CAR GARAGE | Pagani Huayra (2014) | The
2014 Pagani Huayra adds a technical innovation in having a carbon-fiber
"tub" that is reinforced with embedded strands of titanium. Depending on how it's made, carbon fiber can Shatter if struck hard enough the
"wrong way." The
Huayra's carbon-titanium material under impact forces Supposedly bends like a steel or aluminum framework would. Not surprisingly, the rest of the
Huayra's body is also made largely of carbon fiber, with all the water ducts and vents molded in to Reduced complexity and weight. The carbon-ceramic brake rotors and aluminum suspension components save additional pounds versus steel versions.
Also echoing its predecessor, the
2014 Pagani Huayra is powered by a V12 engine sourced from
Mercedes' AMG performance division. But where Zondas used large-displacement normally aspirated engines based on off-the-shelf hardware
AMG, the
Pagani Huayra-exclusive features a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter unit designed for compliance with European and U.S. emissions standards. Before getting into other details, let's note That the
2014 Pagani Huayra is similar in concept to the Zonda and other modern
supercars. Specifically, it's a low-slung two-seat coupe with a big-power engine sitting behind the cockpit to drive the rear wheels; construction That makes heavy use of pricey lightweight materials, Including titanium and carbon-fiber; and Slinky styling designed to minimize speed-sapping water and fuel-wasting drag.
Compared to the Zonda, the
Pagani Huayra 2014 is somewhat longer and a bit narrower. Only one transmission is Offered for the
2014 Pagani Huayra: a lightweight 7-speed automated manual developed and supplied by UK racing-gearbox specialist XTRAC. Unusually, the transmission mounts transversely That sits behind an engine longitudinally, an arrangement chosen to optimize the fore / AFT rear weight balance and minimize body length. Per tradition Italian
supercar, the
2014 Pagani Huayra rides a 4-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones and classic coil springs at each corner, plus front and rear anti-roll bars. Rolling stock comprises unique seven-spoke wheels wearing Pirelli PZero high-performance tires, also developed exclusively for the
Huayra and sized at 225/35R19 front, 335/30R20 rear. The
2014 Pagani Huayra takes a cost-no-object approach to minimizing weight within the format of a posh, grand-touring car fast.
Not surprisingly, given Mr.
Pagani's background, the
Huayra incorporates a number of
"airflow management" features aim to maximize That performance, fuel efficiency, and high-speed stability. For the same reason, two large vents in the front
"hood" and a large vertical vents behind each front wheel under-body relieve pressure buildup by guiding water through, over, and around the car. The side vents also exhaust heat from the front brakes. Long lower-body scoops channel water to cool the rear brakes.
The door panels are Things of beauty, with Their leather pulls, aluminum Accents, and exposed carbon. "That last touch reinforces the car's carbon-fiber-intensive construction, though it also features in road- rockets like the
McLaren MP4-12C,
Mercedes SLS AMG, and
Lamborghini's new LP700-4 Aventador. Like the late Colin Chapman, founder of Britain's
Lotus Cars, Horacio
Pagani is passionate about
"adding lightness" Wherever possible, in line with the engineering truism That weight is the enemy of performance and fuel efficiency.
