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Automobili
Pagani has confirmed that its new Zonda R, the
sensational new 750bhp V12 race track-only version of
the Zonda F won't be appearing at the 78th Geneva Motor
Show next week; the Modena based exclusive supercar
manufacturer will instead debut this model within the
"next few months".
The Zonda R is
set to be the ultimate version of the Zonda line and it will
carry over just 10% of its parts from the Zonda F model. In
undertaking this new project Pagani are following a path
trodden by its big Italian sportscar rivals Ferrari and
Maserati, the former developed the amazing FXX track-only
car from its formidable V12 Enzo, while the latter created
the non-road homologated MC12 Corsa from the MC12 Stradale.
With its
dramatic looks, a huge rear spoiler, a myriad of air scoops
and jutting splitter, the Zonda R is set to impress.
Originally, Pagani said that the car would be completed by
December 2007. However
a debut appearance at the 78th Geneva Motor Show is now firmly
off the agenda for the Zonda R, although Pagani has
confirmed that they will turn up in Switzerland with the
Zonda F, in Coupe and Roadster format.
Zonda R
While we
certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures,
driving around the Nürburgring in 7:27:82 and achieving
lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car,
easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for
comfort, safety and lightweight.
Paired with a
quality finish and the attention to detail this made the
Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the
25 Coupé models being sold out in record time. This did not
seem to fulfil the requirements of our most demanding
customers, who adore the weekend drive on a racetrack.
The spark has
been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and
already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project
this way: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some
time, but I am not interested in racing”. The Zonda R is
born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance
at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except
for safety, where no compromise is allowed.
In September
2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to
have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine
with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low
centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine
of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT
championships. Even at constant racing pace the engine would
have to cover over 5.000 km before servicing. The challenge
has been accepted without hesitation. The Zonda R is a car
designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F
components to be carried over. The suspension forged in
Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential
gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel
tank are only part of the equation.
The wheelbase
has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394mm and the track
is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have
been studied to offer maximum downforce. Even though built
for the track, the project would not have received kick off,
if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not
up to the level of the Pagani road cars. One of the first
cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room,
designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the
Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional,
titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials.
Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will
allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le
Mans and the Nürburgring.
This Zonda is
purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any
competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion
of the passengers’ integrity, where no compromise is
tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art
safety measures are featured.
A new heart
The engine is
built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the
championship winning DTM cars are born, as well as the CLK
GTR, probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever
to compete in the GT series. From it’s engine the Zonda R
borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry
sump allowing a low centre of gravity.
This
self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of
torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre high performance
intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and
Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625
and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power
unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential
synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most
ambitious drivers.
The chassis
The central
carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber
racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler
like on GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by
47mm to offer the best stability. The front and rear
subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate a new
suspension geometry, produced in avional. The magnesium
forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic
lifting system allows fast and effortless changes of the
slick tyres.
Bodywork and
aerodynamics
The new bodywork
has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed
corners. The longer front bonnet with flaps, closed
underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustable rear
wing and race derived diffusor translate into shattering
aerodynamic efficiency and will let you experience cornering
speeds beyond imagination. The car displays and logs
information about the amount of dowforce that the car is
generating at each moment. Combined with the adjustable
wings you can easily find the best setup for each track.
Workstation
The interior is
designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke
seats, built to offer the best support, when the G-forces
from the vehicle dynamics come into question. The Digitek
instrumentation provides the essential information and a
sophisticated telemetry allows through a variety of sensors
to monitor every single component of the car.
Technical
Specifications
Type V12 - M120; V - angle 60°; Displacement 5987 ccm;
Stroke 80,20 mm; Bore 89,00 mm; Valves per cylinder 4; Horse
Power 750; Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min; Torque output
710 Nm; Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically
operated; Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank;
Firing order 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9
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