new Zonda R

Modena-based supercar maker Pagani have announced an even more extreme version of the Zonda model - if this is possible. Here is some information on the new Zonda R from Sydney-based Australian importer Supercar Investments, with the original press release from Pagani themselves below.

Zonda R

This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without the restriction of having to comply with any homologation or competition rules. State of the art safety features are employed in line with Pagani's philosophy of not tolerating any compromise when it comes to occupant safety.

A New HeartThe engine is built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the championship winning DTM cars and the awesome CLK GTR are built.

The CLK GTR is probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever to compete in the GT series. From its engine the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture, including an ingenious dry sump which allows an extremely low centre of gravity. The engine is a structural member of the chassis and has the following

1. 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque
   
2. Lightweight carbon fibre high performance intake system
   
3. Multi disc sintered racing clutch
4. Formula 1 style exhaust, hydro formed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation

The power unit is combined with a 6 speed transverse manual sequential synchronised gearbox, designed to satisfy even the most ambitious of drivers.

The Chassis
The central carbon chassis incorporates a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and a racing style "dry break" filling system. The wheelbase has been increased by 60mm to offer the best stability.

The front and rear sub frames are brand new, built to accommodate a new suspension geometry and manufactured in avional. The magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic lifting system allow fast and effortless changes of the racing slicks.

Bodywork & Aerodynamics
The all new bodywork has been honed to offer increased downforce, even in low speed corners. The longer front bonnet with vents, closed underbody and the rear overhang with an adjustable rear wing and race derived diffuser translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency and allow very high cornering speeds.

The car displays and logs information about the amount of downforce being generated at each moment. Combined with the adjustable wings, this means the car can be set up 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 build up. The Digitek instrumentation provides all essential information and a sophisticated telemetry system, employing a variety of sensors and allows every single component of the car to be monitored.

Price
1.2 million Euro plus taxes - approximately $2M plus taxes.
Availability. If you're in the market for one - and the price above is within your bracket - you can reserve a build slot by contacting Sydney based Supercar Investments.

---

Zonda R

While we certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 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 394 mm 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.