Fast-Autos News

Pagani Zonda R stars at Geneva: 750 bhp and ready to race

Exotic cars and supercars were much in evidence at the Geneva Motor Show, with new cars from Pagani, Koenigsegg, Spyker, Lotus, Audi, Bentley and more. The Pagani Zonda R certainly takes center stage for its dramatic looks and massive power..

Racing has suddenly come into focus for the makers of exotic cars – but not all in the same way. Responding to customers, Horacio Pagani introduced the Zonda R at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is designed for the race track, but is not built to the specifications required by some restrictive race programs.

Pagani always uses Mercedes-Benz AMG engines, and he persuaded AMG to let him have the 6.0 liter V-12 engine used in the CLK GTR used for racing by Mercedes-Benz for the lightweight Zonda R. Designed to last 3,000 miles (5,000 km) between servicing, this dry-sump unit produces no less that 750 bhp at 7,500-8,000 rpm, with 520 lb ft (710 Nm) torque.

There is a new stainless steel exhaust system, similar to that of an F1 car. Despite its high power output, the engine is lighter than the V-12 of other Zondas owing to its smaller size.

Also new is a transversely mounted six-speed transaxle with sequential electro-hydraulic shifting. The transverse layout reduces rear overhang, and moves the center of gravity forward slightly.

Although unmistakably a Zonda, the Zonda R looks different, thanks to the deeper, curved front grille, with a pair of air intakes for the brakes built-in, twin air scoops above the rear fenders, and a large rear wing. There is also an air intake in the roof.

At the front at adjustable flaps to increase downforce, while there is a new and large diffuser at the rear. Downforce is monitored continuously, so the driver can adjust the wing and flaps to get the best performance.

To reduce weight, the front and rear sub-frames are made from Avional aluminum, which is as strong as carbon steel, but much lighter. These are attached to the Zonda carbon fiber hull. Of course, a roll cage is built in.

The car is 15.5 inches (394 mm) longer than the Zonda F, and 1.8 in (47 mm) longer in the wheelbase. The track is 2 in (50 mm) wider, and the suspension has been designed to give quick response on the track. Amazingly, only 10% of the parts are common with other Zondas.

Expect this car, which will cost Euro1.2 million plus taxes (about $1.6m), to accelerate to 100 mph in under 6 seconds. It will weigh around 2,500 lb (1,135 kg), but they are not saying yet.

Koenigsegg to go racing, too

Koenigsegg, which launched the CCX last year, is to produce a race car for the CCO and GT1 regulations. The new CCGT is powered by a 5.0 liter naturally aspirated version of the Koenigsegg/Ford V-8, tuned to develop 600 bhp. At this rating, the company expects the engine to be very reliable.

The CCGT has been pared down to reduce weight, and weighs just 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) – very light indeed. Since the regulations call for a minimum weight of 1,100 kg, Koenigsegg will be able to place 220 lb (100 kg) of ballast where they wish to get the optimum weight distribution for each circuit. Most competing cars weigh over 2,420 lb, and so do not have this advantage.

CCXR – 1,018 bhp with ethanol!

Koenigsegg has also developed a version of the CCX for E85 ethanol biofuel. Because ethanol has an octane rating of over 100 RON – like racing fuel in the 30s - it gives more power than gasoline, as Saab has demonstrated. In the Koenigsegg CCXR, power is up from 806 bhp – more than enough for almost everyone – to 1,018 bhp! Peak torque is an incredible 780 lb ft (1,060 Nm) at 6,100 rpm. That's 25% more power. With ethanol, power increases of 15-25% can be obtained for any engine so long as it is optimised with high compression ratio and other changes. Expect more to follow this route.

How fast? Very. If Koenigsegg can find a long enough track it will probably hit over 250 mph with ease....

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

Also upping the ante is Lamborghini with the Gallardo Superleggera, a lightweight version of the magnificent Gallardo four-wheel drive supercar. Power is up to 530 bhp at 8,000 rpm. Originally, the engine developed 500 bhp, and this was upped to 520 bhp last year. This is quite an improvement, and takes the specific power output to 106 bhp per liter.

