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Key Highlights
- Unfortunate news for the Koenigsegg Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG) powerplant, as wealthy individuals favored the V8 alternative over the distinctive 3-cylinder jewel.
- Christian von Koenigsegg is seeking a new application for the underappreciated engine in other models like Subaru BRZ and Audi RS3.
- Enthusiasts ponder on potential matches such as Mercedes-AMG SL or Nissan Z, which could breathe life into the singular 600-hp 3-cylinder powerhouse.
Should you have missed it, one of the most remarkable engines ever conceived has met its demise due to the preference of the wealthy for larger powertrains. Initially conceptualized as the Koenigsegg Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG) engine, it was a decade-long dream of Christian von Koenigsegg, unveiled to the world with the introduction of the Gemera a few years back. A marvel of engineering, the company successfully crafted a 2.0-liter twin-turbo three-cylinder engine churning out 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an additional electric motor, the vehicle surpassed the 1,000-hp mark, and the anticipation to witness it on the roads was palpable.
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Almost no one ordered the Tiny Friendly Giant 3-cylinder in the Koenigsegg Gemera, so Koenigsegg put the engine on ice.
Regrettably, that scenario seems unlikely, particularly within the Gemera. Surprisingly, last year, the company revealed the addition of a V8 engine option to the Gemera range. This $400,000 add-on elevated the combined output to 2,269 horsepower, emitted an awe-inspiring sound, and showcased a remarkable feat in its own merit. However, little did we foresee that this move would mark the end of the three-cylinder powerplant. Earlier this month, Christian confirmed the engine’s removal from the lineup due to the overwhelming preference for the V8 among buyers. It appears that the $400,000 price tag did little to dissuade potential adopters.
2025 Koenigsegg Gemera HV8
- Year
- 2025
- Engine
- 5.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-in Hybrid
- Drivetrain
- Four-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower
- 2,269 hp
- Torque
- 2,028 lb-ft
As a result, the engine finds itself in a state of uncertainty. Christian expressed a desire for the engine to find a new role in an upcoming vehicle, yet no definitive plans have been disclosed. Rather than mourning the loss of the engine (a sentiment we’ve already shared at length), we’ve opted to turn our gaze towards the future, put on our thinking caps, and contemplate potential new homes for the powerplant.
Historically, the company hasn’t marketed any of its engine designs, yet given the extensive development put into this particular powerplant, should the right buyer emerge, a deal could potentially be struck. We’ve compiled a list of 10 different vehicles, some currently in production and others in the conceptual stage, where we believe this nearly 600-hp three-cylinder engine could find a suitable habitat. While this exercise is purely speculative, if Koenigsegg is listening, we hope they will take into consideration some of our suggestions.
The vehicles selected for this compilation were done subjectively, and their presence here is not indicative of any collaboration with Koenigsegg.
10 Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
When it comes to a three-cylinder powertrain, potential buyers may harbor preconceptions. Even if the engine boasts a staggering 1,000 horsepower, the fact that it’s a three-cylinder might sway opinions. We all have certain expectations of which cars such an engine should belong to. For us, it implies something petite, fun, with significant potential. This aligns perfectly with the essence of the BRZ/GR86 twins. While these are modest, entry-level sports cars, envision the impact if they were equipped with the ultimate high-revving, small-displacement engine available. Being relatively new, offering them devoid of a boxer engine wouldn’t likely upset anyone, and not all 592 horses are necessary. Bringing 450 or 500 to the table would be more than adequate to provoke some excitement. Incorporating numerous performance enhancements, branding them with STI and GRMN emblems would result in a truly remarkable creation.
9 Lotus Emira
In formulating choices for this overview, the Lotus Emira was among the foremost considerations for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a compact, agile sports car crafted by an esteemed manufacturer that prides itself on its product prowess. Secondly, the current powertrains for this vehicle are supplied by Toyota and Mercedes, indicating a willingness to collaborate with engine providers. Lastly, the company intends for this to be its final combustion model (though subject to change, as is prevalent in the industry), warranting a grandiose farewell. The TFG would seamlessly complement the car’s persona and significantly pique buyer interest. Labeling it as the “Emira John Player Special,” embellishing it with a stylish historical design, and elevating its price by $100,000 would undoubtedly lead to a swift sell-out.
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8 AudiRS3
The Audi RS3 stands out as one of the most extreme small sport sedans available today, delivering a remarkable 401 horsepower from a highly unique five-cylinder motor. It offers a thrilling driving experience with its assertive performance while ensuring luxurious comfort for everyday city driving, typical of Audi’s style. With its quattro AWD system and unconventional design, the RS3 provides a solid platform for an equally unconventional engine like the TFG.
