The Pagani Huayra (say 'Why-ra') was the most talked-about hypercar, after production of the Zonda came to an end. The Pagani Zonda was an extreme thing to look at, and to behold. But the Huayra was gorgeous, and even more breathtaking to drive. The Huayra, having been a costly car, carried insane levels of attention-to-detail; it received a staggering 90 orders even before the press car was handed over to journalists for reviews.
The car came with a carbon-titanium tub, a transverse 7-speed single-clutch automated manual gearbox, paired to an AMG-built, 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 and active aerodynamics to enhance stability, reduce drag, enhance braking performance and lots more. With turbos strapped on, throttle response was expected to take a hit, and the automated manual transmission raised doubts in terms of refinement and performance.
The Huayra Codalunga Is Priced At Another Level
However, the Huayra, with 730hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, and a dry weight of 2976 pounds, Horacio Pagani, Founder and CEO of Pagani Automobili, created a new philosophy with this car.
The gullwing doors, when opened, would lead you to a cockpit that was more 'luxury GT' than 'hardcore hypercar'. The amount of detailing, and the precision with which it was carried out, was simply hard to compare. It combined materials like leather, carbon fiber and titanium, and the driver's position was something many loved. The engine would hiss and growl, at the same time.
While the ride got a little supple, the Huayra was not as nimble to drive as the Zonda. Having said that, the Huayra immediately became an easier car to drive, just like any other GT. The gearbox, on the other hand, wasn't so smooth.
The Italian hypercar maker, took the wraps off its most bespoke version of the Huayra, called the Codalunga. It certainly looks special, and its slippery shape is a sight to behold. It is a fully road-legal car, and costs a whopping $7.4 million.
Pagani's Clients Wanted A Long-Tail Version Of The Huayra Coupe
Back in 2018, two collectors approached Horacio, asking if he could design and manufacture a long-tail version of the Huayra, and given how elegant and streamlined the McLaren Speedtail is, there was no way Pagani was doing anything less. The aim, quickly began, to build a car that could be driven on the roads and fit perfectly on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The clients were actively involved in the making of the car, while also being closely associated with Pagani Grandi Complicazioni, the brand's Special Projects division that's instrumental in the creation of one-off cars. According to Lorenzo Kerkoc, Head of Pagani Grandi Complicazioni, there is no limit to customizing these cars. Like all Paganis, it's a lengthy process, especially when the clients come in, pitching their preferences and ideas with a passion for the car they are about to own. We can imagine what the factory must feel like, with customers popping in now and then, giving the engineers and designers some personal inputs.
The hypercar maybe limited to five exclusive units, but Pagani has ensured it creates a car that would comply with global norms. Keeping in mind Pagani's philosophy, the Codalunga was designed with care and an eye for detail. Pagani continues to be inspired by the creative principles of Leonardo da Vinci, who believed art and science can exist in harmony.
After having worked closely with the clients for two years, the concept was finalized. There was even a 1:4 scale version modeled, alongside the full-sized one. These were made for the final tweaks that had to be carried out, with customer inputs.
Pagani's Huayra Codalunga Is Shaped To Go Fast
Horacio Pagani did not want to keep the Huayra's identity out of this bespoke masterpiece, so they used the front half of the Huayra Coupe's design, but added length to the car without giving it a ghastly tail. The lines and curves of the Codalunga have been shaped by the wind, giving it the elegant look you see. The folks at Pagani were inspired by the long-tail LeMans race cars of the '60s. This was a project that was, by no means, easy to execute.
Even airplane designs from the '60s came with bodywork, designed and engineered for speed and low drag. Pagani is doing the same thing with its cars, using advanced composite materials. The rear engine cover extends further to the back, making the Codalunga 14.1-inches longer than the coupe.
On this model, the AMG-built V12 makes 840hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the Huayra Coupe, the Codalunga does not feature rear grilles; in place of it, there's the exhaust system which is made of titanium and weighs only 9.7 pounds. The exhausts get a special ceramic coating, and the quad setup is typically Pagani. The manufacturer was successful in achieving a record weight of just 2,822 pounds, without forgetting the significance of aerodynamic efficiency - and this where the car's shape and added length helped. Also, the four flaps with variable profiles are a new design in active aerodynamics.
Inside too, a lot has been inspired from the cars in the 1960s. The cockpit is a blend of beautiful elements and exposed carbon fiber. The seats are finished in woven leather upholstery, while the aluminum components are made from a single billets.
Only Five Huayra Codalungas Will Be Made
Only five Huayra Codalungas will be made, and will be closely built with the customers to suit their requirements. Each example will be built to meet the needs of the lucky bunch of owners. The Longtain design is something we have come to see from McLaren in recent times. But, Pagani's attempt looks amazing and everything we expect from the small Italian manufacturer who are giving the established Italian brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini a run for their money.
Source: Pagani