News from the tiny island of Pagani; home to the world’s smallest hypercar population and everlasting sunshine. The successor to the Huayra will arrive in 2023 - a couple of years behind schedule - and it’ll come with a turbocharged Mercedes-AMG V12.

Bearing the internal codename ‘C10’, this bespoke new hypercar will feature the 6.0-litre biturbo V12 that AMG builds especially for the boutique Italian carmaker, likely in a higher state of tune. Which is only lightly terrifying considering the Roadster BC pumps out 791bhp and 774lb ft of torque.

Boss Horacio Pagani told TopGear.com that this engine was developed following at first a consultation with Pagani customers, and then with AMG to build something that’d last for a good few years.

“When we looked at different scenarios [for the Huayra successor’s powertrain], we gave priority to the customers,” Mr Pagani told TG. “We talked to them and tried to understand what they would prefer.

“In the end, none of them were interested in an electric Pagani or a hybrid version. Rather, they expressed the desire to once again have a car that is light and easy to drive. This meant a journey of hard work with Mercedes-AMG lasting more than 72 months, to create the new Pagani V12 engine to achieve extraordinary power and torque and to equip a car like the Roadster BC that weighs less than 1,300kg.

“An engine which in its second version will power the C10 project and will comply with all emission requirements and regulations until 2026-2027,” he added. There might even be a possible extension to that cut-off point (Pagani don’t forget, makes less than 50 cars a year).

What about post-2027, though? AMG – and Mercedes of course – will sell only electric cars from 2030 onwards, making it only slightly awkward for Pagani. When we asked AMG boss Philipp Schiemer what would happen to Horacio’s engines in the future, he simply acknowledged that he was “a good friend of AMG’s” and that the two are “in constant contact”.

Horacio himself was far more clear. “For over three years now, despite the fact that no customer or dealer has ever expressed any interest in this direction, we have been working on a project for a car with an alternative drive,” he said. It echoes what he exclusively told TopGear.com back in 2019: the bombshell news that Pagani was working on an electric hypercar.

Back then, Pagani was already a couple of years deep into the project and estimated the battery development alone would cost somewhere in the region of €20million. “The real challenge here is the weight,” he told us back in 2019. “The Rimac C_Two is beautiful and impressive, but it’s just so heavy. The Chiron is so amazing, but terribly heavy.

Our Huayra is lighter, and can pull more lateral G. The real challenge is to make [the EV] a lightweight car. This is what Pagani customers want. A lightweight, beautiful to look at car with many details.”

Mr Pagani assures us he and his team is tackling this new hypercar with ‘great enthusiasm’. He added: “Fortunately, 2035 is a long way off and we have plenty of time to think about it!”

Are you ready for an electric Pagani, or will your appetite be sated with a never-ending stream of one-off Zondas or wild, naturally-aspirated Huayra Rs?

Hey, we’re not complaining. Like we said, it’s always sunny in the land of Pagani, where even the birds flying in the sky provide inspiration for hypercar names…

What about post-2027, though? AMG – and Mercedes of course – will sell only electric cars from 2030 onwards, making it only slightly awkward for Pagani. When we asked AMG boss Philipp Schiemer what would happen to Horacio’s engines in the future, he simply acknowledged that he was “a good friend of AMG’s” and that the two are “in constant contact”.

Pagani is developing a replacement for its Huayra supercar, and CEO Horacio Pagani has revealed some key details in an in-depth interview with Italy's Quattroruote published last week.

The new car is code-named the C10 (the Huayra was the C9), and is due for a reveal around mid-2022, with the debut to take place at the Leonardo da Vinci museum in Milan, Italy.

No more than 300 examples will be built, including coupe and convertible body styles, as well as the usual string of special editions, and apparently all build slots have been sold, though it's likely some of the buyers are Pagani's preferred dealerships. As a comparison, Pagani has built around 280 Huayras.

As revealed in a 2019 interview, there are two versions of the C10 in the works, one with a newly developed 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 from Mercedes-Benz AMG and the other with an electric powertrain. The V-12 will be available with the choice of a manual transmission or a paddle-shifted sequential unit, and it will remain emissions compliant around the globe at least until 2026, after which hybrid technology will likely be required to keep.

In the case of the electric powertrain, Pagani, in his interview with Quattroruote, said the company could tap existing supplier Mercedes for the technology. Another possibility that recently opened is American electric-vehicle startup Lucid Motors. Lucid's owner is Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund which in August bought a 30% stake in Pagani. We'll remind you that Lucid's Air Dream Edition Performance electric sedan already offers performance that can rival one of Pagani's supercars, thanks to an 1,111-hp output.

Pagani said that peak output of the C10 will remain below 900 hp regardless of what's powering the car. He said this is enough to keep the car fun without it becoming overbearing. He said Paganis aren't about the quickest acceleration or highest top speed, and that all of his cars are speed limited to 217 mph—with not a single customer requesting for this limit to be removed. Instead, Pagani plans to focus on lightness, including for the electric version.

