Koenig Specials, founded by racing legend Willy König, has been synonymous with high-performance car tuning since 1974. Initially focused on Ferrari models, the company quickly expanded to encompass a wide range of luxury brands, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and Porsche. Driven by a passion for motorsport and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance, Koenig Specials has cemented its place as a leader in the car tuning world. (Fun fact: The company name evolved from “König Specials” to “Koenig Specials” to better resonate with an international clientele.)
From Racing Pedigree to Tuning Prowess
Willy König’s extensive racing background heavily influenced the Koenig Specials tuning philosophy. Starting his racing career at just 17, he secretly participated in rallies and races under the pseudonym “Robert Frank.” In 1961, König acquired a Cooper from Formula 1 legend Graf Berghe von Trips, and in 1962, he clinched the German Mountain Championship title driving a Ferrari Berlinetta. This victory earned him a personal invitation from Enzo Ferrari to Maranello.
Throughout the 1960s, König raced iconic cars like the Ferrari 275 GTB Competition, Ford GT 40, Lola T70, and Abarth. This hands-on experience translated directly into the development of Koenig Specials’ tuning programs. From 1987 to 1990, König continued racing, achieving success with the BMW M1 Procar and Porsche 962 C1 and 935 K3 Le Mans, culminating in the German STT Championship title in 1990. Even König’s sons, Walter and Oliver, followed in his footsteps, further solidifying the family’s racing legacy.
Engineering Excellence: The Koenig Specials Approach
Koenig Specials’ core principle revolves around creating the ultimate road-going sports cars. This involves a meticulous blend of aerodynamic enhancements, aggressive styling, bespoke interiors, and performance upgrades. Chassis refinements, high-performance brakes, wider wheels and tires, sports exhaust systems, and engine tuning are just some of the modifications offered. For those seeking even greater power, Koenig Specials provides turbocharger, supercharger, and high-performance engine options.
The company’s expertise extends to complete vehicle conversions and the supply of individual components, body kits, and conversion kits. Early successes included turbocharged Ferrari 8-cylinder models boasting between 400 and 600 horsepower. The Ferrari 365 BB and 512 BB received 450 hp engines and comprehensive racing modifications, while high-performance twin-turbo engines were developed for 12-cylinder Ferrari models.
The Koenig Competition: A Legend is Born
The Koenig Competition, based on the Ferrari Testarossa, stands as the company’s most iconic creation. Initially equipped with a supercharger-turbo combination generating up to 800 hp, the ultimate iteration, the Competition Evolution, unleashed a staggering 1,000 hp bi-turbo engine. This output surpassed all other road-legal sports cars of its era. (Note: A Koenig Competition Evolution 2 never existed.) Koenig Specials also crafted captivating cabriolet versions.
Expanding the Legacy: Beyond Ferrari
Koenig Specials broadened its horizons to include other marques, notably the Mercedes SEC. The company’s tuned SEC models garnered global acclaim for their sophisticated design and cutting-edge technology. Even celebrities sought out Koenig Specials’ creations, such as the 800 hp Diablo Special Roadster. The BMW 840/850 Coupe, with its distinctive wide-body KS8 kit and available 500 hp supercharged engine, became another triumph.
The Koenig C62: A Road-Legal Racing Icon
The Koenig C62, built upon the Porsche 962 C1 race car, achieved legendary status as the first racing sports car officially approved for road use in Germany. This groundbreaking achievement solidified Koenig Specials’ position as a manufacturer in its own right. Another remarkable project involved the Ferrari F50, transformed into an 850 hp, 800 Nm bi-turbo monster with enhanced chassis and brakes. Boasting a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.47 kg/hp, it ranked among the fastest road cars of its time, earning the prestigious “Sportscar of the Year 1999” award from Sportauto magazine.
Koenig Specials: 50 Years of Innovation
For over five decades, Koenig Specials has remained at the forefront of automotive performance enhancement. Driven by relentless innovation and a wealth of motorsport experience, the company continues to deliver exceptional tuning solutions for a discerning clientele. From Ferrari to Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz to Porsche, Koenig Specials transforms automotive dreams into reality.
