It's been a while since we've heard anything from Pagani. Sure, there's been the odd isolated 'special edition' Zonda in the past few years, but the world has rather forgotten about the Huayra in the wake of the hybrid hypercars. This is Pagani telling the world that it is, in no uncertain terms, still very much a hypercar contender.
The Huayra is back, and how!
It's called the BC, after Benny Caiola. Who? He was a mentor of Horacio Pagani in the early days of the company, and was also the first person to buy a Pagani. This is Horacio's tribute to a man who helped him so much. Better than a park bench...
The BC is described by Pagani as the "most technologically advanced Huayra Coupe yet", but this is most definitely not a hypercar in the newest sense of the word. The cylinder count is high, the battery packs are noticeable by their absence and the gearbox is an automated manual. Official numbers are to be confirmed but the preliminary numbers are already staggering: Pagani claims "more than 750hp" from the 6.0-litre twin-turbo AMG V12, plus 737lb ft. Well it had to have more power than the Aventador SV, didn't it?
The Benny Caiola Huayra is not simply a power boost to draw attention back to Pagani though. It's a complete overhaul, with focus on reducing weight yet further, honing the gearbox technology and developing the suspension to further enhance dynamic performance. In fact, while it may look familiar as a Huayra, Pagani claims only the roof is shared with the standard car.
Usual array of beautiful details inside
The new panels were dictated by aero demands, the project aim to deliver maximum downforce while retaining the "unmistakeable design language" of a Pagani. It's not going to be taken for anything else, is it? An increase in air speed to all ducts and grilles has reduced drag while boosting cooling capabilities.
Under that dramatic bodywork sits a car of considerable engineering intrigue, as is the Pagani way. The suspension is built from HiForg, an aeronautical grade steel alloy that Pagani claims is 25 per cent lighter than the suspension set-up in a Huayra and the lightest ever in a high performance road car. The increase in rigidity and reduction in weight makes the BC "even more responsive and reactive than before." They also contribute to a kerbweight of just 1,218kg, or about the same as a Renaultsport Clio.
The XTrac automated manual has been redesigned, now offering more precise and faster shifts than before. Pagani also says it's 40 per cent lighter than an equivalent dual-clutch gearbox. The 'box drives through a new electronic differential, and there are recalibrated ESP modes too: a 'Track' mode has been added to the 'Comfort' and 'Sport' settings. Or you could turn it all off. Pagani says that diff "always inspires confidence" after all...
A little more than 1,200kg, a lot more than 750hp...
Brakes for the Huayra BC are Brembo carbon ceramics, updated here with Brembo's latest caliper technology which reduces unsprung weight. As standard the car uses 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) forged wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres; for those wanting to use their Huayra on track there's the option of Pirelli Trofeo Rs with wheels an inch smaller. They contribute to a claimed peak lateral acceleration of 2G (!).
So this tribute car appears to be one very special Huayra. There's no news yet on the wider availability of these modifications, though given how the Zonda evolved from a 6.0-litre C12 into cars like the Cinque, you would have to assume updates are coming to the Huayra soon. Best get those Euromillions tickets in!