The engine is coupled to Lamborghini's e-gearbox, a sequentially controlled unit. This box works well when hurrying, but like most is not quite so good when driving more slowly.

To improve performance further, Lamborghini engineers are using some lightweight materials in the Gallardo Superleggera. For example, the engine cover is carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, and polycarbonate is used to replace some glass. The rear diffuser and mirror cases are now carbon fiber, as is the tunnel cover.

The Gallardo Superleggera has forged aluminum wheel rims and Pirelli Zero Corsa tires. It weighs in at 2,930 lb (1,330 kg), which is 225 lb (100 kg) lighter than the standard car.

Audi 5 Coupe, too

Audi released its new Audi 5 coupe at Geneva – actually this is a whole range of cars including A5 and S5. It is smart looking coupe, with the characteristic grille, and a semi-fastback design. Very much an Audi. It is a compact car, just 5 in longer than a BMW 3 Series coupe.

The top models will be quick, though, as they are powered by either a 3.2 liter direct injection gasoline engine developing 265 bhp, or a 3.0 liter TDI diesel with an output of 240 bhp. Owing to its huge torque, the diesel is quicker to 60 mph – 5.7 seconds to 5.9 seconds for gasoline. Evidence that Audi meas to capitalise on that Le Mans victory with a diesel.

Lotus 2-Eleven – tiny racer, amazing performance

Also zooming into the trackday/racer scene is Lotus with the 2-Eleven, based on a modified version of the Elise frame and Toyota 1.8 liter engine, but supercharged to 255 bhp. The car has a svelte sports-racing body, and the weight has been pared right down in the Lotus tradition to just 1,477 lbs (670 kg) giving a power:weight ratio of 380 bhp per tonne, which is right up with the top supercars.

Performance is as you would expect: 0-60 mph in about 3.8 seconds, and 0-100 mph in about 9.1 seconds. Under 9 seconds is really exotic car territorry, so this little car is a real flyer. Looks good, too.

New Maserati four-seater

Maserati unveils the GranTurismo, which is similar to the GranSport, but with more modern lines. However, the GranTurismo is not a 2+2 but a full four-seater, being 14 in (358 mm) longer than the GranSport, 11 in (282 mm) being in the wheelbase.

The new lines are very good -fourth image left -, with nice curved front and rear fenders, and a rear end reminiscent of – but not the same as - the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which is having quite an influence on stylists of hot coupes. The GranTurismo is powered by the lateest version of Masaerati's V-8, with 405 bhp, 10 more than in the GranSport.

Bentley Brooklands

Like Audi, Bentley is moving into the coupe market again - but this time with a V-8 powered car - this is one of the Big Bentleys whereas the Continental GTC is one of its small ones. Powered by Bentley's venerable 6.75 liter V-8, but twin turbocharged to 530 bhp, this will be a very quick car. And if you like plenty of space in a hand-made coupe, this could be it. For its size, this is not a bad looking car.

Zagato make a hit at Geneva with Spyker -

Zagato, the Italian coachbuilder and stylist, which has had quite a few successes in the past including the lightweight Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato of the 1960s, has produced a stunner for Geneva.

Now come two new designs from Zagato: The Diatto and the Spyker C12 Zagato. As Spyker cars are different rather than elegant, the liaison between Spyker and Zagato is good news. Although the Spyker C12 Zagato is not as elegant as the Diatto - below - it is an unusual and smart car.

- and the Diatto

Zagato's Diatto is named after an innovative car maker of the 1920s. Diatto was one of the first to use four-wheel brakes and a four-speed gearbox. It also produced a supercharged eight-cylinder racer, and supplied chassis to Bugatti and Alfieri Maserati, before he started his own company.

So, along comes Zagato with the Diatto, which was commissioned by clients. It is a super-looking car – what the Ferrari Scaglietti could have been if Ferrari had not decided it had to do something looking backwards.

There is nothing quirky about the design, just a good-looking curvy front-engine, rear drive two-seater coupe. It has a low grille, with small side grilles, faired in headlamps, and a low coachroof – headroom might be a bit limited.