The Zonda R was launched today in Austria at the Vienna Auto Show. It comes more than two years after Pagani Automobili anounced the Zonda R for a dedicated customer.

Built as the ultimate track day supercar, this extreme 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.

The idea to create this car comes from an ambitious and loyal customer who already has a rich stable of three Zondas in his garage. Naturally, Pagani was keen to embark and please his best client. This isn't the first time Pagani has created such a car, in 2004 the Zonda Monza was shown at the Paris Motor Show for the very same purpose, but if the recently released drawings are anything to go by, this new Zonda goes much, much further.

In 2006, these drawings were laid out and Mercedes-AMG had come on board to offer a dry-sump version of their potent V12 - the same used in the CLK GTR LeMans racecar. Pagani outfits this unit with a new carbon fibre intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. These, along with AMG's internal upgrades offer 750 hp (559 Kw) at 8000 rpm and 523 ft lbs (710 Nm).

Pagani claims that the car is almost entirely new and only borrows 10% from the Zonda F it is based off. For instance the entire body, 6-speed sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque and new fuel tank with four fuel pumps are unique to this car. The chassis itself incorporates a roll cage and supports new sub frames with new suspension geometry. Additionally, magnesium forged rims with central wheel nuts can be changed easily with the pneumatic lifting system built into the car.

The body has received extensive changes, the most noticeable being an extended wheelbase and much longer bodywork that would no doubt help top speed stability on fierce tracks like LeMans. Along with the length, the track was also widened. New aerodynamic elements include a longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing and race derived diffuser. A large scoop is affixed to the roof for cold are induction with a slight ram-air effect.

Inside, the Zonda R is spartan and this is where Pagani's mastery of carbon fibre becomes most apparent. Before becoming a manufacturer in his own right, Pagani was producing carbon fibre for all sectors of the industry. As long as the precise alignment of the carbon weave doesn't distract, then the clear Digitek instrumentation can provide all the essential information, including sophisticated telemetry and downforce logs.

Surprisingly, Pagani has posted the purchase price which currently sits at 1.2 million EUR/1.5 million USD. We assume this is going to remain a one-of supercar that pushes the limits of what is possible, but will unfortunately remain a huge 'what if' to disapointed motor sports fans.

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 NurburgringNordschleife. 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.