2010 Pagani Zonda R

Named in honor of the legendary hot winds of its creator's Argentine birthplace, the Zonda is the inspired brainchild of Horacio Pagani, the ex-Lamborghini Chief of Composites who incorporated his eponymous automobile manufacturer in 1992. Its unassuming address of San Cesario sul Panaro was a small hamlet positioned between the cities of Modena and Bologna, fairly close to factories that other hypercar manufacturers called home.

Several years of development were rewarded with the debut of the Zonda C12, Pagani's first product, at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. Its radical styling was mirrored by its stunning performance and inconceivable technical sophistication. Zonda was immediately catapulted to mythical status among the most discerning supercar collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, admired for its extraordinary build quality, remarkable performance, and distinctive, organic lines.

Pagani Zonda R
The track-focused Zonda R was introduced in 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show as the company's most extreme and spartan distillation of the company's technological capabilities. Unbridled by race and governmental regulations, the Zonda delivered the ultimate uncompromised driving experience. The motivation was provided by a 6.0 liter GT 112 engine sourced from the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. Although the shape was similar to its immediate predecessor, the R was almost entirely new, sharing only 10% of the Zonda F's components. Production was exclusive, with just fifteen examples built along with an additional five Zonda Revolućion cars and the Zonda R prototype.

Specification
The Zonda R used an advanced iteration of the Zonda F chassis with a carbon-titanium monocoque, a proprietary material developed by Pagani in which titanium and carbon weave are bonded together. The central carbon chassis received a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel cell with four fuel pumps and a quick refuel filler cap. The wheelbase increased by 1.9 inches over the Zonda, now measuring 109.6 inches with an overall length of 192.4 inches, a width of 79.3 inches, and a height of 44.9 inches (with bodywork). The subframes were new at the front and rear, built to accommodate new suspension geometry.

On-board pneumatic airjacks allow quick change of the new forged-magnesium center-lock wheels.

The 6.0-liter Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine produced 740 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 524 lb-ft of torque. It used a carbon fiber high-performance intake system and Formula One-style exhaust system that was hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The six-speed Xtrac 672 sequential manual transmission with multiple disc-centered clutch was longitudinally-mounted, sending power to the rear wheels.

The Body Design
Four projector beam lamps rest above a massive snout flanked by more diffusers and spoilers than perhaps any car will likely receive. In the back is a highly adjustable wing and quad tailpipes, and the engine is fed fresh air by a roof-mounted, F1-derived carbon fiber intake channel. Downforce is maximized by the longer front bonnet with flaps, a race-derived diffuser, the adjustable rear wing, and a closed underbody.

bThe Interior
The interior reflects the car's track-related intentions, with minimal creature comforts, spartan materials, and seats specifically customized to the body dimensions of its respective owner. The Digitek instrumentation provides essential information gathered from the vehicle's sophisticated telemetry system.

Performance
With impressive power-to-weight radio and lightning-quick gear changes, the Zonda R could reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.7 seconds on its way to a reported top speed of over 230 mph. The Zonda R still holds the record as the fastest non-series, production-based, gasoline-powered car to lap the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife with a recorded time of 6:47:00 in July 2010. Braking from 97 to 0 km/h is done in 96 feet.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2023