This $5,000 Koenigegg Jesko Attack Looks The Part, But Hides A Big Secret

There is a fascinating culture revolving around replica cars. The quality varies from terrible to very convincing, but this particular project definitely falls in the latter category. This is far from my first time as an auto journalist, reporting on epic automotive projects that come from Vietnam, but the level of dedication is something else. 

These young but talented craftsmen from Vietnam are well-known for making the most impressive hypercar replicas you have ever seen. You can check out their work on their YouTube channel, NHẾT TV. I decided to break down their latest build, which is a very convincing replica of the record-holding Koenigsegg Jesko. While at it, I also dare you to spot any differences between this epic replica and the real thing. 

It is not just a custom body slapped onto an existing chassis 

The small but dedicated team has a number of hypercar replicas under its belt. They built a Bugatti Chiron replica in 2022 and a LaFerrari replica in 2023, both of which are extremely convincing. This latest project that emulates the looks of a Koenigsegg Jesko is equally impressive.  

The team started by creating a full-scale clay mold over a custom, steel tubular frame. The team used the real Koenigsegg Jesko's proportions as a reference, and they were followed to the millimeter. They even replicated the ground effects of the Jesko Attack. The mold served as a basis for the handmade fiberglass body, featuring a rear clamshell and the Jesko Attack's massive rear wing. But that's not even the most impressive part of the build. 

The clever engineering under the "skin” 

Like the team's other builds, this Koenigsegg Jesko replica goes way beyond the looks. The custom steel tubular chassis was created to be strong and durable. The team even dropped if from a crane to test its rigidity, and it held up. The build also features a flat underbody just like the real car. The in-board, pushrod suspension was fully custom-made by hand and built to emulate the geometry of the Jesko hypercar. 

While Koenigsegg is consistently at the engineering peak of the automotive industry, a case in point being Koenigsegg's revolutionary "Quark" engine, things aren't the same for this replica. The small, but dedicated team may have executed the looks of the Swedish hypercar to the letter, but due to budget restraints, they have kept things a lot more humble under the "hood".

Some mechanical components came from a 30-year-old Toyota Carona (also known as Carina E in some regions), which the team bought for $200. These components include the 1.8-liter engine, which develops around 125 horsepower, the transmission, and a few other components. The chassis was rotated 180 degrees to create a mid-engine layout.  

Another impressive feat is that the replica hyper car features an exact recreation of Koenigsegg's Dihedral synchro-helix doors, which can also be opened remotely. In case you wonder, they have also finished the exterior in one of the original Koenigsegg Jesko's colors – Candy Apple Red. The small team from Vietnam showed equal dedication when crafting the interior, which is also completely custom-made by hand and a faithful representation of the Jesko cockpit, including the bucket seats, finished in high-grade blue leather upholstery. 

The price of a faithfully executed Koengisegg Jesko replica

This Koenigsegg Jesko replica took over 10 months to complete. Almost all components except the propulsion and drivetrain are fully-custom and hand-built. The total cost of he build is, reportedly, around $5,000 – a small fraction of the $4.0-million price of a real Koenigsegg Jesko.

The only thing you are missing out on is the twin-turbo V-8 and quick-shifting DCT automatic, but the team could have used any other engine if they wanted. Would you buy a convincing replica like this Koenigsegg Jesko? I think I would (with a different engine). Let us know in the comment section below if you think highly-crafted replicas are a good alternative to exotic hypercars. 

You can also check the full build video here: 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.