The long-awaited successor of the Pagani Huayra, codenamed C10, made its spy debut in Italy, showing its exotic silhouette that is clearly inspired by the mighty Zonda.



The prototype is covered with a camouflage wrap but it looks really similar to the supposedly leaked photo from January 2021. The surfacing on the profile, the flat and low front end with a triangular nose, and the vertically-mounted taillights look like modern reinterpretations of the Zonda. On the other hand, details like the complex shape of the bumper intakes and the rear diffuser are closer to the Huayra but the overall look is more angular and aggressive.

The fender-mounted headlights appear to be covered by a single cluster which is also the case with one-off versions of the Zonda like the 760 LM. However, it is not clear if the prototype comes fitted with the production-spec lighting units so we’ll have to wait and see if Pagani sticks to the traditional recipe of dual headlights for its new supercar.

In any case, the prototype screams it is an Horacio Pagani creation from a distance and couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. Besides the proportions, signature elements include the central quad exhaust pipes organized in a circle, and the aerodynamic mirrors sticking out of the ultra-wide fenders.

In terms of powertrain, it has been officially confirmed that the new Pagani will be fitted with a non-electrified AMG-sourced 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission. Horacio Pagani has also revealed that they were more focused on dropping weight than adding horsepower, with the C10 not going over 888 hp (662 kW / 900 PS).

The debut of the new Pagani is expected sometime in 2022, with deliveries starting in 2023. A leaked Pagani-branded document suggested that the reservation fee for a C10 production slot was €300,000 ($316,215). Like its predecessors, production will likely be limited to around 300 units. Honoring the tradition, we believe that special variants with more powerful engines and extra aero could emerge in the future.

The third movement in Pagani's symphony of supercars is headed our way in an online debut from Milan come September 12. It's called the C10 for now, which could be a provisional name, its full final name, or a portion of the final name; the Zonda that put the Modena manufacturer on the map launched as the Zonda C10, the codename for the Huayra during development was C9. Pagani posted another teaser of the coupe to Facebook, finally giving us hints of the thing in the, er, carbon fiber. The only surprise we can make out so far is the headlight treatment. Previous products have placed each light element in its own pod, the Zonda boasting three, the Huayra two. The C10 tucks its two headlight beams together under a clear cover.

The good news beyond that is the return of the manual transmission, which wasn't available on the Huayra. Eponymous founder Horacio Pagani is said to have discovered that some customers passed on buying a Huayra because of the omission. The C10 tease shows the six-speed row-your-own perched between the front seats, its linkage exposed like we used to see on Spykers. Note, the Huayra shifter featured an exposed linkage, but its rods and springs connected to an Xtrac seven-speed sequential gearbox. The C10 will offer a sequential transmission for those who want it.

Another AMG-sourced 6.0-liter V12 sits behind the cockpit, said to have been upgraded from the unit in the Huayra. The former car made 730 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The special edition Pagani Codalunga made 840 hp and 811 lb-ft. The C10 is expected to produce in the area of 880 horsepower and about as much torque.

The rest we'll find out about next week. Spy shots of prototypes show what looks like a tasty blend of Zonda-specific cues within the overall flowing shape that recalls the Huayra. The front intake looks more like a Zonda, as do the scoop-less rear fenders and the triple taillights set at an angle in the rear fascia. The almost uninterrupted flow from front to rear, and the tailless rear end are all Huayra. The return of side view mirrors looking like lazy leaves and quad exhaust tips inset in a round opening establish more continuity. It's possible the car goes back to the traditional door openings of the Zonda, forsaking the gullwing apertures of the Huayra. Pagani said the focus of this car has been weight reduction and handling, so we shouldn't be surprised to see a curb weight below the 2,976 pounds of the Huayra.

There are only going to be about 300 C10s among all variants — coupe, convertible, and special editions — and every one has been sold. As if that weren't the case with just about every seven-figure car nowadays, those of means will be especially keen to get in here since it's thought to be the last pure combustion Pagani before the firm moves into electrification.

Horacio Pagani's company is now in its third decade, and here is its third creation. The C8 project, the Zonda, began to establish the legend. The C9 project, the Huayra, built upon this on a global scale, integrating the use of active aerodynamics and Carbo-Titanium. What then, could its third model, codenamed C10, add? More power, increased performance, a better structure and aerodynamics? Absolutely, but what else? Above all, you need a goal.

