Electric cars might be just around the corner but try telling that to Horacio Pagani, founder of the exotic hypercar maker in his own name.
In a two-finger salute to ultra-green battery-powered vehicles, Pagani has unleashed its most bonkers version of the current Huayra hypercar – the R.
With a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 838bhp and weight a fraction over a tonne without fluids, the Huayra R is deemed too extreme to be legal for road use and must only be driven on track.
Most extreme Pagani yet? This is the new Huayra R that features a rip-roaring V12 engine that’s designed to sounds like a 1980s F1 racer
Of all the hypercar brands out there, Pagani is at the pinnacle in terms of performance, quality, style and jaw-dropping looks.
Huayra R takes things to a whole new level and should be considered a purists dream.
That’s because it has stripped the pair of Mercedes-produced turbochargers from the 12-cylinder motor in the ‘standard’ version, making this a howling naturally-aspirated setup that revs to an ear-splitting 9,000rpm.
‘The new engine had to have the charm, romance, sound and simplicity of the F1 engines of the 1980s, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology available today,’ according to Horacio Pagani.
Just 30 of these exclusive models will be produced, each with an asking price of £2.2million before taxes (around £2.7m when you add VAT in the UK)
Pagani has stripped the pair of Mercedes-produced turbochargers from the 12-cylinder motor in the ‘standard’ version of the hypercar. This means it is powered by a howling naturally-aspirated setup that revs to an ear-splitting 9,000rpm
‘The new engine had to have the charm, romance, sound and simplicity of the F1 engines of the 1980s, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology available today,’ according to Horacio Pagani
The engine – and six-speed sequential gearbox linked to it – have been designed by German racing team HWA, which already competes in Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula E as well as producing a number of Mercedes-AMG GT race cars.
It is super lightweight too, tipping the scales at a mere 1,050kg dry.
This is mostly down to a new carbon fibre monocoque, which has been tweaked to bolster structural rigidity – making it 16 per cent stiffer than the conventional car that is road legal.
Even the seats are bolted directly into the chassis for the ultimate race-car feel.
Pagani Huayra R specs at a glance
Price: £2.2million before taxes
Examples to be built: 30
Engine: Pagani V12-R – 6.0 litres – naturally aspirated 12-cylinder V
Power: 850 HP (625 kW) at 8250 rpm
Torque: 750 Nm from 5500 to 8300 rpm
Transmission: Rear-wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential, non-synchronized dog ring gearbox
Brakes: Brembo CCM-R ventilated discs: Front 410×38 mm with monolithic 6-piston calipers; Rear 390×34 mm with monolithic 6-piston calipers
Wheels: APP forged monolithic aluminum alloy: Front 19 inches; Rear 19 inches
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero slick version – Dry and Wet: Front 275/675 R19; Rear 325/705 R19
Suspension: Forged aluminum alloy independent double wishbone with helical springs and electronically controlled shock absorbers
Chassis: Monocoque in Pagani Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62 with front and rear tubular subframes in CrMo alloy steel
Dry weight: 1050 Kg (2314 lb)
As with all Paganis, no expense has been spared to ensure it has all the top-of-the-line automotive bling.
Like a catwalk model draped in Gucci, the Huayra R has Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, APP 19-inch forged alloy wheels and the latest slick tyres from Pirelli. Buyers also get special wet-weather race tyres as part of the package.
Inside the relatively sparse but bespoke cabin is an F1-style steering wheel with more buttons than Kennedy Space Centre.
The multi-function controls allow for the driver to adjust the likes of traction control, ABS mapping and car-to-pit radio while they’re trashing around a circuit of their desire.
It’s not just the engine that’s been up-rated; under the skin is a new carbon fibre monocoque, which has been tweaked to bolster structural rigidity – making it 16% stiffer than the conventional car that is road legal. Even the seats are bolted directly into the chassis for the ultimate race-car feel
Those with deep enough pockets to afford the asking price will be invited to ‘highly personalised events’ where they can drive their limited edition Pagani alongside fellow millionaire petrol heads
Like a catwalk model draped in Gucci, the Huayra R is dripping in the finest kit. It has Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, APP 19-inch forged alloy wheels and the latest slick tyres from Pirelli
There is also fully-adjustable electronic suspension, which can also be tweaked using controls in the centre console.
For the most hardened budding racer, an onboard telemetry systems means the driver can keep an eye on where they can be a little more daring on the brakes or courageous with the throttle pedal, while also monitoring tyre and component temperatures and pressures.
So special is the car that Pagani is going to make just 30. And those with deep enough pockets to afford the asking price will be invited to ‘highly personalised events’ where they can share the track with fellow millionaire petrol heads.
Each model will retail for €2.6million (£2.24million) plus tax each, which equates to around £2.7million with VAT in the UK.
