Pagani Zonda R Photo Appreciation

Pagani Zonda R

By Thami Masemola
February 6, 2009 12:55 AM
Filed Under: European, Pagani, Supercars

The Pagani Zonda R is the Italian supercar maker's most track-focused car. Even though the standard Pagani Zonda has broken records at the spirit-breaking Nurburgring's Nordschleife, it was never enough for some of Pagani's more track-biased customers. For these guys the Zonda R will fit perfectly.

The Zonda R is modeled from a Zonda but with a number of significant differences. At the foundation of its performance lies a 48-valve 6.0-litre V12 engine acquired from Mercedes-Benz AMG division. It kicks out 750hp (552kW) and maximum torque rated at 710Nm. Accessing this power is a 6-speed sequential gearbox from XTRAC which runs the big Pirelli P Zero rear 335/30/20 tyres. Front rubber measures 255/35/19. Together they hurl the Zonda R from a standing position to 100km/h in 2.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated at over 350km/h. Carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes will put an immediate stop to the car if called upon.

A major cause for this stunning performance is the reduced weight. Pagani says the Zonda R's unladen mass is just 1,070kg (2,359 lbs). To make this happen the engineers constructed the body out of carbon-fiber and titanium. Many parts were reduced in weight to achieve the desired mass. Even screws used are constructed from titanium. Light as it is the Zonda R is no small car. It measures 4.89 metres in length, 2 metres in width, one metre high and has a wheelbase of 2.79 metres.

Aerodynamics are improved by the use of adjustable suspension and wing configuration. A new bonnet, closed underbody and rear air diffuser form part of the arsenal against performance-sapping exterior air.

The Zonda R is built in a limited production run and sold at a price of 1.460.000 Euro plus taxes.

Press Release

A Pagani Zonda is never shy of a drive at the racetrack, a fact that was undermined numerous times in the past with records for production vehicles at the NurburgringNordschleife. With the input of its avid track focused customers, the Pagani team has created the Zonda R using bespoke engineering solutions to meet the performance demands for a trackday version of the highly popular Zonda F.

The central monocoque is made of a Carbon-Titanium composite, increasing rigidity while reducing significantly the weight. Bolted directly to the chassis is the Mercedes AMG 6.0 litre race derived V12 engine, with 750 hp and 710 Nm of torque. A direct throttle actuation via mechanical cable ensures immediate throttle response.

The Xtrac Magnesium cased dog ring gearbox combined with tha Automac Engineering AMT system performs gearshifts in 20ms, triggered by the drivers input on the paddles behind the steering wheel. A 12-way Bosch Motorsport traction control and ABS system allows the driver to fully adjust the settings while driving the Zonda R.

At the pits, each driver will be able to find a suitable setup thanks to a fully adjustable suspension and wing configuration. The effectiveness of the rear is matched by a complex new front bonnet, a masterpiece realised with the help of models by Ennegi, as well as the closed underbody and rear diffusor. Aerodynamic setups rage from a high downforce setting of 1.500kg to a 350kmh top speed setting.

Aspa forged AvionAl suspension components as well as machined structural ErgAl parts holding the engine and gearbox have been designed to reduce the weight of the overall car, Poggipolini Titanium screws are used on the whole car. These measures lead to a
dry weight of 1.070 kg.

The interior has been designed to offer a perfect environment for the driver. The controls are limited to the indispensable, but the quality finish reflects the usual demanding Pagani standards. The bespoke Toora seats are FIA homologated and comply to latest HANS standards, five-point safety belts and a CrMo roll-cage assure the occupants' safety. The lucky owners of the Zonda R will experience a level of performance on the track, that is simply not possible on the road. A power-to-weight ratio of 701 hp-per-ton will catapult them from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2,7 seconds, the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes ensure the car comes to a standstill even quicker.

The Zonda R is built in a limited production run and sold at a price of 1.460.000 Euro plus taxes, a performance machine, a track toy, a collectors item, a masterpiece signed by Horacio Pagani.

 

 

Technical Data

 

Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG - M120 - 12 cylinder V 60°, 48 valves;

displacement 5987 ccm, dry sump.

Max. Power: (kW) hp/rpm: (551) 750 / 7.500.

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.

Dischi: 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: ant. 255/35/19; post. 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.