AIMS AND AMBITIONS

The alchemy of pleasure, the equation of beauty... What would be important for the next Pagani hypercar? Horacio Pagani certainly had his own ideas, but he asked his closest clients, those who eagerly await each of his creations, to express their wishes. They already had exceptionally fast and beautiful cars, what were they still missing? Three terms stood out almost each time they replied: simplicity, lightness and the pleasure of driving. In its development, the C10 project therefore went against the main trends of the time. No heavy batteries, no hybrid power, just a wonderful V12; no dual-clutch system, just a pure seven-speed manual or automated transmission. All this to ensure that the car would respond better than ever to its driver's every action and work with them to be the purest form of driving, a 'classic' experience defined in new ways.

With a brief like this and such high ambitions, what name could be chosen for the car that would embody these principles? Utopia... For the philosopher Thomas More in 1516, Utopia was a place that did not exist, and ever since the name has been given to the idealized places of which we dream. But for those who make their own future, for creators, utopia exists, it is 'merely' a case of finding it!

WHAT WE SEE

Every Pagani begins with an aesthetic shock. Pagani Utopia radiates simplicity. It asserts itself straightaway, affirms and imposes its lines, which are so typical of Pagani but at the same time it is so different from anything they have offered us before. A shape that is more flowing and curvaceous. From the windscreen, with its rounded upper edges, to the details of its wings and bonnet, its softer contours give it a new expression, a new outline. A shape smoothed and refined over a long time, but which sticks in your memory from the first time you see it. The most difficult part of the process for Pagani has been to follow as closely as possible the original intention of creating a timeless design object, instead of one that follows the fashion of the period. The new car has very few aerodynamic add-ons yet is more efficient than ever. Where some hypercars have a multitude of spoilers, Utopia incorporates the function of these appendices into its overall shape, achieving greater downforce and reduced drag solely by means of its design.

The details of its styling are few in number, but each is so carefully executed that it can be admired in its own right: technologically advanced, their shape is inspired by objects from the 1950s like the streamlined headlamps of Vespa scooters or the fittings of Riva speedboats. The forged wheels have a turbine-shaped carbon fiber extractor which draws hot air away from the brakes and reduces turbulence under the body. Mounted on carbon-ceramic discs, the brake calipers have a new, lightened design.

The role of Pirelli tires is to transfer the exuberant torque to the ground efficiently and bring the finishing touches to the car's exceptional road feel, thanks to the unusually large 21" wheels in the front and 22" wheels in the rear, which triggered new creativity and distinguishing design freedom on the surrounding bodywork. The silhouette of Pagani Utopia can be seen on their sidewalls, demonstrating just how much they have been specially developed for this car.

The side mirrors, as if suspended in mid-air, thanks to the airfoil-shaped support are set apart from the body for better aerodynamic penetration, showing the meticulous optimization that was carried out on them in the wind tunnel. The rear lights float at the sides of the rear wings, set into the air extractors. Each part of them, so beautifully crafted, could be displayed in the window of a jeweler's shop.

The titanium quad exhaust, a personal monument and signature of the brand, is still present. It has a ceramic coating, in order to dissipate the heat efficiently, but still sets the weight just above 6 kilograms for the complete system.

A GLANCE TO THE FUTURE, A TRIBUTE TO THE PAST

A car may be compared to a sculpture, but opening the door changes everything; a sculpture, yes, but one you can sit in. The interior of Pagani Utopia is even more original, if that is possible, than its exterior shape.

Neither modern nor retro, it is timeless. There are no screens apart from the minimal display in front of the driver; big screens would have been easier to fit and would have saved a lot of effort in the design, but it would have taken away much of the beauty. All the instruments are purely analog and each of the easy-to-read dials subtly reveals part of its mechanism as if it were revealing the skeleton movement.

For Pagani, every component needed for the car to function is an opportunity to be creative. Even the steering wheel has been reinvented: it is fashioned from a solid aluminum block, from the spokes and hollow rim to the steering column boss, which contains the airbag. The pedals are also made from a single block of metal, while the gear lever mechanism is still exposed but more sophisticated than ever. All this with proper obsession paid to ergonomics, efficiency and ease of access.

WHAT MAKES IT WHAT IT IS

To reach this very simple final shape, the process has never been as complex. For six years, from the first sketches and computer calculations until the definitive shape was frozen for the carbon fiber molds, its internal airflows were perfected through endless hours of research in the wind tunnel and countless changes, one touch at a time. Utopia takes advantage of the mysteries of aerodynamics to maximize sure-footed handling and stability at any speed, however high. Its active aerodynamics, combined with the electronically controlled shock absorbers, ensure the optimum dynamic behavior in all driving conditions. The double-wishbone suspension, made from aerospace aluminum alloy, benefits from the lengthy development work carried out on the R, the track-only version of the Huayra. But Pagani Utopia, a car designed for road use, can cope with surfaces for daily use.

The carbon monocoque used on previous Pagani models sets the standard in terms of its strength, lightness and build quality. Pagani has chosen to consolidate its existing strengths, to improve how its fibers are woven and to constantly invent new composite materials such as Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax. On top of that, a new type of A-class carbon fiber has been developed specifically for aesthetic applications such as the bodywork, providing 38% of additional stiffness with the same density.

