A Mercedes-Benz V12 engine (either a 6-litre
with 394bhp or a 7-litre with 550bhp) is positioned centrally, driving
the rear wheels. A central composite cockpit section has steel frames attached
front and rear to which are attached the aluminium double-wishbone suspension
and the engine/transmission unit. Braking is by four-pot Brembo callipers
on ventilated discs all round. Early cars used a five speed gearbox, but
after approximately the first 20 all are fitted with a six speed unit.
Internally the cabin is luxuriously trimmed
with carbon fibre, aluminium and leather all mixed together. An open-topped Spider version is also available.
Click here for details of the interior.
The
project of Argentinian born Horacio Pagani, the Pagani Zonda, the sole
product of the company, is a Mercedes powered two seat sports car. Inspired
by Group C racing cars and the late Fangio (a friend of Pagani's) the idea
began to take shape in 1988. At that time Pagani was working for Lanborghini,
a company he left later to establish his own company supplying composite
materials (his area of excellence) to the automotive industry.
Two
variants are produced, the C12 with the normal engine, and the C12S with
the more powerful engine from AMG. The latter variant also has improved
aerodynamics such as a longer nose section, a two piece rear spoiler as
well as a different rear light and exhaust arrangement.
Technical Details
| Driveline | longitudinal engine centrally positioned with rear wheel drive |
| Engine | 5987cc 60deg V12 Mercedes-Benz unit with 394bhp @ 200rpm
7010cc 60deg V12 Mercedes-Benz/AMG unit with 550bhp @ 5550rpm |
| Suspension | front : independent with double wishbones,coil springs and anti-roll bar
rear : independent with double wishbones,coil springs and anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2730mm track (front/rear) : 1675mm/1660mm |
| Brakes | front : ventilated discs (diameter 355mm) with 4-pot callipers
rear : ventilated discs (diameter 335mm) with 4-pot callipers handbrake operating on the rear via a cable |
| Gearbox | 6 speed manual plus LSD |
| Steering | Rack and pinion with power assistance |
| Dimensions | weight : 1250kg
Length : 4390mm; Width : 2050mm; Height : 1150mm |
Links
See our Goodwood 2002 gallery for pictures of the Zonda which was present at that event.
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