Report: Horacio Pagani updates plans for Zonda and C9

Horacio Pagani and the Pagani Zonda

He hails from Santa Fe, builds cars inspired by an Argentinian, in his factory in Italy, with engines from a top German manufacturer. His name is Horacio Pagani, and his Pagani Zonda is one of the most revolutionary supercars of the modern era. Starting with the C12 back in 1999, the Zonda has evolved from a 400-horsepower exotic to a 739-horsepower track star in the form of the Zonda R Clubsport. The final edition Zonda Cinque and Cinque Roadster will push Zonda production numbers close to 120 units before it is phased out at the end of the year. The car that will replace has been dubbed the C9 and although we've seen spy shots of test mules alone and alongside an SL65 Black Series, we haven't heard a lot of the other details – until now. Follow the jump to hear what Horacio had to say.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]


During an e-mail exchange with Argentina Auto Blog, Horacio spilled the beans on where the company is headed with a look back at where they've been. Production of the Zonda will end in September, but the R version and special one-offs like the Zonda PS might continue on for another three years in certain markets. Whereas the Zonda development was evolutionary, the C9 that will replace it should be revolutionary. Horacio says the Zonda was basically the same car from start to finish.

"It is simple, with a very light and robust chassis, unique comfort for a car of this type and aerodynamics that offer stability and security," whereas the C9 that will launch at the end of 2010 is, "a brand new car from concept, weight distribution, materials and dynamics: it has 3770 new parts."

Pagani says the new car was designed to "transmit the sensation of a jet at liftoff." It will be powered by a new engine that was developed exclusively for Pagani
by Mercedes-Benz AMG. Beneath the rear clamshell will be a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 producing 700 horsepower and 1,000 nm (737 foot-pounds) of torque. That sounds a lot like the engine in the Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black, but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. The C9 will feature a carbon-titanium chassis like the Cinque, forged Avional aluminum alloy suspension, specially developed tires from Pirelli, Bosch electronics and, most importantly to Americans, emissions that should allow it to be sold everywhere, including California. It should also incorporate active aerodynamics that are so advanced, Pagani refused to even address the topic.

Pagani hopes to quadruple production at its new factory, building around 40 cars for their worldwide market. That includes Europe, the U.S., China, Japan and the Middle East. The price, according to the article, is expected to be around 900,000 euros plus tax, but the final price won't be announced until the C9 debuts. We're expecting it to show up at the Paris Motor Show this fall, but certainly wouldn't be upset to see it sooner – in our driveway.

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