Pagani Zonda C12S

Since its launch at the Geneva Show in 1999, the Pagani Zonda has rapidly established itself as the new benchmark for supercar comparison. In every supercar comparison conducted by the world’s motoring journalists, the Pagani C12S has consistently humbled its competitors.

Perhaps the comment that best sums up the Zonda’s performance is from the UK’s respected Car Magazine – “The most formidable supercar on the planet”. 

Design

The ethos behind the Zonda’s design is to combine aesthetic, aerodynamic and ergonomic disciplines to create a car that delivers a truly sublime automotive experience.

The car itself has soft and clean lines, optimised internal and external air intakes, as well as the special nose section, which featured in the original design sketches viewed in 1988 by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio.

The aerodynamic pressure centre has been moved closer to the rear of the car, thanks to the displacement of the dual spoiler, complete with two fins on the engine cover’s rear panel.

Equally impressive is the rear view of the car – which is the one most motorists will see!

The rear lights, network of air outlets and distinctive housing of the four exhaust pipes create a unique geometry – a real trademark for the Zonda S.

Engine & Technology

The 7.3 litre V12 engine is sourced directly from AMG. It is encased in an entirely hand-made air intake system, which, as it positioned in a high-pressure area, contributes to the enhanced efficiencies of the engine.

• 620Nm torque @ 2000rpm

• 750Nm torque @ 4050rpm

• 408kW power @ 5900 rpm

With the engine now revving to 7000rpm, the Zonda’s innate sporting character is fully unleashed, without compromising its flexible and progressive qualities.

The central carbon-fibre chassis is manufactured using aeronautical techniques, incorporating two small Cr-Mo frames and a composite rollbar. The front subframe has been designed to exceed the latest European standards in crash and roll-over protection.

The rear subframe is designed to support not only the load of all the mechanics, but also the sophisticated aluminium suspension.

The Zonda’s running gear is completed with ABS, traction control, adjustable suspension with Ohlins shock absorbers, Brembo brakes, 18” alloy wheel rims and specifically-designed Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

Interior Finish

Pagani’s passion for design is combined with both functionality and originality when it comes to the Zonda’s interior. Many natural and man-made materials come together to convey the most spectacular and unique interior of any road car today.

The bespoke carbon-fibre seats are upholstered in leather and nabuk, the dashboard is of satin-finished aluminium, with the original ‘eyelid’ design instrument binnacle moving when the steering wheel is adjusted. As all Zonda’s are hand-built, interior trim colours and fabrics can be tailored to an owner’s personal requirements. These can be matched to the individual’s exterior colour selection; a decision helped with a personal recommendation from Mr Pagani himself. The interior ambience is completed with a top-line sound system, satellite navigation, and climate control air-conditioning.

On The Road

The Zonda’s dynamic characteristics come alive in every conceivable road condition. Equally at home in city traffic or mountain switchbacks, the car is a real object of pleasure. The road-holding is exceptional; a function of the rigid chassis, dry weight of 1280kg, extremely precise steering and an aerodynamic efficiency that exerts 500kg of downward pressure at 300km/h.

In short, all the qualities needed to surpass the Lamborghini Murcielago to win Evo Magazine’s Car Of the Year in 2002.

In Australia

Current homologation requirements for Australia are currently being finalised and it is anticipated this will be completed by November 2004. As such, unlike some of its outstanding new contemporaries, the Pagani Zonda, available as both a coupe and roadster derivative, will be road registerable in right hand drive. With a 9 month delivery time, first retail deliveries in Australia are anticipated late 2005 or early 2006.

Australian prices are approximately $1.2 million for the coupe and approximately $1.4 million for the roadster.

Engine:

Mercedes-Benz AMG M 120

7.3 litre V12.

Max. power: 408kW  @ 5900 rpm.

Max. torque: 750Nm @ 4050 rpm.

Transmission:

Longitudinal mid engine; rear wheel drive

with self-locking differential; TCS standard.

Clutch: twin plate

Gearbox: 6-speed transmission.

Brakes:

4 ventilated Brembo disks:

Front: 355 four piston caliper

Rear: 335 four piston caliper

Hydraulic power brake with ABS.

Steering:

Rack and pinion power steering.

Wheels & Tyres:

Roadster:       19” Fomb APP forged in aluminium.

Coupe:           18” OZ aluminium alloys

Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport

Front:              255/35 (Coupe 255/40)

Rear:               345/30. (Coupe 345/35)

Suspension:

4 Independent rear wheels with double A-arm;

Pull road helical springs and Ohlins adjustable shock absorbers; hydraulic

dampers;  anti-roll bar; aluminium alloy suspension arms.

Structure:

Central carbon fiber chassis; Front and rear Cr Mo steel space frames;

Carbon fibre “MD system” bodywork panels.

Roof:

Roadster: Removable, carbon fibre top & cloth rear construction.

Coupe: Fixed Carbon fibre top with full glass sunroof

Dimensions (mm):

Length: 4395

Width: 2055

Height: 1151

Wheelbase: 2730

Dry weight: 1280 kg (Coupe 1250 kg)

Performance:

Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3.7 sec

Power to weight ratio: 3.06 kg per kW