Pagani Zonda
Encyclopedia
The Pagani Zonda is a sports car
built by the Italian manufacturer Pagani
. It debuted in 1999, and production ended in 2011. As of June 2009, 206 Zondas had been built, including test mules. Both 2-seat coupe
and convertible
versions have been produced. Construction is mainly of carbon fiber.
Some of the early Zonda engineering was done by Formula One
champion Juan Manuel Fangio
. The car was originally to be named the "Fangio F1" after him but, following his death in 1995, it was renamed for an air current above Argentina
.
producing 394 PS at 5200 rpm and 570 newton metre at 3800 rpm mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The C12 could accelerate to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in 9.2 seconds.
Just five of the original 6.0 L Zondas were built, though it was still available in 2002 when the C12 S debuted. One was used for crash testing, while another was a demonstrator and show car. The remainder were delivered to customers during the next three years, priced at US$320,000.
–tuned version of the engine producing 550 PS. It can accelerate to 62 mph (99.8 km/h) in 3.7 secs, to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in 7.5 secs and complete the quarter mile
in 11.3 secs. Lateral acceleration on the skidpad is 1.18 g (11.6 m/s²), it can reach a top speed of 208 mph (334.7 km/h), and carries a price tag of US$500,000.
The Zonda S features an elongated nose, flaps at the rear for improved aerodynamics
, and new light clusters and exhausts
. Only fifteen 7.0 L Zonda S cars were produced.
and ABS
were made standard.
Performance claims were unchanged from the Zonda S.
In February 2003 the UK automotive magazine EVO attempted a top speed run on the Autobahn in which the car top out at 198 mph (318.7 km/h), 10 mph (16.1 km/h) off the mark of its claimed top speed of 208 mph (334.7 km/h). Company representatives at Pagani's factory claimed this was the result of the car being in the setting for maximum down force, something that would drop its top speed to around 200 mph (321.9 km/h). However, the EVO article claimed that aerodynamic parts, specifically ones which created drag were in fact removed during the run, bringing Pagani's claims into question.
In 2003 Pagani presented the Zonda Roadster, a roadster version of the Zonda S 7.3 with production limited to 40 examples, carrying the same components as the coupe, Pagani promised no loss of performance, a claim supported by the minimal weight gain of just 30 kg.
, nine roadsters had been built. According to Road & Track
magazine, three more C12 S 7.3 cars had been built as of June 2005, but it is unclear whether they were roadsters or coupes. Motor Trend
reported in their January 2006 issue that 60 Zondas of all types had been built.
V12 engine which through enhanced intake manifolds, exhaust and a revised ECU now produces 602 PS at 6150 rpm and 560 lbft at 4000 rpm.
With Marc Basseng at the wheel the Zonda F CS lapped the 12.9 miles (20.8 km) Nürburgring
Nordschleife in 7:24.7.
Production of the Zonda F will be limited to 25 cars, not US compatible.
The next model (named the Huayra), will be fully EPA/DOT compatible.
The Zonda F, named after Formula One
driver Juan Manuel Fangio
, comes with an extra head light and different fog lights at the sides, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improves the cars aerodynamics and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the 'S' centre around optional carbon/ceramic brakes developed in conjunction with Brembo
, magnesium wheels, inconel titanium
exhaust system, hydroformed
aluminum
intake plenum and a redesigned 'Z preg' weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.
The Zonda Roadster F debuted at the 2006 Geneva show. It is similar to the coupe, but with a removable carbon fibre roof and canvas side curtains weighing just 5 kilograms (11 lb). Production of the Roadster F is suggested at 25 units.
The Roadster F is able to maintain chassis rigidity without any gain in curb weight by eschewing conventional thinking by not strengthening the sills - a process which would have needed more than 35 kilograms (77.2 lb) of reinforcement. Pagani instead uses racing car thinking, materials and construction techniques, strengthening the firewall structure of the chassis tub together with billet alloy braces that connect the points where the roof rails would have joined. The windscreen is also strengthened for safety reasons. These techniques enable the Roadster to have virtually the same weight as the coupe, 1230 kilograms (2,711.7 lb).