A high-performance car must not only please its buyer, but support them and provide all the safety they require, without their need to ask or worry about it. Many exemptions are granted to very low-volume manufacturers, but Pagani made it a point of honor - once again - to build its cars and meet the most stringent regulations in the world, in every respect, starting with safety. Pagani Utopia passed more than 50 severe crash tests, from development to pre-tests and homologation approval, to reach its global certification.

AT YOUR SERVICE

The Pagani V12 engine, a 6-liter biturbo specially built by Mercedes-AMG for Pagani, is the result of an enormous development work: it delivers 864 bhp and, above all, a prodigious 1100 Nm of torque. It revs higher and is both more flexible and more powerful while meeting the most stringent emissions regulations, including those in force in California.

For the transmission the choice was a philosophical one. It would not be a dual-clutch transmission which is efficient, but heavy and robs the driver of the ability to set the pace of the car's acceleration. Instead, Pagani turned to the most prestigious motorsport and high performance automotive transmission manufacturer, Xtrac, to develop the quickest shifting gearbox with helical gears possible. It is compact, light and transversely mounted for an optimized center of gravity.

Moreover, in order to best match the wishes expressed by Pagani enthusiasts, its aficionados, a virtual manual would not be acceptable so a real seven-speed manual transmission has been developed. It was not an easy task to design such a gearbox with synchronizer rings and a mechanism able to handle 1100 Nm of torque adequate for a pure manual application, but it was an essential requirement for Utopia.

However intelligent automatic transmissions may have become, nothing can replace the driver's own mastery of the gearchanges: the prevailing logic is his alone, each change up or down is totally unique and depends solely on his decision and good judgment, the exact combination of circumstances, the nature of the road and the mood of the moment.

THE STARTING POINT

As we discover his latest work, it is the path taken by its creator that fascinates us. Horacio Pagani builds the cars he has dreamt of. And it is to fulfill his highest aspirations, those closest to the impossible, that, as a very conscientious engineer, he seeks to serve the dreamer. In the land of dreams, you need a guide: the great Leonardo da Vinci has always been a crucial figure for Pagani. It is under Leonardo's aegis that he has always believed that it is possible to combine art and technology.

Can you think of any more demanding mentor? An artist and an inventor, Leonardo, one of the greatest portrait painters of all time, was also interested in anatomy. It is not the case for Horacio to compare himself to the Florentine genius but of following his path: Leonardo constantly combined technical inspiration with his love of beautiful shapes.

Horacio Pagani is an artist, the car is his preferred way of expressing himself. When he draws something, however beautiful it is, the shape he creates is the result of the function it will perform. For him, a shape cannot be elegant if it is technically incorrect. And when the technical difficulty has been overcome, its beauty can be found in its solution.

Horacio has always gone about things in the same way, that is just how he is: the creativity and the act of solving real problems, take the shape in him of an expression of painting or poetic harmony. He has always been a composer, and for a long time as a designer he was a soloist, but now he has become a conductor and has learned to see his ideas carried out by his team - young men and women who will then contribute with their own ideas to the common masterpiece, and on which he can put his signature with pride.

NEW STRENGTHS

From its origin, the situation has changed considerably; the firm was self-sufficient in 1999, with just 25 employees in total and so much to be done; but this is no longer appropriate. Pagani, a function-focused company, remains essentially a family-sized business but today employs 180 staff. Engineers specializing in all fields, designers and highly qualified technicians occupy the Art & Science Research Center, where the Zondas originally came into being, whereas the new facility is home to the production process. Turning out 50 cars a year, it is closer to a sartorial atelier than an assembly line.

Nearly 25 years ago, the Zonda was designed and built by a very small team with few resources. Imagine what an intuition can grow into, nurtured and developed by the new strengths Pagani Automobili now possesses. Whatever the decision, whatever the direction its creative ideas may take, this little company is capable of realizing them, quickly and well, with an unrivaled standard of quality. Its design, prototyping, development and production work is worthy of the top racing teams, but at the service of limited-production cars. The first series of Utopia coupés, which have already been assigned to privileged enthusiasts, will be built in 99 units.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• DRY WEIGHT: 1.280 Kg (2822 lb)
• POWER: 864 HP (635 kW) at 6000 RPM at 18 °C
• TORQUE: 1100 Nm from 2800 RPM to 5900 RPM
• ENGINE: Pagani V12 60° 5980 cc twin turbochargers, developed on a bespoke basis by Mercedes-AMG
• GEARBOX: Pagani by Xtrac 7-speed transversal AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) or pure manual, with electro-mechanical differential
• CHASSIS: Monocoque in Pagani Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62 with front and rear tubular subframes in CrMo alloy steel
• SUSPENSIONS: Forged aluminum alloy independent double wishbone with helical springs and electronically controlled shock absorbers
• BRAKES: Pagani by Brembo 4 ventilated carbon-ceramic discs brake unit, 410x38 mm with 6 pistons monolithic calipers at the front and 390x34 mm with 4 pistons monolithic calipers at the rear
• WHEELS: APP forged monolithic aluminum alloy, 21" at the front and 22" at the rear
• TYRES: Pirelli PZero Corsa 265/35 R21 at the front and 325/30 R22 at the rear; Pirelli SottoZero for driving in low temperatures

