Pagani Zonda F

Pagani Zonda F specs
Top Speed: 214 mph / 345 kph
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Engine: AMG 4 valve V-12 7.3 liter

Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, The Zonda F is one of the fastest supercars ever made. Built using Pagani's extensive experience in carbon fibre construction, the Zonda is leader with regard to fit and finish. With this car, Pagani Automobili is among a small group of independent supercar manufacturers that challenge more established competition such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.During the outset of the Zonda project, Juan Manuel Fangio consulted and influenced Horacio Pagani on every aspect of the Zonda. Horacio says Fangio had great 'technical sensibility' and was a major source of inspiration for his car. Thus, it should come to no surprise that Pagani's latest work pays tribute to the late Fangio, a world champion five times over.Zonda F is a special edition car that will be built alongside the regular production model. It takes the modifications adapted to the C12-S Monza and refines them into a more appealing package. As a result the Zonda F is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor.Aerodynamics play large role in shaping Zonda's new car. More traditional devices include a one-piece fixed wing which now gets undisturbed air thanks to relocated mirrors. To help airflow underneath, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser with twin stabilizing wings create even more downforce. At the front of the Zonda F is a much larger air intake to increase cooling effectiveness of the more potent V12 engine.

 To give the Zonda F more power, a new induction system is used which replaces the standard Mercedes-Benz unit. It features larger intake apertures and, when combined with a larger, hydroformed exhaust, the 7.3 liter Mercedes-Benz engine reaches 620 bhp. This is up from 550 achieved with the standard Mercedes intake. A clubsport model is available as an option which increases power to 650 bhp @ 6200 rpm.The chassis receives several upgrades which lighten both the overall and unsprung weight of the Zonda. Newly designed 19 and 20 inch wheels make room for much larger brakes which can now be ordered in a ceramic compound for the first time. Combined with the titanium wheel nuts, and various trimmings of the carbon fiber tub, the Zonda F weighs 1230 kgs without liquids.After all these changes it should come to no surprise that Pagani has made a much superior Zonda. With 650 bhp on tap, the clubsport model should easily rival cars including the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo.

Specifications
Engine  ::   Mercedes-Benz AMG 12 cylinder V 60°; 48 valves; displacement 7291 cc
Max. Power     (kW) hp/rpm: (443) 602/6150
Max. Torque     Nm/rpm 760/4000
Weight-to-Power ratio     2,04 kg/hp
Clubsport-version ::    (kW) hp/rpm (478) 650/6200; Nm/rpm: 780/4000; weight-to-Power ratio: 1,89 kg/hp
Intake manifold ::    Aluminium hydroformed alloy/avional MHG-System; exhaust manifold in hydroformed steel/inconel
Transmission   ::  Longitudinal mid engine; rear wheel drive with self-locking differential
Clutch  ::   Twin plate clutch
Gearbox  ::  Mechanical 6 speed (+ reverse)
Brakes   ::  4 ventilated Brembo disks, hydraulic power brake
Steel brakes   ::  Front 380x34 mm 6 piston caliper; rear 355x32 mm 4 piston caliper
Carbon-ceramic brakes ::    Front 380x34 mm 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm 4 piston caliper
Steering ::    TRW rack and pinion power assisted
Wheels  ::   Forged aluminium/magnesium alloy APP wheels; 19” front, 20” rear
Tyres  ::   Michelin Pilot Sport 2: front 255/35/19; rear 335/30/20
Suspensions  ::   4 independent wheels with double A-arm; pull rod helical springs and Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers; anti-roll bar; aluminium/magnesium alloy suspension arms
Structure   ::  Central carbon fiber chassis; front and rear Cr Mo space frames; carbon fiber “MD System” bodywork panels
Dimensions  ::   Length 4435 mm; width 2055 mm; height 1141 mm; wheelbase 2730 mm; dry weight 1230 kg (without Comfort Pack and with CCM brakes)
Weight distribution     46% front; 54% rear
Downforce   ::  ~600 kg at 300km/h (Clubsport version); downforce distribution: ~270 kg front; ~330 kg rear
Vehicle-Diagnosis*  ::   TMD remote diagnosis; Texa Mobile Diagnostic
Safety     ABS/Traction Control Bosch; central carbon fibre safety; cell with steel and carbon fibre roll bar; front and rear impact energy absorbing structure in carbon fibre and Cr Mo
Performance     Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3,6 sec.; 0-200 km/h 9,8 sec.; Lateral g’s: 1,4 g with SPORT setting; Braking 200-0 km/h: 4,4 sec.; Top speed: > 345km/h

 History

With its production, Pagani Automobili has challenged the bigger car manufacturers like Lamborghini, Porsche and Ferrari. Horacio Pagani's inspiration for the car was derived from F1 world champion Juan Miguel Fangio's technical sensibilities that influenced the major aspects of the Zonda. Its production continues until today, with roughly 25 units manufactured each year. It is considered to be the super car that has received the most extensive engineering that Pagani has ever done. The Zonda F has also been tapped to have a powerful Clubsport model.

Built along side its regular production model, the Zonda F is a special edition super car which had several modifications adapted from the C12-S Monza and was refined to produce a more appealing super car package. The changes resulted into a more lightweight, faster and more powerful car, making the Zonda F one model that supersedes its predecessors.

 Exterior

Aerodynamics has helped the Zonda gain its new shape. The car moves effortlessly through the air and some of its power keeps the car down into the tarmac thus producing a stronger ground effect. Traditional features such as the one-piece wing now receives undisturbed air courtesy of its relocated mirrors. The airflow underneath is relieved by the rear diffuser and the large front splitter that create more down force.

Performance

The Pagani Zonda F has more air intake in front, making its cooling system very effective. Thus, its V12 engine enjoys a much cooler state due to the car's design. This Mercedes Benz engine holds a capacity of 7.3 liters and reaches 620 bhp and emits a 561 pound foot torque at 4000 rpm. The chassis of the Zonda F is upgraded to make it lighter compared to other super cars. The large ceramic brakes get more room as the new wheels measure only 19 and 20 inches. Overall, its weight is at 1,230 kilograms together with its titanium nuts and carbon fiber tub trimmings.

With all these improvements, Pagani has definitely produced a powerful Zonda. It is a reactive and very safe car without any rolls to speak of. The Nardi steering wheel gives a direct contact feel to the road. It has minimum electronics and the comfort is astonishing for a super car that reaches a speed of over 200 miles per hour. Pagani promised quality and performance in the Zonda F and delivers such without any compromise. With his constant quality check of the Zonda F's individual pieces, the manual for each of the super cars is presented in a very detailed and faithful manner, like that of an artist's portrait.