The manufacturer is already eyeing a beefed-up model, and the upcoming iteration has already broken a new Nurburgring lap record, so what’s another 200 horses? It may be quite a handful, but it would undoubtedly elevate the model’s status in the Audi lineup. Introducing it as the Performance or GT variant, adding more luxury and performance features, would transform it into a true flagship model for Audi.
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7 Mercedes-AMG SL
We appreciate this choice mainly because a collaboration between Mercedes and Koenigsegg intrigues us. Mercedes, a renowned brand, isn’t afraid to think innovatively about its lineup, despite its affinity for V8 engines. The latest SL marks a return to a four-cylinder powerplant for the first time since the original 190 SL, yet criticism was directed towards its lack of character and performance expected from a fully-fledged AMG SL.
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While it’s commendable that the marque aims to make the sports car more attainable, we’ve encountered a somewhat ambivalent situation and ponder whether collaboration and an innovative, distinct engine might be just what the marque requires to attract more attention to its roadster. The V8 alternative would still be secure in the SL 63 S E Performance model, and we wouldn’t be startled if the marque proposed another variant beyond where the three-cylinder could be situated. Let’s name it the SL 55 and retire the SL 43; that would certainly spark discussions.
6 Nissan Z
The fresh Nissan Z marks the first instance in a considerable while that a model bearing the Z designation was genuinely competitive. The 370Z endured well beyond its expiration date, and despite the new Z rolling on an updated rendition of the same platform, it demonstrates itself as a notably enhanced vehicle both internally and externally. Its twin-turbo V6 presently generates 420 horsepower in its most potent Nismo guise, yet even though it leans towards a more focused sports car than the standard Z, we can’t help but have anticipated a tad more. Introduce the TFG. With such a maneuver, Nissan holds the potential to completely rejuvenate its performance stature, filling the void left by the GT-R’s demise. Resurrect an historical name from the marque’s archives or concoct a new moniker like “Nismo Spec R” or “Z432”. Shape it into the ultimate Z, and alert the rest of the globe akin to how the R35 GT-R did back in 2007.
5 Subaru WRX
Even though the WRX is crafted with more sophistication than ever before, we opine that Subaru still possesses the opportunity to introduce a model that’s more exhilarating and, primarily, more potent than its current offering. The WRX boasts a fervent fanbase like no other model, yet even its loyal followers have veered away from the current generation owing to polarizing aesthetics and the absence of an STI variation. While it continues to perform commendably, especially with the outgoing TR variant and upcoming tS edition that introduces additional performance enhancements, we believe it’s time for the marque to reintroduce something genuinely exceptional to the WRX range once more. While a plain old STI would suffice, why not consider something more intense? Something on the lines of a new flagship model for the marque to truly intensify customers’ excitement? Inject the TFG, christen it the STI S210 or some other rally-inspired title, and reign over the competition once more.
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4 Toyota GR Corolla
Anticipate this arrival. Being the singular high-performance model equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the GR Corolla is ideally positioned for a hotter version with a parallel cylinder count. The GR Corolla burst onto the scene recently, enhanced by the inclusion of AWD and exclusively a six-speed manual transmission (at least for now). While Toyota may face challenges in transforming its hot hatch into a competitor that may outshine any forthcoming high-performance Supra variant, we assert that history tends to forget occurrences where automakers exercised restraint. Go full throttle and then establish a Nürburgring production compact car record that remains unassailable for years to come.
Furthermore, a rally-inspired hot hatch boasting increased boost and power in excess of its handling capabilities seems rather fitting, especially when recalling the era of turbocharged rally beasts from the ’80s and ’90s that made supercars seem docile.
3 Mini John Cooper Works GP
The British automaker has expressed its desire for another iteration of the GP model, and we propose that it should be a variant that elevates the Mini brand’s image. The prior Mini John Cooper Works GP exemplified a captivating yet demanding driving experience that stretched the capabilities of a front-wheel-drive hatch. With 301 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, managing the power delivery was not as challenging as anticipated. However, the ride was stiff, and steering responsiveness was edgy. It’s difficult not to think the hatch would have benefited from AWD. Yet, if AWD were to be introduced, why not escalate the power output significantly and transform it into a contender that could challenge supercars? The full force of the TFG may be overwhelming, but by reducing the power by approximately 20% and directing all efforts into refining the chassis and handling, it could become the most remarkable Mini Hardtop ever crafted and become a prestigious model for the Mini brand.
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