The Zonda Roadster F Clubsport was tested by Top Gear's The Stig
and achieved a lap time around their test track of 1:17.8, beating the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 tested during the same episode, but lost in a quarter mile drag race against the Veyron by nearly 2.5 seconds. According to James May
, the Zonda F Roadster costs £825,000.
The differences over other road-going Zondas are the new 6-speed sequential gearbox, resulting in shifts now taking less than 100 milliseconds, dropping 0–62 mph down to 3.4 seconds. The Cinque also has a revised form of carbon fibre called "carbo-titanium" which incorporates titanium to increase strength and rigidity. Suspension makes use of magnesium and titanium components, and the engine's power has been increased to 678 PS.
Revised bodywork, which includes a longer front splitter, new sideskirts, rear diffuser, bumper canards and a flatter underside as well as a roof-mounted air intake scoop, enables the Cinque to create 750 kg (1,653 lb) of downforce at 300 km/h (186 mph) and 1.45 G of cornering force.
The Roadster has the same specs as the Coupé from which it's derived and only 5 units were built, with a price of £1.3-million/US$2 million plus local taxes.
version of the Zonda S 7.3 engine tuned to 600 PS and had improved cooling. Modified aerodynamics, including a different wing and front diffuser, allowed greater speed, as did optimized gearing. The car was lighter, with polycarbonate side windows, and an unmuffled exhaust is fitted. The revised interior includes different pedals, steering wheel, and seats, as well as a reinforced roll cage. Larger brakes and a stiffer suspension also improve performance. Finally, an external fire extinguisher is included for safety.
Originally the car was a Zonda F Roadster that was crashed in Qatar and was sent back to the factory to be rebuilt.
The car is specced like a Cinque with the new carbo-titanium chassis. It also has the LEDs on the front of the car like the Tricolore. Unique to this car are the darkened rear lights and the rear exhaust (the four pipes are shorter than standard). Also the black wheels with turquoise wheel-striping, and the dual-tone diffuser are real eye-catchers, together with lots of other black accents like the collector of the exhaust tail pipes.
.
and Maserati MC12 Corsa rather than the original Zonda's road competitors as it is not road-homologated
.
Despite sharing much of the Zonda's shape, the R is almost entirely new, sharing only 10% of the Zonda F's components. It has been obliquely suggested by Horacio Pagani that this car is a testbed chassis for certain components of the Zonda's replacement (in the same vein as the Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione and the successive F40
) and that the Zonda R accurately reflects some of the Zonda's successor's features.
and a rubber racing fuel cell with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler cap, similar to GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47 mm (1.9 in) to increase stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate new suspension geometry, and produced in Avional
. The slick-shod wheels are new forged-magnesium center-lock models, which in conjunction with on-board pneumatic airjacks (again, like the FXX) allow rapid change of the entire wheel assemblies.
The car senses, displays and logs information about the amount of downforce that is generated at each wheel at all times. It is thought that this system will enable owners to adjust set-up according to track conditions and to improve their cornering technique.
synchronized gearbox.
allows a variety of sensors to monitor numerous aspects of the car.
within months.
The Zonda GR is based on the Zonda S. It was built on the same carbon fiber chassis, with tube frames
in front and back. The bodywork was modified to include front and rear diffusers and louvers for improved aerodynamics. The car was 2 metres (6.6 ft) wide, in accordance with the regulations of the FIA
and ACO
. The car's weight was reduced to 1100 kilograms (2,425.1 lb), and a new suspension
was designed. New wheels and brakes were also specified. The engine was equipped with an enlarged radiator, and the engine and gearbox also have new oil coolers.
The performance of the Zonda GR is well beyond that of the stock car. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and the engine produces around 600 PS at 5,800 rpm and 580 lbft of torque at 4,300 rpm with a redline increased to 7,500 rpm.
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
built by the Italian manufacturer Pagani
Pagani
Pagani Automobili S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of sports cars and carbon fibre. The company was founded in 1992 by Horacio Pagani, and is based in San Cesario sul Panaro, near Modena, Italy.-History:...
. It debuted in 1999, and production ended in 2011. As of June 2009, 206 Zondas had been built, including test mules. Both 2-seat coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
and convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
versions have been produced. Construction is mainly of carbon fiber.
