Despite the fact that Pagani has now launched its Utopia hypercar, the Italian manufacturer has just announced the very special 852bhp, manual gearbox-equipped Huayra Epitome. Just as it did with the the ultra-special versions of the Zonda in the years after the Huayra went on sale, it seems that Pagani will still build special order cars for some of its more loyal customers.
The Epitome is actually the first Huayra built with a manual gearbox, a seven-speed gated manual transmission built by Xtrac – as fitted to the Utopia. The engine is a 6.0-litre twin-turbro V12, built by AMG, which produces 852bhp and 811lb ft of torque. Identical figures to the Utopia. The flywheel-clutch unit features a triple-disc clutch for better torque transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled diff. Other interesting technical highlights include the fitment of a ‘super soft’ suspension option as part of the car’s all-new active set-up.
he wanted to create a unique example that would take the Huayra to its highest expression. Its name could only be ‘Epitome’
Creation of these bespoke ‘Grandi Complicazioni’ cars – a special division dedicated to the production of one-off cars – requires a close collaboration with the customer, and in the case of this Huayra Epitome, over ten months was spent on the design and engineering. These cars are not simply one-off special colours, wheels and specs, but are thoroughly re-engineered. Rather than simply choosing a blue and gold colour scheme and letting Pagani get on with it, but the customer of this one-off also had a very involved say during the design process, which has introduced some significantly re-worked elements. The front end is re-shaped to improve downforce and cooling, and there’s an integrated rear wing at the back. Also, a new underbody diffuser also works in conjunction with a switchable titanium exhaust system to create an F1-style blown diffuser.
Lorenzo Kerkoc, Head of Pagani Grandi Complicazioni commented: ‘The client came to us with clear ideas: he wanted to create a unique example that would take the Huayra to its highest expression. Its name could only be ‘Epitome’, as the most essential embodiment of a concept, an idea, a value. He dreamed of a car with an exclusive design that would further elevate the Huayra’s performance while maintaining its innate elegance.
‘The creation of every Grandi Complicazioni Hypercar requires close collaboration with the customers, who become the co-creators of the object they dream of. In the initial meetings, the client shared his vision with Horacio Pagani and the team, starting a journey of listening and sharing ideas in perfect harmony to transform thoughts into concrete forms. This phase lasted nine months and led to a final conceptualisation, followed by ten months of design work by an expert, multidisciplinary team. It is a long and complex process because developing components dedicated to a single car requires the same time as those for series production cars. However, it is extremely stimulating because working with clients who have a clear vision of what they want allows us to face new challenges with passion and enthusiasm.’
Pagani has not disclosed the price.
