Pagani supercar gets an upgrade

When Pagani released the Zonda C12 in 1999, it instantly shot to cult status.

Like many Italian exotics, the look and styling cues were as much a part of the attraction as the thumping Mercedes-sourced 6.0-litre V12.

But when pricing starts at $580,000, it's not the kind of car that the average pay packet takes care of.

The fascination levels with these cars are often at odds with ownership: Many are keen to tell you exactly how fast they go, how wide the tyres are and what kind of transmission they have - but very few actually own one.

Perhaps their inherent unattainability is part of the attraction?

Whatever the case, Pagani has come up with the latest iteration of the Zonda C12, called the C12-S 7.3.

New for 2002, this is only Pagani's third car ever produced. The first was the C12 in 99, soon followed by the C12-S, which used the larger AMG-tuned Mercedes V12, and now the 7.3-litre V12-engined Zonda is here.

New features over the base model C1 - if you can call it that - include the larger 7.3-litre AMG-tuned engine, new OZ Racing wheels, Brembo brakes, a revised air intake system plus TCS and ABS, just in case you get a little overzealous with the 'fast' pedal.

Weighing in at 1250kg, the C12-S 7.3 is lighter than most medium-sized cars on our roads, such as the Holden Vectra.

It's feather-weight status is achieved by making use of a super-expensive carbon fibre chassis, while a steel space frame helps keep flex to a minimum.

Reduced weight offers a number of bonuses, in this case a higher top speed, quicker acceleration, more nimble handling, quicker braking and reduced fuel consumption.

Though in the Zonda's case, with it's high-flying 7.3-litre V12 -- and a shrieking 7000rpm redline -- fuel consumption probably woundn't be a key issue for most buyers.

With low weight, a mid-mounted engine (located just behind the driver), aerodynamically adjusted, wind tunnel-derived styling, and a 7291cc engine that grinds out a prodigious 414kW @ 5900rpm, the new Zonda is no slacker.

This 400+kW is transferred to the rear wheels via an AP twin-plate clutch connected to a six-speed transmission, and while that's more power than most would know what to do with, it's the 750Nm of torque occuring @ 4050rpm that helps propel the 2002 Pagani to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

That makes the Zonda more than half a second quicker than its V12 competitor, the 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello, which does the same sprint in 4.2 seconds.

Furthermore, the eye-catching Pagani will probably land you in court - or worse - if you decide to try out its top speed on Australian roads.

At 355km/h, the new Zonda isn't for the faint of heart. It'd be perfect for circle work, though.

Getting to such giddy speeds is just as much due to the special aerodynmics and body styling as it is to the thumping Mercedes engine. The deep chin-spoiler, low side skirts and special rear diffuser all contribute to a low drag co-efficient.

With a roof height of just 1150mm, the C12-S 7.3 slices through the air like a hot knife throught butter, while the 'cockpit-forward' design, together with a fancy rear wing section and extensive underbody tweaking means that even at higher speeds, the Zonda sticks to the road with aplomb.

Speaking of which, sticking to the road is made a little less stressful thanks to the C12's massive rims.

Less like conventional wheels and more like rubber-coated barrels, the latest Pagani exotic comes with 255/40ZR 18-inch OZ racing alloys up front, while at the rear width is increased by a further 90mm, with 345/35ZRs, also on 18 inch rims.

Inside each of the cavernous wheels sits a large racing disc brake, measuring 355mm up front and 335mm at the rear.

Each disc is clasped by a four-piston Brembo caliper, mated to ABS, which is a lovely touch - you don't want to flat-spot your rubber-coated barrels now, do you?

With double wishbones-type suspension at all four corners, the Zonda is said to be much more user-friendly than the McLaren F1, for instance, because it has longer suspension travel, allowing for 'almost' everyday usage.

While the latest Pagani's major drawcard would have to be its gargantuan 7.3-litre V12, there's a lot of other aspects to get excited about. The only downside to the car would be the asking price of just under 600,000 bones and of course the on-going insurance costs. We shudder to think...

But it's cars like this that bring a smile to the face of many young boys, regardless of whether or not they'll get to drive one. The Pagani marque is noted for its solid build quality and finish, which many exoctic/rare supercars often come under criticism for. For this reason and many others, Pagani looks like selling quite a few new Zondas - in the vicinity of 30-40 per year - and the Modena-based manufacturer has a healthy future ahead.