The wraps are finally off Pagani’s new supercar, the Huayra (pronounced why-eera), which like the Zonda it replaces was named after a South American wind. Also like the Zonda, aerodynamics once again played a major role in the car’s development, which is one of the primary reasons that its controversial styling ended up the way it did.
Key elements of the new Pagani Huayra are its active aerodynamics, AMG-built V12 engine and bespoke carbon fiber construction.
Looking past the odd smiley face grille, we can see that the Huayra sports a pair of flaps incorporated into the bodywork at the front and rear. These are controlled by a computer that monitors speed, yaw, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position and are adjusted as necessary in order to produce optimal downforce.
The computer is also linked to the front suspension, which hardens and softens depending on braking to counter the weight transfer. Another key element of the Huayra’s design is the addition of gullwing doors, which are sure to attain mixed opinions.
The heart of any car is its engine and in the Huayra’s case, Pagani has selected a unique 6.0-litre V12 engine developed by the wizards at AMG. It develops a peak output of 522 kW at a low 5 000 r/min and a monstrous 1 100 Nm of torque at 3 500 r/min.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a single clutch seven-speed automated Xtrac gearbox, and when combined with the car’s 1 390 kg curb weight, will hurtle the Huayra to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.2 seconds and see it reach a top speed of over 376 km/h.
Despite being an all-out performance machine, the interior of the Huayra looks as luxurious as a Bentley or Rolls, if not more so. Looking like a finely crafted Swiss watch, the cabin is filled with plush leather, aluminum and glass trim and a multi-function steering wheel. There’s even a small controller that allows the driver to adjust the electronic stability control and transmission settings, similar to Ferrari’s own Manettino switch.
Stay tuned for a world debut of the new Pagani Huayra at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show this March.