Some of the early Zonda engineering was done by Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
champion Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio , nicknamed El Chueco or El Maestro , was a racing car driver from Argentina, who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing...
. The car was originally to be named the "Fangio F1" after him but, following his death in 1995, it was renamed for an air current above Argentina
Zonda wind
Zonda wind is a regional term for the foehn wind that often occurs on the eastern slope of the Andes, in Argentina. The Zonda is a dry wind which comes from the polar maritime air, warmed by descent from the crest, which is some 6,000 m above sea level...
.
Zonda C12
The Zonda C12 debuted in 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show. Powered by a 6 l (366 cu in) Mercedes-Benz V12 engineMercedes-Benz M120 engine
The Mercedes-Benz M120 engine is a V12 automobile piston engine family used in the 1990s and 2000s.The M120 family is built in Stuttgart, Germany. It has an aluminum engine block lined with silicon/aluminum. The aluminum DOHC cylinder heads are 4 valves per cylinder designs...
producing 394 PS at 5200 rpm and 570 newton metre at 3800 rpm mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The C12 could accelerate to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in 9.2 seconds.
Just five of the original 6.0 L Zondas were built, though it was still available in 2002 when the C12 S debuted. One was used for crash testing, while another was a demonstrator and show car. The remainder were delivered to customers during the next three years, priced at US$320,000.
Zonda S
The Zonda S uses a 7 l (427 cu in) AMGMercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars....
–tuned version of the engine producing 550 PS. It can accelerate to 62 mph (99.8 km/h) in 3.7 secs, to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in 7.5 secs and complete the quarter mile
Dragstrip
A dragstrip is a facility for conducting automobile and motorcycle acceleration events such as drag racing. Although a quarter mile is the best known measure for a drag track, many tracks are eighth mile tracks...
in 11.3 secs. Lateral acceleration on the skidpad is 1.18 g (11.6 m/s²), it can reach a top speed of 208 mph (334.7 km/h), and carries a price tag of US$500,000.
The Zonda S features an elongated nose, flaps at the rear for improved aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a branch of dynamics concerned with studying the motion of air, particularly when it interacts with a moving object. Aerodynamics is a subfield of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, with much theory shared between them. Aerodynamics is often used synonymously with gas dynamics, with...
, and new light clusters and exhausts
Exhaust system
An exhaust system is usually tubing used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove. The entire system conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes...
. Only fifteen 7.0 L Zonda S cars were produced.
Zonda S 7.3
The Zonda S 7.3 of 2002 used a new, larger V12 engine displacing 7.3 l (445 cu in) designed and manufactured by Mercedes-Benz AMG producing 555 PS and 750 N.m, to better handle the power, traction controlTraction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
and ABS
ABS
- Anatomy :* Abdominal muscles , which is the rectus abdominis or the stomach muscles-Music and media:Music ensembles* A.B.'s, a Japanese 80's instrumental band* Abingdon Boys School, a Japanese rock band...
were made standard.
Performance claims were unchanged from the Zonda S.
In February 2003 the UK automotive magazine EVO attempted a top speed run on the Autobahn in which the car top out at 198 mph (318.7 km/h), 10 mph (16.1 km/h) off the mark of its claimed top speed of 208 mph (334.7 km/h). Company representatives at Pagani's factory claimed this was the result of the car being in the setting for maximum down force, something that would drop its top speed to around 200 mph (321.9 km/h). However, the EVO article claimed that aerodynamic parts, specifically ones which created drag were in fact removed during the run, bringing Pagani's claims into question.
Zonda Roadster
In 2003 Pagani presented the Zonda Roadster, a roadster version of the Zonda S 7.3 with production limited to 40 examples, carrying the same components as the coupe, Pagani promised no loss of performance, a claim supported by the minimal weight gain of just 30 kg.
, nine roadsters had been built. According to Road & Track
Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
magazine, three more C12 S 7.3 cars had been built as of June 2005, but it is unclear whether they were roadsters or coupes. Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
reported in their January 2006 issue that 60 Zondas of all types had been built.