In 2022, Pagani Automobili unveiled the Utopia, a car whose very name embodies the philosophy of a relentless pursuit towards perfection, an unattainable ideal that nonetheless inspires creators to aspire to excellence. Project C10, Utopia's code name, came into being with the dual nature of Roadster and Coupé already written in its destiny, following the enthusiasm generated by previous models. However, unlike the roadster versions of the Zonda and Huayra - which were designed after their respective closed versions - here the development of the two variants took place jointly.

What better way to solve the enthusiasts' old dilemma? Gran Turismo aficionados have always debated as to which is the purer expression: a closed or open cabin. Both traditions boast a rich pedigree and supporters of the two contrasting options are often irreconcilable. The only way for Pagani to help resolve this quandary was to offer both versions, leaving fans free to choose between them. Invariably, those who favor performance opt for coupés, since they tend to be lighter and more agile. But the criterion does not apply here, as the Utopia Roadster is just as light, dynamic, and high-performance as its closed sister.

The styling of the two versions is an expression of continuity, being the work of the same team of designers and engineers; a team united by common visions, working under the guidance of Horacio Pagani in the Modenese Atelier. The doors have the same elegant butterfly kinematics, a fascinating and sophisticated mechanism. When one wishes to travel under the open sky, the hard-top can be placed on a stand, transforming it into a piece of design to be looked at and admired. In addition to this, there is a soft-top, which can be stored in a suitcase in place of the vanity case that is usually located centrally behind the two seats. The same car can therefore convert into three different versions, each to be preferred depending on the season, the mood, the desire to feel enclosed and protected or in contact with the open air, and the wind gently caressing the face.

On board the Utopia Roadster, the floor mats have a specific texture reminiscent of an outboard boat, and the key has been redesigned, recalling the profile of the open version. Even with the hard-top in place, the light-filled interior differs significantly compared to the Coupé, thanks to the presence of a single large roof window. Removing the hard-top brings the driver and passenger closer to nature, such that they experience the surrounding landscape in a unique way, perceiving smells and subtle changes in air temperature as the road winds up and downhill.

As for the upholstery in the Pagani Utopia Roadster, the almost endless choice of colors and materials becomes even more important, since the car's interior is constantly exposed to the gaze of onlookers. It is from this cabin that you see the world, and it is in this cabin that the world sees you.

The style of an object is distinguished partly by the accessories that complement it, and the luggage items are one of the features that further embellish every Pagani Hypercar. For the Utopia, two matching suitcases are made with leather-covered carbon inner shells, adorned with the emblematic Pagani ellipse. These can be stowed in two special compartments situated next to the engine. They are true gems of high-quality workmanship, where meticulous care has been devoted to every detail: from the selection of the leathers, which can either be coordinated with the car's con?guration or create a contrast to it, down to the smallest details such as the hinges, the small leather straps that muffle their noise and the feet pads incorporating the iconic four exhaust symbol. The range of accessories is further enriched by two matching garment bags, which in the Utopia are neatly positioned behind the headrests.

The Roadster underscores the high-tech performance of the Utopia

Horacio Pagani is a pioneer of advanced composite materials; for almost forty years he has been experimenting with the most innovative solutions for his products. The first creation of the Pagani Atelier, the Zonda, was one of the first road cars to use a monocoque in carbon fiber, a material at the time mainly reserved for the aerospace industry, Formula 1, and Sport Prototype endurance cars. Today, thanks to continual investment in research, Pagani Automobili has developed know-how that has culminated in the Utopia Roadster. Current advances go well beyond the use of carbon fiber alone; in fact, there are over forty formulas of composite materials within the same Hypercar. These include Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62.

Technological sophistication has enabled the Utopia Roadster to maintain the same lightness as the Coupé, weighing in at only 1,280 kg (2,822 lb) [dry weight], an incredible figure for a large Hypercar fitted with a V12 engine. This result was achieved thanks to a monocoque chassis entirely redesigned to optimize rigidity and resistance, without resorting to the heavy reinforcements usually required when a car roof is eliminated.

