Pagani are presenting their 602 bhp 7.3-litre AMG V12-powered Zonda F Coupé and F Roadster in Geneva, as well as showing a scale model of their new and extreme 'track day' Zonda R project, which is set to be completed in December.

The Zonda F Coupé was introduced two years ago in Geneva. "Juan Manuel Fangio was much more than a great champion," said company founder Horatio Pagani at the time, on introducing this new version of the Zonda. "His accuracy, his uprightness, and his human and technical sensibility were among his qualities, typical of the old-time men, they have been for me, an example and an inspiration source. Very often, I ask myself how something so material, like a drawing or a technical choice, can express and convey the philosophy of such a men. The name of “el coche”, the way he used to call the car, should have been Fangio F1. He followed the project with a strong enthusiasm, according to his ideas the F1 had to be innovative, safe and had to be powered by a Mercedes-Benz engine. He then passed away and as a sign of respect I did not dare to call the car Fangio F1 and I decided to name it Zonda, “el viento de los Andes”. Today, after years spent in a rigorous search for perfection, the result is the Zonda F, a car that I wish to dedicate to Juan Manuel Fangio, the man who has made everything different." A year later at the Swiss show the Zonda F Roadster made its debut.

The Zonda F doesn't lack performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupé models being sold out in record time.

This did not seem to fulfil the requirements of Pagani's most demanding customers, who adore the weekend drive on a racetrack. Thus the spark for the Zonda R project was set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project this way: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing."
 

The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety, where no compromise is allowed. In September 2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships. Eve at constant racing pace the engine would have to cover over 5,000 km before servicing. The challenge has been accepted without hesitation.

The Zonda R is a car designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F components to be carried over. The suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel tank are only part of the equation. The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce.

Even though built for the track, the project would not have received kick off, if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not up to the level of the Pagani road cars. One of the first cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room, designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional, titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials. Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le Mans and the Nürburgring. The Pagani customers who have ordered the Zonda R will be relieved of almost 1.2 million plus taxes. A scale model is being shown in Geneva currently with the first car due to arrive in December.