Zonda F
The Zonda F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive re-engineering of the Zonda yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L AMGAMG
- Automobiles :* AB Motorfabriken i Göteborg, a former Swedish automobile manufacturer* AM General, a manufacturer of speciality and military vehicles* AMG , a Swedish automobile manufactured between 1903 and 1905...
V12 engine which through enhanced intake manifolds, exhaust and a revised ECU now produces 602 PS at 6150 rpm and 560 lbft at 4000 rpm.
With Marc Basseng at the wheel the Zonda F CS lapped the 12.9 miles (20.8 km) Nürburgring
Nürburgring
The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. It is located about...
Nordschleife in 7:24.7.
Production of the Zonda F will be limited to 25 cars, not US compatible.
The next model (named the Huayra), will be fully EPA/DOT compatible.
The Zonda F, named after Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
driver Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio , nicknamed El Chueco or El Maestro , was a racing car driver from Argentina, who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing...
, comes with an extra head light and different fog lights at the sides, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improves the cars aerodynamics and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the 'S' centre around optional carbon/ceramic brakes developed in conjunction with Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
, magnesium wheels, inconel titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
exhaust system, hydroformed
Hydroforming
Hydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping malleable metals such as aluminum or brass into lightweight, structurally stiff and strong pieces. One of the largest applications of hydroforming is the automotive industry, which makes use of the complex shapes possible by hydroforming to produce...
aluminum
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
intake plenum and a redesigned 'Z preg' weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.
Zonda Roadster F
The Zonda Roadster F debuted at the 2006 Geneva show. It is similar to the coupe, but with a removable carbon fibre roof and canvas side curtains weighing just 5 kilograms (11 lb). Production of the Roadster F is suggested at 25 units.
The Roadster F is able to maintain chassis rigidity without any gain in curb weight by eschewing conventional thinking by not strengthening the sills - a process which would have needed more than 35 kilograms (77.2 lb) of reinforcement. Pagani instead uses racing car thinking, materials and construction techniques, strengthening the firewall structure of the chassis tub together with billet alloy braces that connect the points where the roof rails would have joined. The windscreen is also strengthened for safety reasons. These techniques enable the Roadster to have virtually the same weight as the coupe, 1230 kilograms (2,711.7 lb).
The Zonda Roadster F Clubsport was tested by Top Gear's The Stig
The Stig
The Stig is a character in the British motoring television show Top Gear. The character plays on the anonymity of racing drivers' full-face helmets, with the running joke that nobody knows who, or indeed what, is inside the character's racing suit. The character was the creation of presenter Jeremy...
and achieved a lap time around their test track of 1:17.8, beating the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 tested during the same episode, but lost in a quarter mile drag race against the Veyron by nearly 2.5 seconds. According to James May
James May
James Daniel May is an English television presenter, journalist and writer. He is best known for his role as co-presenter of the award-winning motoring programme Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond....
, the Zonda F Roadster costs £825,000.
Zonda Cinque
The Zonda Cinque was meant to be the last iteration of the Zonda, being a road going version of the Zonda R. Only five were built at the cost of £1 million, with deliveries set to June 2009 for all five cars.The differences over other road-going Zondas are the new 6-speed sequential gearbox, resulting in shifts now taking less than 100 milliseconds, dropping 0–62 mph down to 3.4 seconds. The Cinque also has a revised form of carbon fibre called "carbo-titanium" which incorporates titanium to increase strength and rigidity. Suspension makes use of magnesium and titanium components, and the engine's power has been increased to 678 PS.
Revised bodywork, which includes a longer front splitter, new sideskirts, rear diffuser, bumper canards and a flatter underside as well as a roof-mounted air intake scoop, enables the Cinque to create 750 kg (1,653 lb) of downforce at 300 km/h (186 mph) and 1.45 G of cornering force.
Zonda Cinque Roadster
The Roadster has the same specs as the Coupé from which it's derived and only 5 units were built, with a price of £1.3-million/US$2 million plus local taxes.
