Named after the Quechua wind god Wayra Tata, the Huayra was designed by Horacio Pagani to address the performance requirements of the hypercar market while adhering to a supply agreement with Mercedes-AMG that limited production of the initial model. The design process focused on reducing weight and optimizing aerodynamic efficiency through active systems, a departure from the fixed-wing philosophy of its predecessor.
The Huayra is powered by a 6.0 L twin-turbocharged M158 60° V12 engine, developed specifically for the car by Mercedes-AMG. This power unit produces 740 PS (544 kW; 730 hp) and 1,000 N⋅m of torque. To minimize turbo lag and improve response, the engine utilizes smaller turbochargers and a specialized intercooler configuration. A dry sump lubrication system is employed to ensure oil flow during extreme lateral acceleration and to allow for a lower engine mounting position, which improves the center of gravity.
The car utilizes a seven-speed sequential gearbox with a single disc clutch. Pagani opted against a dual-clutch transmission to avoid an additional 70 kg of weight. The chassis features a titanium exhaust system weighing less than 10 kg, utilizing hydroformed joints and Inconel silencers. Braking is handled by Brembo carbon ceramic rotors, measuring 380 mm, with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
The Huayra features an active aerodynamics system consisting of four independently operated flaps at the front and rear. A dedicated control unit adjusts these flaps based on speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle, and throttle position. This system allows for a variable drag coefficient between .31 and .37. The flaps also function to prevent excess body roll by increasing downforce on the inside of a corner and act as an airbrake under hard braking.
The Huayra BC, named after Benny Caiola, is a track-focused variant unveiled in 2016. It features an upgraded V12 producing 764 PS and utilizes "carbon triax," a material 50% lighter than standard carbon fiber. This reduced the dry weight to 1,218 kg. The Roadster BC, introduced in 2019, increased output to 802 PS and utilized a carbon-titanium HP62 monocoque. It features a titanium exhaust that diverts gases over underfloor elements, similar to a Formula 1 blown diffuser.
Unveiled in 2017, the Roadster is 70 kg lighter than the coupé, weighing 1,280 kg. It utilizes conventional doors instead of the coupé's gull-wing doors and features a removable top. The engine output matches the BC coupé at 764 PS.
Named after the Imola Circuit, the Imola was introduced in 2020 as the most powerful street)-legal Pagani at the time, producing 838 PS. It features a large seven-section diffuser and a shark fin. The Imola Roadster, introduced in 2023, produces 850 PS and was inspired by the track-only Huayra R.
The Huayra R is a track-only successor to the Zonda R, featuring a naturally aspirated "Pagani V12-R" engine built by HWA AG. It produces 850 PS and has a 9,000 rpm redline. The R Evo Roadster, introduced in 2024, is an open-top longtail version of this track-only platform.
Introduced in 2022, the Codalunga is a limited five-unit series designed to pay homage to 1960s race cars like the Porsche 917. An open-top variant, the Codalunga Speedster, was introduced in 2025 with a 10-unit production run.
Tricolore: Built to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Frecce Tricolori, featuring a Pitot tube to measure air speed.
Lampo: A partnership with Garage Italia Customs inspired by the 1954 Fiat Turbina.
Epitome: A 2024 one-off featuring a seven-speed manual transmission and 852 horsepower.
Executor: A 2025 manual Roadster one-off with a specification inspired by the Star Wars vessel Executor.
While primarily a road-going hypercar, the Huayra demonstrates high-performance capabilities including a top speed of 383 km/h (238 mph) and a 0-97 km/h time of 2.8 seconds. Using Pirelli tires, the vehicle is capable of 1.66 g of lateral acceleration. The track-only Huayra R serves as the dedicated competition-specification chassis, though it is not campaigned in a specific FIA-sanctioned racing series according to the manufacturer's primary focus on private track use.
The Huayra's development led to the creation of "carbon triax" and carbon-titanium HP62, materials that Pagani integrated into subsequent high-performance variants and special projects. The Huayra R specifically succeeded the Zonda R, continuing Pagani's lineage of naturally aspirated, track-exclusive vehicles.
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