Pagani

The project of Argentinian born Horacio Pagani, the Pagani Zonda, the sole product of the company, is a Mercedes powered two seat sports car. Inspired by Group C racing cars and the late Fangio (a friend of Pagani's) the idea began to take shape in 1988. At that time Pagani was working for Lanborghini, a company he left later to establish his own company supplying composite materials (his area of excellence) to the automotive industry.

A Mercedes-Benz V12 engine (either a 6-litre with 394bhp or a 7-litre with 550bhp) is positioned centrally, driving the rear wheels. A central composite cockpit section has steel frames attached front and rear to which are attached the aluminium double-wishbone suspension and the engine/transmission unit. Braking is by four-pot Brembo callipers on ventilated discs all round. Early cars used a five speed gearbox, but after approximately the first 20 all are fitted with a six speed unit.

Two variants are produced, the C12 with the normal engine, and the C12S with the more powerful engine from AMG. The latter variant also has improved aerodynamics such as a longer nose section, a two piece rear spoiler as well as a different rear light and exhaust arrangement.

Internally the cabin is luxuriously trimmed with carbon fibre, aluminium and leather all mixed together.

(source: Cars from Italy)