Zonda Tricolore
The final mass-produced Zonda was originally conceived as a one-off; there were actually three Tricolores built. It was built as a tribute to the country's aerobatic team. It carries a lot of the body from the Zonda Cinque. The car is unpainted except for a clear blue lacquer and red, white and green stripes that run up from the nose along the top of the car's surface. Unique to this car is a small wing placed behind the cockpit which reflects tricolore's Aermacchi MB-39 PAN stunt planes tail wing. The three Tricolore's will be priced at 1.2 Million pounds. It's also 6 mi/h faster than a standard Zonda at 220 mi/h.Monza
The Zonda Monza shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show is a track-day version of the Zonda built to request for private use. Borrowing its appearance cues from the Zonda GR, the Monza included a dry sumpDry sump
A dry sump is a lubricating motor oil management method for four-stroke and large two-stroke piston internal combustion engines that uses external pumps and a secondary external reservoir for oil, as compared to a conventional wet sump system....
version of the Zonda S 7.3 engine tuned to 600 PS and had improved cooling. Modified aerodynamics, including a different wing and front diffuser, allowed greater speed, as did optimized gearing. The car was lighter, with polycarbonate side windows, and an unmuffled exhaust is fitted. The revised interior includes different pedals, steering wheel, and seats, as well as a reinforced roll cage. Larger brakes and a stiffer suspension also improve performance. Finally, an external fire extinguisher is included for safety.
GJ
A one-off custom built from the Zonda F. It was finished in black colour and had received front wing upgrade and intake scoops located on the rear wheel arches.Uno
A special one-off built for Ana Al-Thani, a member of the Royal family of Qatar, famous for his turquoise car collection.Originally the car was a Zonda F Roadster that was crashed in Qatar and was sent back to the factory to be rebuilt.
The car is specced like a Cinque with the new carbo-titanium chassis. It also has the LEDs on the front of the car like the Tricolore. Unique to this car are the darkened rear lights and the rear exhaust (the four pipes are shorter than standard). Also the black wheels with turquoise wheel-striping, and the dual-tone diffuser are real eye-catchers, together with lots of other black accents like the collector of the exhaust tail pipes.
RAK
Another one-off estimated to be worth 1.5 million euros with a two-tone black and yellow colour scheme with a custom interior, fitted with sport bucket seats.HH
The Zonda HH is a special one-off edition, in Monterey Blue, that features the engine from the Cinque and most of the bodywork from the Zonda F Roadster. The HH was commissioned by Danish programmer David Heinemeier HanssonDavid Heinemeier Hansson
David Heinemeier Hansson is a Danish programmer and the creator of the popular Ruby on Rails web development framework and the Instiki wiki...
.
750
The Zonda 750 was another special one-off edition Zonda for a member of the Al-Thani family. However the order for it was canceled due to a disagreement between the proposed owner and Pagani. The 750 is mainly based on the Cinque but also features several custom parts. It was expected that it would be finished in a Purple colour.Absolute
The Pagani Zonda Absolute is a special one-off edition Zonda to be shipped to Hong Kong. It features the matte black carbon fiber body of the Pagani Zonda R, but it has the engine of the Pagani Zonda Cinque & is a right hand drive.PS
A one-off special that was commissioned by Peter Saywell. The car is the only one with all four exhaust pipes placed in a row instead of a circle.Zonda F Roadster Final Edition
A one-off special of the Zonda roadster was commissioned in 2010 to commemorate the end of the Zonda F production. It was finished in bare carbon and received upgraded horsepower.Zonda R
The Zonda R debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2007, using the 6.0 litre V12 M120 engine sourced from the race version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. The Zonda R's competition lies with track-biased cars such as the Ferrari FXXFerrari FXX
The Ferrari FXX is a high performance race car built by automobile manufacturer Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. The FXX is based on the street-legal Enzo. Production of the FXX began in 2005.- Overview :...
and Maserati MC12 Corsa rather than the original Zonda's road competitors as it is not road-homologated
Homologation
Homologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologeo for "to agree", which is generally used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority...
.
Despite sharing much of the Zonda's shape, the R is almost entirely new, sharing only 10% of the Zonda F's components. It has been obliquely suggested by Horacio Pagani that this car is a testbed chassis for certain components of the Zonda's replacement (in the same vein as the Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione and the successive F40
Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door coupé sports car produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992 as the successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO. From 1987 to 1989 it was Ferrari's fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car...
) and that the Zonda R accurately reflects some of the Zonda's successor's features.
