The Zonda is on its way out, but that doesn't mean it will go quietly. So before the replacement for Pagani's current supercar arrives, there is one more edition of this wild Italian and Pagani has revealed it in Vienna at the Luxury Motor Show.The Zonda R is limited to only 15 units, each priced at €1.4 million euro (about $1.85 million at current rates). It will compete with models like the Ferrari FXX and Maserati MC12 Corse. Just like those Italian exotics, don't bother trying to hang a license plate on this Zonda; this car is track only.

The Zonda R is powered by a V12 AMG engine that delivers 750 hp (100 more than the Zonda F) at 8000 rpm and 524 lb. ft. of torque. Although it looks like other Zondas, this only uses ten percent of the Zonda F components. New parts include a suspension forged in Avional (aluminium alloy), a new Pagani six-speed transversal sequential gearbox, and a carbon fiber monocoque chassis.

UPDATE 12/10/2010:Marchettino has provided an eight-minute video devoted solely to one of our favorite cars in the world, the Pagani Zonda R. There aren’t a lot of cars on this planet that we can watch for eight minutes straight, but the Zonda R is definitely one of them. In this video, the Zonda R is being driven by former Formula One driver Andrea Montermini, where he takes one of the fastest cars in the world for a number of driving demonstrations, including launches, full throttle standing starts, tire-screeching accelerations, full-limit revs, and even fly-bys. Check it out after the jump!!

Hit the jump to read more about the Pagani Zonda R.

2009 Pagani Zonda R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Pagani Zonda R
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Despite carrying the same "Zonda" name, only 10% of the components from the Zonda F will be carried over. This car is larger with the wheelbase getting an extra 47mm, the overall length getting an additional 394mm and the track increased by 50mm. Meanwhile, the bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce.

The R version will be built from the same materials as the Zonda F: carbon fiber, avional, titanium, inconel, and other state of the art materials. The model will also receive a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sounds of this car at Le Mans and the Nurburgring.

The model will be further distinguished by a longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody, and a rear overhang with adjustable rear wing and race derived diffusor, which all translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency.

Being a car developed for the track, the interior features bespoke Toora seats, FIA approved and compliant with the latest HANS standards, along with five-point safety belts and roll-cage. The Zonda R has also received a special Digitek instrumentation that provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry through a variety of sensors to monitor every single component of the car.

Engine

Under the hood of the Zonda R, Pagani has placed a V12 engine developed by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG. The engine borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low center of gravity from the CLK GTR. It features a lightweight carbon fiber high-performance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch, and a Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation.

The engine delivers a total of 750 HP at 8000 rpm and 523 lbs-ft of torque and is mated to a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox. This will allow the Zonda R to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 217 mph.

The V12 engine is combined with a central carbon chassis, new front and rear subframes, a new suspension geometry, magnesium forged rims with central wheel nuts, and a quick pneumatic lifting system.

Prices

Pagani will build only 15 units of this impressive Zonda R, each carrying a price tag of €1.4 million euro (about $1.85 million at current rates).

Competition

Since the Zonda R is a model developed specifically for the race track, you can easily imagine that not many people will have the chance to actually drive it. However, those who can and will, they'll have to test it up against models like the Ferrari FXX and the Maserati MC12 Corse to see if it can hang with the best of the crowd. This may prove to be an easy task considering the Zonda R recorded a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap-time of 6:47. By comparison, the MC12 Corsa established a time of 7:24.29 back in 2008.

Specifications

Engine

Mercedes-Benz AMG - M120 - 12 cylinder V 60°, 48 valves; displacement 5987 ccm, dry sump

Max. Torque Nm/rpm:

710/5.700

Stroke

80,20 mm

Bore

89,00 mm

Traction control

12 Stage - Bosch Motorsport traction control system

Intake

Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated

Exhaust system

Hydroformed Inconel, ceramic coated

Transmission

Longitudinal mid engine; rear wheel drive with self-locking differential

Gearbox

XTRAC 672 bespoke magnesium casing gearbox, 6 speed sequential dog gearchange with Automac Engineering AMT system

Carbon-ceramic brakes

4 ventilated Brembo disks, hydraulic power brake; 12 Stage - Bosch Motorsport Race ABS

Discs

Front 380x34 mm 6 piston caliper; Rear 380x34 mm 4 piston caliper

Wheels

Forged alloy APP wheels; 19” front, 20” rear

Tyres

Pirelli P Zero Zonda R: front 255/35/19; rear 335/30/20

Suspensions

4 independent wheels with double A-arm; Forged Avional suspension arms; pull rod helical springs and Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers

Structure

Central carbon-Titanium chassis, Engine is a stressed member; front and rear Cr Mo space frames; bodywork carbon fiber MD System

Dimensions

Length 4886 mm; Width 2014 mm; height 1141 mm; Wheelbase 2785 mm; Dry weight 1070 kg

Safety

Roll cage in Cr Mo steel; carbon fibre seats HANS compatible; five point harness

Performance

0-100 km/h in 2,7 sec

Top speed

> 350 km/h

Weight-to-Power ratio

1,43 kg/hp


Zonda R breaks the Nurburgring record!

Eight minute video of the Pagani Zonda R tearing it up!