Key objectives in the design of the Utopia were to achieve a low coefficient of aerodynamic resistance and significant aerodynamic downforce without resorting to protruding appendages. With this in mind, Pagani's engineers conducted a meticulous study of air flows in the wind tunnel. Air is carefully guided and controlled through the wheel passages, channeled around the teardrop roof and along the sinuous sides. It flows around the wing mirrors, over the bonnet, and down to the elliptical trailing edge, where two movable flaps, visible and yet harmoniously incorporated into the design, help to further improve aerodynamic efficiency by adapting to different driving conditions. The internal air flows for cooling and intake have also been perfected down to the last detail, making an essential contribution to the car's performance and stability.

From the very outset, Pagani Automobili has maintained its loyalty to the V12 engine and to its collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, initiated thanks to Juan Manuel Fangio, world champion with the German manufacturer and supporter of Horacio Pagani's pragmatic vision. This continuity has not stood in the way of progress: the team worked intensively on the version of the Pagani V12 destined for the Utopia. It is an authentic marvel of mechanics, light and compact, built in close collaboration with AMG engineers, who are in charge of its exclusive production for the Italian Hypercar. Each engine is entirely assembled by a single craftsman, a true mechanical artist. The power output of 864 horsepower (635 kW), comparable to that of many racing engines, does not do full justice to the incredible versatility of this mechanical system: capable of turning smoothly at low revs and delivering explosive acceleration when the driver wants to experience the full power of the Pagani engine. Turbo response is immediate, thanks partly to the prodigious torque of 1,100 Nm delivered extraordinarily. No heavy batteries, no hybrid system, just the wonderful roar of a V12 engine.

In collaboration with the British specialist firm Xtrac, Pagani has designed a transmission capable of handling the torque of the twin-turbo V12, while guaranteeing smooth and agreeable functioning in all conditions. Extremely compact and positioned transversely behind the engine, the seven-speed manual gearbox is connected to a light and adjustable triple-disc clutch.

The cutting-edge technology employed in the fabrication of materials for the Pagani Utopia Roadster is not just about carbon: even the metal parts are incredibly sophisticated. The eight suspension triangles, forged in aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, are designed to guarantee both strength and lightness. The recent rebirth of Modena Design, a historic Pagani-owned company, today allows total control over every aspect of the production of components in aluminum, titanium, and special metals, from design to engineering, to manufacture with the most advanced equipment currently available, which also involves using the noble technique of milling from solid metal.

The Utopia Roadster boasts extraordinary agility and exceptional road holding during cornering, guaranteeing an unrivaled driving sensation in all conditions. The active suspension, combined with the electronic differential and dynamic control system, eliminates any tendency to understeer, while the electronic traction control ensures flawless movement despite the enormous power supply available. The Utopia Roadster delivers astonishing performance while remaining persistently intuitive. True to Pagani's philosophy, the driver never has to struggle with the car; it is always an exhilarating, obedient, and reassuring ally.

Pirelli, an essential partner of Pagani Automobili from the prototyping and simulation phase with the aid of the most advanced AI technology, is supplying the Utopia Roadster with exclusive tires equipped with advanced sensor technology on the inside of the tread that become points of interaction between the car and the road surface. Thanks to the Pirelli Cyber™ Tyre, the tire's sensors will send information to the vehicle's stability control systems, including ABS, ESP, and traction control, to ensure maximum performance and the highest level of safety based on driving conditions. The Pirelli P ZERO™ Corsa and P ZERO™ Winter (standard) and the P ZERO™ Trofeo RS (optional), are fitments developed specifically for the Pagani Utopia, in size 21" at the front and 22" at the rear.

Every detail is an aesthetic and technical challenge

Inspired by the visionary genius of Leonardo da Vinci, who saw the union of Art and Science as the highest expression of human creativity, work at Pagani Automobili is tirelessly geared to ensure that design, engineering, and product manufacture are developed in an integrated process, meticulous attention being paid to every aspect of form and function. Ergonomics is studied down to the smallest detail: every control is positioned exactly where you would expect it to be, is designed to be operated comfortably, and is fashioned with taste and attention to its mechanical beauty. Even a simple switch, carefully designed in its form, its lighting, and the precision of its actuation, is as pleasant to look at as it is efficient to use. Every single element contributes to an overall sense of visual and tactile satisfaction, enhancing every gesture and making a drive in the Pagani Utopia Roadster a unique and inimitable experience.

The Utopia's seven-speed manual gearbox is a marvel of ultra-modern design, yet retains traditional mechanics and is operated by a classical gear lever with a titanium grille. An object of sophisticated workmanship that is as enchanting to the eye as it is enjoyable to the touch. Each and every part of the clearly visible mechanism is finished with the greatest care and attention, the polished knob itself providing an ideal grip. For those who prefer lightning-fast changes, there is the AMT automated gearbox controlled via paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Software strategies have further improved speed and comfort so that the driver feels as comfortable on the road as he does on the racetrack. Pagani Automobili has always been dedicated to the pursuit of timeless design, celebrating the elegance of manual control as the purest expression of mechanical art. From the time of its earliest creations, it has embraced the enduring appeal of analog technology, enhancing the beauty and functionality of knobs, dial hands, buttons, and levers. The development of sophisticated components, such as a manual gearbox capable of meeting the high expectations of Pagani's customers, today represents an even more formidable technological challenge than in the past.

