2022 Pagani Huayra R
The successor to the legendary Zonda R has arrived. We take a look at Pagani’s latest track-only hypercar, the Huayra R.
HARDCORE HUAYRA
The Pagani Huayra has been in production since 2012. Let that sink in for a moment. The Zonda replacement is now 9 years old, yet somehow, it still feels as fresh as the day it was released, long before TikTok was even a thing. Key to its perceived youth is its scarcity. Sure, there’s plenty of Huayra content doing the rounds on social media, but when was the last time you actually saw one in the wild? Unless you work for Pagani or are a career car spotter, the likelihood is you won’t come across one in your daily life. Only 265 cars of varying model designations have been built, and the latest model, the Huayra R, will be limited to just 30 examples. Its predecessor, the Zonda R, came towards the end of the Zonda’s lifecycle, so one would assume that Pagani currently have a new car in the works.
The Huayra R is undoubtedly as special, as it is rare. Pagani don’t play the ‘strip some weight out and add a mahoosive rear wing, road to track car conversion game.’ No, every detail is meticulously reapproached in the pursuit of exclusivity and performance.
The engine itself is a tribute to internal combustion. A vast, naturally aspirated 6.0 litre V12, built in collaboration between AMG and HWA – these guys run AMG touring cars – that produces 840bhp at 8,250rpm and redlines at a terrifying 9,000rpm. Torque is 553lb ft and is available from 5,500 to 8,300rpm. The sound must be out of this world. Despite the motor’s considerable displacement and cylinder count, it only weighs 198kg. In fact, the car’s overall dry weight is just 1,050kg giving the R a power-to-weight ratio of 800bhp per tonne. For context, a Bugatti Chiron has around 741bhp per tonne. Wow! The engine and all-new six speed sequential gearbox – also developed in partnership with HWA – are mounted to the car’s central monocoque which helps increase torsional rigidity by 16%. The new monocoque also incorporates the seats, and the structure is made from Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax.
Know what the last one is? Nope, neither do we. Clearly, a lot of HWA’s motorsport know-how has gone in to the development of the Huayra R which means it should be one mighty track weapon.
A quick glance at the images will tell you that car design has been aerodynamically led. There are more skirts, scoops, spoilers and splitters in one place than a 90s modified car cruise. Horacio Pagani’s aim was to produce a car than can achieve 1,000kg of downforce at 199mph, and needless to say, his team hit that target. Cooling has also had a big influence on the aero package, but then something’s got to keep the gargantuan carbon ceramic brakes and V12 engine at optimal working temperatures. There are two new side intakes at the front which channel air to the 410mm front brakes, and then back out along the side of the car. Air vents are also positioned above the rear arch and work in tandem with the side outlets to promote airflow to the rear. Naturally, the roof scoop keeps the engine cool, and other items like the rear wing and weapons-grade diffuser help increase overall downforce. Interestingly, additional research went in to the stylistic elements of the aesthetic, which surprisingly helped Pagani yield even greater aerodynamic gains. Apparently, you can have your cake and eat it.
Like all the best track-only weapons, the Huayra R wears full slick tyres and comes with active suspension. It’s an independent double wishbone layout with helical springs and electronically controlled active shock absorbers. The entire car also meets FIA GT safety standards and includes a roll cage, fire extinguisher, flame proof materials, and a quick release steering wheel.
It goes without saying, the Pagani Huayra R is an extremely special machine. It’s so special it commands a price tag of around £2.7 million including taxes. If history is anything to go by, you can be certain that Pagani will provide us with a final few run-out specials before Huayra production is finally wrapped up, but until then, the R might just be the most spectacular addition to the range we’ve seen so far.
The Huayra R might just be the most insane looking car Pagani has ever produced!