Koenigsegg produces some of the most expensive supercars in the world. The company’s CEO drives a not-so-super-super Toyota to work.
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- Koenigsegg CEO Christian von Koenigsegg has an estimated net worth of over $100 million.
- Despite his wealth and access to some of the world’s most expensive supercars, Koenigsegg commutes to work in a Toyota hatchback.
- Toyota Motor Corporation has an incredibly diverse portfolio that appeals to both budget-conscious drivers and sports car enthusiasts.
Koenigsegg is a Swedish high-performance sports car manufacturer known for its otherworldly rides. These extraordinary vehicles come with unbeatable price tags ranging from $1.7 million to $3.65 million, depending on the model. So it’s surprising that the brand’s billionaire CEO Christian von Koenigsegg commutes to work in a Toyota, according to an Instagram post from earlier this year.
This Japanese automaker produces some of the world’s most popular cars, from the small and durable Toyota Corolla to the practical and powerful Toyota Grand Highlander (a recent addition to the family). The automaker’s portfolio is the most diverse in the industry. It produces efficient hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and thrilling sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra. So, who did the billionaire CEO of Toyota, which is owned by Koenigsegg, choose?
Von Koenigsegg commutes to work in a Toyota GR Yaris. “GR” stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsports division. The division participates in automotive competitions and pushes the boundaries of the company’s engineering skills. Toyota’s U.S. portfolio includes three Gazoo Racing models: the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla. Von Koenigsegg’s GR Yaris Hatchback is sold in several countries and regions including Europe, Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and more. The Yaris nameplate is no longer available in the United States or Canada due to sales trends.
How much does Toyota GR Yaris cost?
According to Top Gear, the GR Yaris costs approximately 42,690 euros, or the equivalent of $46,707.34. So despite his incredible wealth and company, Koenigsegg’s CEO drives a car that costs less than $50,000. The question is, what’s so special about this little hatchback and why would von Koenigsegg drive anything but a supercar?
Toyota GR Yaris specs
The latest version of the Toyota GR Yaris is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. That may not seem very powerful until you consider the GR Yaris’ incredibly small size. It weighs only about 2,821 pounds. The hatchback has a top speed of 143 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris is very fast for an affordable hatchback, and its unique body style and size make it even more fun to drive. Even in an era when automakers like GMC are producing 1,000-horsepower monsters (the Hummer EV pickup), small turbocharged Japanese models like the GR Yaris remain attractive to even the most affluent consumers. Sure, Koenigsegg’s CEO can afford almost every production car on the market, but there’s a reason why millions of consumers choose the Toyota brand over its competitors.
What’s so special about Toyota?
Toyota completed its first passenger car, the Model AA, in 1936. Eighty-nine years later, the Japanese automaker has sold millions of cars in some of the world’s most competitive markets, including the United States.
What sets Toyota apart from other automakers is our focus on quality and creating new trends. A study by iSeeCars.com concluded that the top five longest-lasting cars are all Toyota models. The longevity of vehicles like the original Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Corolla is legendary.
In 1997, Toyota became the first automaker to mass produce a hybrid vehicle, releasing the Prius. Since then, several industry giants have benchmarked the company’s hybrid models. The company currently manufactures 15 hybrid nameplates for the U.S., offering a wide range of affordable and environmentally friendly options. Some of Toyota’s most popular models are offered as hybrids.
The company hasn’t skimped on performance, even though mainstream cars and SUVs like the Camry and RAV4 are its best-selling models. The Toyota MR2, Toyota Supra, and Toyota 86 are popular among sports car enthusiasts. Toyota has something for everyone, and there’s no greater corporate co-op than Koenigsegg’s CEO, who drives a GR Yaris to work.
Charles Singh reported for The Tennessean.
