Auto Car | 2009 Pagani Zonda R | The Zonda R was launched today in Austria at the Vienna Auto Show which comes more than two years after Pagani Automobili announced the Zonda R for one of their dedicated customers. Built as the ultimate track day supercar, this model builds upon the previous Zondas, but takes their engineering to the next level. Since the Zonda R is not scheduled to race or comply with any regulations, Horacio Pagani's team at Modena Design had total freedom when designing the car, however, Pagani maintains that high a level safety was top priority for both him and his customer. What this means is that the Zonda R is probably faster and more responsive than any of the production racecars in current motor sports.
Who knew track cars could look so good? The 2009 Pagani Zonda R, based on the Zonda and Zonda Cinque models but featuring a whole host of race only goodies, should be capable of levels of adhesion not even roadgoing Pagani cars can match. Saying a lot, considering the Zonda at one point held the production car lap record for the Nurburgring Nordschlieffe, perhaps the world's most difficult road course.
There's a lot to like with the new Zonda R, starting with the Mercedes/AMG-sourced V12 bolted directly onto the rear of the chassis. The 6.0 liter firebreather outputs 750 horsepower in Pagani Zonda R trim, enough to take the car to 60 mph in less than 2.7 seconds on race tires, among the fastest acceleration of anything on four wheels, anywhere.
Bosch provides a tricky two-way traction control and ABS system. Top speed is listed as 350 km/h, or a lofty 217.47 mph. In track situations where flat cornering is more important than outright speed, the 2009 Zonda R's aero system can be adjusted for a maximum of 1.500 kg of downforce.
The cockpit carries two seats, though most will of course prefer to take the Zonda solo. Not drivable on the street, the new 2009 Zonda R is available for purchase by privateer racing teams, though you'll have to pay through the roof: a cool 1.46 million Euros.
Expect Zonda R models to compete in endurance series worldwide this year, as well as in the annual fun and games at Nurburgring. Release date will be in time for the 2009 racing season.
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 Nurburgring Nordschleife. 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.
Source : www.rsportscars.com
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