Pagani Huayra R Debuts With Naturally Aspirated V12 Producing 838 HP

Billed as a no limits beast that is “pure, passionate, mighty and captivating,” the Huayra R is a track-only hypercar that features a new V12-R engine.

Designed from the ground up, in partnership with HWA AG, the naturally aspirated 6.0-liter engine is the “lightest, most powerful and efficient track-ready V12 ever created.” It produces an impressive 838 hp (625 kW / 850 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.

The engine took more than two years to design and develop, and it screams to a 9000 rpm redline. It also tips the scales at 436 lbs (198 kg) and uses a 200 bar direct injection system that optimizes “performance by ensuring maximum efficiency in terms of thermodynamics and autonomy.”

The engine is paired to a new six-speed sequential transmission, which was also developed in collaboration with HWA AG. It weighs 176 lbs (80 kg) and features a “three sintered metal disc racing clutch.” Pagani says it allows for extremely reduced shift times, maximum shift precision as well as a friction efficiency of 95%.

Sticking with the performance theme, the Huayra R has a specially developed four tailpipe exhaust system that is ceramic coated and features tubes that are one-third the thickness of those used on road-going models. The pipes are all equal length and the company says this enables the V12 to roar like F1 cars of the past. However, mufflers can be fitted to allow for use on noise restricted tracks.

The Huayra R uses a new monocoque that incorporates the latest composite technologies and integrates the seats for maximum protection.  The car also has unique shock-absorption side structures, a roll bar and a chrome-molybdenum alloy steel front frame that has been specifically designed for track use.

Thanks to these and other changes, there is a 16% increase in torsional rigidity as well as a 51% increase in flexural rigidity when compared to the road-going Huayra.  The structure is also lightweight as the Huayra R has a dry weight of 2,315 lbs (1,050 kg).

The focus on performance is clearly visible from the exterior as Pagani had a target of generating 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) of downforce at 199 mph (320 km/h).  As part of this effort, the car has been equipped with two new air intakes that help to cool the front brakes as well as channel air towards the sides of the vehicle.

The Huayra R has new hood vents that improve air extraction and stability, while vents above the wheels help to channel air to the rear aerodynamic appendages.  Other notable highlights include a new roof scoop with an integrated fin, a massive diffuser and a prominent rear wing.

Sticking with the exterior, the model has APP forged monolithic aluminum alloy wheels that measure 19 inches front and back.  They’re wrapped in special slick versions of Pirelli’s P Zero tires.  Pagani says they offer “maximum precision and a feeling of total control even to the non-professional driver, ensuring exceptional braking behavior and optimal traction.”

The wheels are backed up by Brembo carbon ceramic discs that measure 16.1 inches (410 mm) front and 15.3 inches (390 mm) rear.  Both are grabbed by six-piston calipers outfitted with racing pads.

Besides the high-performance brakes, the car has a specially developed suspension that was created from one of the “most intense design and experimental phases ever experienced by the Atelie.”  The suspension has an independent double wishbone setup with helical springs as well as electronically controlled active shock absorbers. It also uses forged aluminum components and has new kinematics as well as a sophisticated geometry.

Pagani says the suspension allows for “unprecedented driving precision” as well as “greater camber recovery and optimized dynamic bump steer correction to guarantee ideal grip for the slick tires in every situation.”

Since accidents are always a possibility, the Huayra R has been designed to meet the most stringent FIA requirements for GT vehicles.  In particular, there’s a heavy-duty safety cage integrated into the monocoque that “incorporates special absorption structures, made from composite materials, at the front, sides and rear of the car.”  These are designed to absorb kinetic energy in the event of an impact or a rollover.

The focus on safety extends to the cabin as the seats have six-point harnesses and are covered in a flame retardant Nomex material.  The model also has an automatic fire extinguishing system as well as carbon fiber headrests that provide lateral protection.

Speaking of the interior, the Huayra R has a quick-release steering wheel with controls for adjusting the brakes and traction control system as well as the radio and other important functions.

Elsewhere, there’s a fully customizable motorsport display and an adjustable pedal set that was created in partnership with AP Racing.  Other highlights include an onboard data logger and a secondary control panel on the center console.  The latter provides access to lights, engine and suspension maps as well as a brake balance selector.

Production will be limited to 30 units and pricing starts at €2.6 ($3.1 / £2.2) million.  That’s not cheap, but owners will get invited to personalized events that range from “individual track days at internationally renowned circuits to group events, tailor-made for customers in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.”  At these events, owners will get to “enjoy the full excitement of driving a Pagani hypercar” while also receiving assistance from the company and professional drivers.

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