Pagani C9

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Automedia

28th January 2010

WATCH out Ferrari – Pagani is developing a replacement for the Zonda! Caught testing in Italy, our spy photographers shot this prototype putting its new engine, advanced aerodynamics and totally fresh chassis through their paces.

Dubbed C9, the newcomer gets a modified body, which features a new front end, redesigned rear quarter panels to allow for larger air inlets, a redesigned rear diffuser and a totally new air scoop that sticks up from the middle of the engine cover.

Underneath lies a carbon-titanium chassis and forged aluminum alloy suspension components. Conceived as a totally new car in terms of weight distribution, materials and dynamics, according to  company boss Horacio Pagani, the C9 is powered by an all-new engine too.

Just out of sight in these pictures is a Mercedes' SL65 Black Series, which Pagani has been using for development purposes. The C9 will get its 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12, dropping the old 7.0-litre V12 in the process. The firm is keen to keep this secret – just check out the black coverings on the normally clear engine panels.

Producing around 700bhp and 1000Nm of torque, the C9 should be able to do 0-60mph in under three seconds and accelerate onto a top speed in excess of 225mph.

Making sure all this power goes to the road are bespoke Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres – 335/30/ZR20 section at the rear and 255/35/ZR19 at the front – while enormous carbon ceramic brake discs ensure the C9 stops as well as it goes.

In addition, the C9 will use advanced active aerodynamics, following in the wake of Ferrari's 458 Italia. Expect the new model to debut at a major motor show this year, before sales start in 2011 with a price tag of around £750,000.