The steering wheel is the very symbol of a car; that of the Utopia is a symbol of Pagani's savoir-faire. No one had ever designed a steering wheel quite like this. In appearance it looks almost ordinary: one immediately notices, however, the excellent grip of the thick rim, finished with leather pads. But it is in the detail that its uniqueness is revealed: a closer look shows that the rim, spokes, and hub are a single piece of lightweight metal. Starting from a 43-kilo (94,80 lb) block, a five-axis milling machine works continuously for 28 hours to achieve this extraordinary object weighing only 1.6 kg (3.53 lb), the discarded waste being reused as recycled material for other industries. An expert craftsman hand-finishes, personally polishes, and carefully inspects each steering wheel. The result is an extraordinary feat of aesthetics and engineering.

A philosophy of driving pleasure

The feeling inside the Utopia Roadster is absolutely unique, even in the very special context of high-performance cars. When climbing aboard, one may be almost intimidated by the numerous "old-fashioned" features. But in actual fact this is where the pleasure really begins. Any trepidation simply vanishes as soon as you experience the naturalness of the drive itself. You glance at the details, you admire the gear lever, a magnificent piece of mechanical artistry, but above all you appreciate how perfectly it fits into the palm of your hand, becoming familiar after the first few gear shifts. This applies to all parts, which at first sight may appear extravagant, yet are designed with a constant focus on efficiency and transparency. The Utopia does not oblige drivers to adapt their gestures, it prolongs them. Already at low speeds, during the first few kilometers, and even more so when the full potential of the Pagani V12 is unleashed, the car responds impeccably. The acceleration, punctuated by the gear changes, is pure pleasure. The gear lever communicates every movement of the mechanism, which is flexible and extremely rapid, yet clearly perceptible to those who love mechanics. In addition to the sensation of almost unlimited power, the driver's senses, heightened by the performance, communicate with the twin-turbo V12, perceiving its every pulse. Shifting gears exactly when desired restores sensuality to the driving. Whether you let the car cruise in sixth or seventh gear at low revs or push each gear to its limit, the transmission responds immediately to the engine's commands.

We know from the technical specifications that advanced technology translates into performance, but the precise measure of efficiency is also pleasure. The carbo-titanium monocoque frame gives the car an exceptional ratio of lightness to structural rigidity, which improves performance, efficiency and reduces emissions. But above all, it provides an outstanding driving experience. This rigidity creates a connection between the driver and the road, giving the impression that the hand on the steering wheel touches the asphalt directly, perceiving its variations in texture and grip. The lightness allows immediate reactions, and instant liveliness on ignition without having to overstrain the engine. It also translates into agility when cornering: the car turns flat, without inertia or drift, surging into the straight again with perfect precision. Even when braking, the immediate response to every foot command makes the experience of deceleration a pleasure on par with acceleration. The driver commands and the car obeys instantly, as if it understands and even shares the pleasure of playing with the road.

The analog instrumentation of the Utopia Roadster restores a way of relating to the driver that was all too quickly abandoned with the advent of digital displays, harking back to the handcrafted inspiration of haute horlogerie. The large speedometer and tachometer, which reveal some of their inner workings, offer a direct connection with the road and the engine. The simple movement of the hands is equally informative and far more intuitive than the reading of numbers. Likewise, the central cluster of four dials allows essential information such as oil pressure and temperatures to be read almost from the corner of the eye, thanks to the position of the hands. In front of the driver, a simple display enables the management of those aspects for which a screen is needed, such as infotainment, color therapy, satellite navigation, or backup camera.

The ambitions of the Utopia Roadster

One hundred and thirty examples of the Roadster will be produced, destined for customers worldwide, with a starting price of 3.1 million euros exclusive of local taxes.

A community of extraordinarily active enthusiasts follow Pagani's creations with the keenest interest. In this sense, those customers who will actually enjoy the Pagani Utopia Roadster in real life can be seen as patrons of an art that extends far beyond their restricted community, reaching even those who dream of one day owning a Pagani Hypercar. The value of a technical and artistic creation is measured not only by the number of orders: a sculptor addresses not only his client, but also all those who will enjoy his work. The Utopia Roadster, a car sculpture in every respect, is awaited by admirers all over the world.

From the time of the very first models, an essential part of the Pagani experience has been the offer of an almost infinite number of customization possibilities, such that each customer is able to create a car that expresses his or her uniqueness. The sheer number of color and upholstery combinations available makes it impossible for two Utopia Roadsters to be identical; all customers are therefore co-creators of their own unique Hypercars. Some prefer monochrome, others multi-tone combinations. Evocations of national colors or emblems of particular collections can be combined. The possibility of leaving the carbon bare, either everywhere or only in certain places, covered or not by colored paint, forms part of the aesthetic options available and is a reflection of the Pagani philosophy. Technological aspects are not intended to be concealed; they are the artist's brush. Every part of the car is made to be beautiful and efficient, beautiful because it is efficient. Art and technology go hand in hand, inextricably intertwined from the car's very conception.

