CC850, with its dual-mode gearbox, bridges that gap. It’s a car that can be brutally fast and intimately engaging—all at once.
🤝 Mutual Admiration Among Innovators
The event wasn’t just about driving—it was about mutual respect. Rimac and Koenigsegg have long been seen as rivals in the hypercar world, each pushing the boundaries of speed and technology. But this track day showed a different side of their relationship: one of admiration and shared passion.
Christian von Koenigsegg joined Rimac for a spin in the Bugatti Mistral, while Rob Dickinson took the CC850 for a joyride of his own. Each CEO brought their own masterpiece to the table, and each walked away with a deeper appreciation for the others’ work. Rimac even revealed that he had placed an order for a Singer DLS, praising its gearbox as one of the best he’s ever experienced1.
🔋 Electric vs. Combustion: A Philosophical Clash
The CC850 and Rimac Nevera represent two ends of the hypercar spectrum. The Nevera is a technological marvel, with four electric motors, torque vectoring, and a 0–60 mph time that defies physics. The CC850, on the other hand, is a celebration of combustion, with a roaring V8 and a gearbox that demands driver skill.
Yet, Rimac’s drive in the CC850 proves that there’s room for both philosophies. While electric cars may dominate the future, there’s still a place for analog experiences that stir the soul. The CC850 isn’t trying to be the fastest or the most efficient—it’s trying to be the most engaging. And in that mission, it succeeds brilliantly.
🏁 A Moment That Mattered
This test drive wasn’t just a publicity stunt—it was a moment of clarity in the ever-evolving hypercar landscape. It showed that even the most tech-forward minds crave the simplicity and thrill of a well-tuned manual transmission. It reminded us that driving isn’t just about speed—it’s about connection.
As Rimac slid the CC850 around the Top Gear track, you could see the joy on his face. It was the kind of joy that only comes from driving something truly special. And for those watching, it was a reminder that no matter how advanced cars become, the thrill of driving will always be timeless.
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