Pagani Huayra - 2011 Geneva Auto Show Preview

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gurgaon, Haryana, India, Republic of (Free-Press-Release.com) January 30, 2011 -- We thought not mangling the name would be the hardest part. The Pagani Huayra (pronounced “why-ra”) demands some linguistic dexterity, but that’s nothing compared to the financial might you’ll need to afford this $1.4 million dollar Italian-built supercar. Powered by a twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz V-12 engine, the Huayra is likely to be one of the fastest cars in the world after making its official debut during this year’s Geneva Auto Show. The top speed is estimated to be 230 mph.

The name comes from the ancient Andean god of wind, Aymara Huayra Tata. Fortunately for us, Pagani opted for the shortened version. The Huayra marks the first completely new Pagani model since the company unveiled the Zonda supercar in 1999. Full of sharp edges and bristling with lightweight carbon fiber, the Zonda received continual performance upgrades during its more than 10 years of production. One the final models, the Pagani Zonda Tricolore, could hit 217 mph. The price was $1.3 million, with production limited to…well, only one!At first glance, the Huayra presents a kinder and gentler (not to mention smoother) interpretation of a Pagani supercar. The creased bodywork of the Zonda has given way to flowing curves and softer surfaces. From certain angles, especially when seen in profile, there is a hint of Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C. However, the fine details—such as the central-exit quad exhaust and gullwing doors—remain true to Pagani’s flair for the dramatic.

As with the outgoing Zonda, the technology that comprises the Huayra is as impressive as the car’s outrageous looks. The bodywork is crafted entirely out of carbon fiber. Past Pagani street cars have often gone unpainted, to better show off the company’s expertise in working with this lightweight and incredibly strong material. The monocoque is also carbon fiber, with titanium reinforcements providing additional strength, rigidity and crash protection.At 180.3 in. long with a max height of only 46 in., the Huayra tips the scales at a scant 2976 lb. There are carbon-ceramic brakes at each corner, and double-wishbone suspension (with coil springs and antiroll bars front and rear) keep the car planted and steady at speed.

Of course, the most important aspect of this mid-engine supercar is the Mercedes-Benz AMG heart, which beats right behind the cockpit. Ironically, Pagani has started with a smaller engine than the naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V-12 found in the Zonda. The Huayra now features a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter Mercedes AMG-tuned V-12, coupled to a 7-speed automated manual transmission custom-built for the car. In standard tune—yes, there are options even with $1.4 million supercars—the Huayra serves up 700 bhp at 6300 rpm and 664 lb.-ft. of torque from 2500 to 4250 rpm. The Sport model bumps it up even higher, producing 730 bhp and 811 lb.-ft. of torque.The cockpit of the new Pagani Huayra has all the luxury, leather and handcraftsmanship you’d expect of a vehicle in this class. The wild gauge cluster (and even the HVAC vents) look as if they’ve been pilfered from a spaceship built by Louis Vuitton. A central touchscreen controls the multimedia system, including audio functions, satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone.

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