Chassis
The central carbon chassis incorporates a roll cageRoll cage
A roll cage is a specially constructed frame built in the cab of a vehicle to protect its occupants from being injured in an accident, particularly in the event of a roll-over. Roll cages are used in nearly all purpose-built racecars, and in most cars modified for racing...
and a rubber racing fuel cell with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler cap, similar to GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47 mm (1.9 in) to increase stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate new suspension geometry, and produced in Avional
Avional
Avional is a high strength aluminium alloy containing 4.75% copper, 0.5% magnesium and 1.4% silicon....
. The slick-shod wheels are new forged-magnesium center-lock models, which in conjunction with on-board pneumatic airjacks (again, like the FXX) allow rapid change of the entire wheel assemblies.
The car senses, displays and logs information about the amount of downforce that is generated at each wheel at all times. It is thought that this system will enable owners to adjust set-up according to track conditions and to improve their cornering technique.
Bodywork
In addition to the wheelbase increase (47 mm), overall length has increased by 394 mm (15.5 in) and track by 50 mm (2 in). The bodywork and aerodynamics have been altered to offer maximum downforce, featuring a longer front bonnet with flaps, a closed underbody and a new rear overhang with adjustable rear wing and race-derived diffuser. These are intended to translate into increased aerodynamic efficiency and downforce for maximum cornering speed. It is also noted that the car's new rear bodywork is minimal in the extreme, being composed mostly of vent. This is thought to be symptomatic of the need to keep the engine cool enough, even under hard track use. Again, this is similar to the gutted bodywork of the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione.Engine
Output has increased to 750 PS at 8500 rpm and 710 newton metre of torque. A lightweight carbon fibre high performance intake system, racing multiple disc centered clutch and Formula One-style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation, have been added. The AMG-built engine is mated to a 6-speed transverse-mounted manual sequentialSequential manual transmission
A sequential manual transmission is a type of manual transmission used on motorcycles and high-performance cars for auto racing, where gears are selected in order, and direct access to specific gears is not possible....
synchronized gearbox.
Interior
The car's interior is spartan reflecting the car's racetrack aspirations and intended home, and features bespoke seats, customized to the driver to offer maximum support. As before, the Digitek instrumentation provides essential information and the sophisticated telemetryTelemetry
Telemetry is a technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance, usually via radio wave transmission and reception of the information. The word is derived from Greek roots: tele = remote, and metron = measure...
allows a variety of sensors to monitor numerous aspects of the car.
Zonda GR
Development of the Zonda GR started in December 2002. At this stage the Zonda was nearly four years old, but had yet to be entered in major motorsports. Tom Weickardt, owner of American Viperacing, Toine Hezemans, owner of Carsport Holland, and Paul Kumpen, owner of GLPK, created a new company, Carsport Zonda, to build a racing version. They secured exclusive rights to develop, build and sell competition Zondas from Horacio Pagani, and the first GR was completed at Carsport's facility in ModenaModena
Modena is a city and comune on the south side of the Po Valley, in the Province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy....
within months.
The Zonda GR is based on the Zonda S. It was built on the same carbon fiber chassis, with tube frames
Superleggera
Superleggera is an automobile chassis construction technology developed by Felice Bianchi Anderloni of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring. The company was located just north of Milan, near Alfa Romeo, Italian Citroen, and the former Isotta-Fraschini plant...
in front and back. The bodywork was modified to include front and rear diffusers and louvers for improved aerodynamics. The car was 2 metres (6.6 ft) wide, in accordance with the regulations of the FIA
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is a non-profit association established as the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus on 20 June 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users...
and ACO
Automobile Club de l'Ouest
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest , sometimes abbreviated to ACO, is the largest automotive group in France. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race...
. The car's weight was reduced to 1100 kilograms (2,425.1 lb), and a new suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
was designed. New wheels and brakes were also specified. The engine was equipped with an enlarged radiator, and the engine and gearbox also have new oil coolers.
The performance of the Zonda GR is well beyond that of the stock car. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and the engine produces around 600 PS at 5,800 rpm and 580 lbft of torque at 4,300 rpm with a redline increased to 7,500 rpm.