Pagani's ultimate expression of its Zonda supercar range, the fearsome track-only 750 bhp AMG Mercedes-Benz powered Zonda R has broken cover for the first time, testing in very wintery conditions at the Monza Autodrome. Under development in Modena for nearly two-and-a-half years, this is the first time that the car, which shares only 10 percent of its components with its road-homologated sisters, has broken cover.

The project is the final piece in the life of the 10-year-old supercar and the idea sprang from an Italo-American who already owns three Zondas. "The thought has been on my mind for quite some time," he said, "but I am not interested in racing." From his request to the factory, and growing interest, the Zonda R programme was born.

For the project Pagani had to enlist the help of AMG to provide the unit out of the Mercedes-Benz CLR GTR racers which has a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity, but had to be adapted to allow a much greater mileage in between servicing. The Zonda R features a whole new package including suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani-developed six speed transversal sequential gearbox, a carbon fibre monocoque, an aero industry drawn four pump fuel tank. The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce.

At Monza the prototype car was being tested in very wet and unfavourable conditions, with the track having to be cleared of snow to allow the running to take place. A Zonda F, the Modena-based firm's current production machine, that was being used at the same time for back-to-back testing clearly demonstrates just how revised the new Zonda R is, with its much lower and swooping bodywork, gaping air intakes that make the front bigger, and open rear bodywork as well as a racing-style splitter and huge rear wing.