08.10.2004 Modena-based specialist sportcar constructor, Automobili Pagani, have presented three versions of their Zonda supercar at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile: coupe, roadster AND GT-racer

Pagani have presented three versions of their Mercedes-Benz powered Zonda supercars at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.

The current production Zonda 7.3 S was introduced at the Geneva Salon two years ago. The original car's 7.0-litre Mercedes-Benz V12 engine was replaced by an even more powerful 7.3-litre version, again tuned by AMG, which helps this monster sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

Developing 750Nm of torque, power is fed to the Zonda's rear wheels via a twin-plate clutch, 6-speed gearbox and self-locking differential, with traction control a standard feature.

The aerodynamically efficient carbon-fibre body, with looks reminiscent of the old Group C sportscars, and features 18-inch OZ wheels, which reveal huge 4-pot Brembo brake calipers.

Last year in Geneva, Pagani revealed the Zonda Roadster, an open version, built to measure, with a planned production run that has been limited to just forty examples.

The carbon-fibre chassis allows this car to boast class-leading rigidity as the Modena-based firm adheres to their tradition of close attention to every detail.

This Roadster has taken centre stage in Paris. A single, bright red example sits on a large, revolving turntable, flanked by the fixed roof coupe, and a stripped-out version bred for GT-racing.

The Roadster opens itself up to reveal swages of carbon fibre in the cockpit area. This dark-coloured, harsh-appearing, material clads the centre console, inner door panels, roll-hoops, steering column and inner sill areas, contrasting to maximum effect with the light coloured, soft materials, used to finish the seats, dashboard and carpet.

Carbon-fibre also dominates the gleaming engine bay which is dominated by the massive AMG-badged 7.3-litre V12 engine. The bright yellow coil springs, mounted horizontally in true race car style, and the gold-finished suspension arms, also grab the attention in the highly detailed engine bay.

The appearance of Pagani's logo is also prominent on the car, whether cut into the soft opulent materials that clothes the cockpit's rear bulkhead, or stenciled proudly on the large stainless-steel exhaust box that run across the engine bay, aft of that huge power unit.

Pagani's GT-racer, designated here as the 'Monza', is also making a rare public appearance. With the Zonda's shape already pushed to the aerodynamic limit, the track version is only subtly different from the outside.

Door-mounted rear view mirrors, rakish front brake air outlets, a polished aluminum racing-style filler cap, and a single section rear wing that eschews the traditional Pagani two-piece appearance, are the obvious external differences. However, a chunky roll-cage and acres carbon-fibre, which dominate racing cockpit, tell a very different story from the inside.

These two cars, Roadster and GT-racer, are joined by the coupe version, from which they are derived. This stalwart model, finished in Pagani's traditional all-silver colour scheme, completes the line-up of these monstrous supercars in Paris.

by Edd Ellison