The Utopia Roadster will be officially unveiled during the 2024 Monterey Car Week, an event that includes one of the world's most famous Concours d'Elegance, that of Pebble Beach. Here, the most beautiful cars in history have been honored, deeply nourishing the sensibilities and erudition of aficionados, and leaving a lasting impression.

Pagani has entrusted the Utopia with the task of reconnecting with the past, of recovering the simplicity that is often sacrificed in the name of pure performance. This simplicity, however, makes it an ally when it comes to experiencing the power of the V12, encapsulated in an elegantly styled Hypercar that openly mimics the iconic forms of the past. The designer subtly drew inspiration from both automotive and non-automotive forms, such as the delicate profiling of Vespa headlights and accessories, the styling of Italian Bianchi bicycles of the 1950s, and the curves of Riva speedboats. It is the bond of deep mutual esteem and friendship between Horacio Pagani and Carlo Riva that suggested the romantic lines of the Utopia, an admiration that was born in humanity and is reflected in creativity. The Pagani Utopia Roadster is a meeting point between classicism and modernity, a novelty that continues to stand out in the increasingly crowded panorama of ultra-high-performance sports cars.

GLOBAL UNVEILING OF THE NEW PAGANI UTOPIA ROADSTER

Pagani Automobili has chosen Monterey to present the new Utopia Roadster to the public, demonstrating its commitment to comply with international homologation criteria, so that its Hypercars can be driven by customers all over the world. The Utopia and the Pagani V12, a pure internal combustion engine with no hybrid support, obtained full approval quickly and without exemptions, a rare achievement for limited-production cars. This achievement testifies to almost thirty years of investment in research, aimed at developing solid and reliable knowhow. Although very low-volume manufacturers are granted several exemptions, Pagani built the Utopia to comply with the strictest regulations in the world, passing more than 50 crash tests, from preliminary to homologation, to obtain global certification.

The Utopia Roadster presentation model and the Sport Pack

For the unveiling, the Utopia Roadster will be presented in an exposed carbon finish in Habanero Red. This color transforms from a brownish red in the shade to a vivid bright red in the sunlight, setting off the unmistakable texture of the carbon fiber body.

«A few years ago, Benny Caiola, the first customer in the history of Pagani Automobili, asked me to make him a Zonda Roadster whose color was an explosion of sportiness during the day, perfect for racing on the track, and a manifesto of elegance at night, ideal for exclusive events. At the time we conceived the Dubai Red for him, which seemed the perfect dress for the car's dual nature. Today we are presenting the Utopia Roadster in Habanero Red, which further enhances the versatile character of Pagani Hypercars, combining absolute sportiness with extreme elegance. A color that shines under the Californian sun by day and reveals its more refined nature at sunset.» (Horacio Pagani)

The interior, finished in Grecale and Huayra Signature leather, features a semi-matt anodized finish with fine workmanship on the dashboard, central tunnel, air vents, and aluminum parts of the gear lever. The exterior paint color is also found inside, on the central tunnel, the seat adjustment cover, and the carbon-fiber gearstick knob.

For the unveiling, the Pagani Utopia Roadster will be fitted with the Sport Pack, an optional package also available for the Coupé version. This finish enhances the car's sporty character and performance with a series of exclusive components.

The seats have a Carbo-Titanium structure, ergonomic padding reduced to the bare essentials and leather lightened by 20 percent, ensuring maximum support and enhancing the driving experience. The exhaust system, made entirely of titanium with exposed welded flanges, is designed with the iconic four exhaust rings and ceramic coating to optimize heat dissipation even in the most extreme track sessions, amplifying the auditory experience. The wheels are fitted with Aeroblade carbon deflectors that act like turbines, extracting hot air from the wheel arches and helping to cool the brakes. These elements, positioned along the edge of the rim, also create a trompe-l'oeil effect recalling the high-shouldered tires of the '60s and '70s models, from which the Utopia clearly draws inspiration aesthetically. As with all cars at their unveiling, the left and right sides will be configured differently: new Roadster wheels in brushed silver on the driver's side and new Aeroblade Pearl Beige diamond-cut wheels on the passenger side. Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo RS tyres will complete the outfitting. The Sport Pack also envisages the use of Carbo-Titanium in other parts of the car: in the interior, for the gear shift paddles, gear-lever knob, and floor mats; on the outside, for the movable flaps and roof of the monocoque. Given the complexity of working with this material, all Carbo-Titanium components are made by Pagani Atelier craftsmen.