Pagani Utopia: A manual-wielding hypercar with mental powers

Pagani Utopia: A manual-wielding hypercar with mental powers

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Pagani has always been known as that manufacturer with controversial design cues spawned by almost every new model it presents. A fitting example is the Huayra hypercar, which was even named The Hypercar of the Year 2012 by Top Gear Magazine.

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The Italian marque has been toying around with the idea of building a replacement for the aforementioned model, and here it is; the new Pagani Utopia. As expected, it wields some ancient design elements combined with contemporary features.

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No electrification here. Purists will find the Utopia interesting in this day and age where EVs seem to take the lead. Instead, at the rear of the new Pagani Utopia lurks a 6.0-litre V12 engine from the folks at Mercedes-AMG, which spews out 635 kW of power and a whopping 1,100 Nm.

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The engine is matched either to a 7-speed automated manual transmission or a 7-speed manual with a clutch pedal. Regarding the rear, there's an electro-mechanical differential – no need to worry about loss of traction here.

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The Pagani Utopia weighs in at 1,280 kg and uses a monocoque carbon-titanium chassis with front and rear tubular subframes in alloy steel. The suspension consists of a forged aluminium alloy, independent double wishbone with helical springs, and electronically controlled shock absorbers.

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With so much power comes great responsibility, and with that said, the Utopia's stopping prowess comes courtesy of Brembo 4 ventilated carbon ceramic disc brakes that measure 410x38 mm with 6-piston monolithic callipers at the front and 390x35 with 4-piston monolithic callipers at the back.

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It puts down power to the tarmac using 21" forged monolithic aluminium alloys at the front and 22" at the rear for added tractability. These are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa 265/35 R21 and 325/30 R22 tyres respectively.

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Unlike the Huayra, the Utopia has very few aerodynamic enhancements. And yet, it's said to be more efficient than ever, thanks to the lack of spoilers; instead it incorporates the function of these into its shape for superb downforce and reduced drag. The side mirrors boast an airfoil shape while the rear lights float at the sides of the rear wings. The V12 engine breathes through a titanium quad exhaust with ceramic coating and weighs just above 6 kg.

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While you'd expect to find digital screens inside, the Utopia has a single screen positioned between the analog speedometer and tachometer. It's just basic technology further complemented by switches and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls.

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The Italian hypercar maker debuted the Utopia at the Teatro Lirico in Milan and it plans to build 99 examples of it. Each model carries a price tag of £2.2m which roughly translates to about R44m, and all have already been spoken for.

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