Remember the Huayra R? Introduced back in March 2021, the direct successor of the Zonda R uses a Mercedes-Benz HWA free-breathing V12 engine. It redlines at 9,000 revolutions per minute, and Pagani says that its maximum output is 838 hp at 8,250 revolutions per minute. All that fury is channeled to the rear wheels by a sequential transmission.
The supercar manufacturer from San Cesario sul Panaro limited the Huayra R to 30 units worldwide at 2.6 million euros apiece, sans taxes. Considering that it’s a track-only machine, this extremely limited run is hardly surprising.
The Italian automaker followed up the incredible-sounding track car with the Huayra R Evo, the punchiest model to ever come out of San Cesario sul Panaro. Unfortunately, this fellow is not entitled to wear a license plate.
How big of a difference is there between it and the Huayra R? For starters, the Pagani V12-R Evo engine delivers 888 horsepower (900 ps or 662 kW) at 8,750 revolutions per minute. Peak torque is rated at 770 Nm (568 pound-feet), whereas the redline has been increased to 9,200 revolutions per minute.
Stupidly impressive for a displacement of 6.0 liters and no forced induction whatsoever, but that’s not all. HWA further worked its magic on the intake system and camshafts, all in the name of enhancing the aspiration process. Otherwise put, you can bet your bottom dollar this V12 sounds breathtaking.
The Evo specification also features a sequential with six forward gears. Weighing a meager 176 pounds (80 kilograms), the quick-shifting tranny features a three-sintered metal disc racing clutch. Attached to the carbon-fiber monocoque of the Huayra R Evo, the non-synchro dog ring box also happens to be integrated with the rear suspension unit. It can withstand tremendous dynamic loads.
Pagani says the Huayra R Evo is made from the very same carbon fiber as the Utopia, the road-going supercar that replaces the Huayra in the Italian manufacturer’s lineup. The carbon fiber in question contributed to a 38-percent increase in stiffness at the same weight. Speaking of which, the Evo has a dry weight of 2,337 pounds (1,060 kilograms).
Pictured on 280/680 R19 and 345/725 R20 performance rubber from Pirelli, the Huayra R Evo features a couple of pop-out roof panels that have an effect on downforce. Pagani notes that the open-top configuration increases vertical load both up front and out back, improving total downforce by 5 percent. Another big difference over the Huayra R is the long-tail setup. The Evo is 190 millimeters longer, meaning just around 7.5 inches in old money.
Dubbed hypercar by its maker, the Evo generates maximum aerodynamic load at 320 clicks or 199 miles per hour. The sonorous V12 can be pushed even more, though. Pagani claims 350 kilometers per hour (218 miles per hour) at full chatter. Given this maximum speed, Pagani has also made a case for Brembo-supplied CCM-R carbon-ceramic self-ventilated brake rotors and racing-style pads.
Horacio Pagani drew inspiration from both IndyCar and Le Mans endurance prototypes for the Huayra R Evo. The single most jaw-dropping thing about it, however, is the following line from the attached press release: The Huayra R Evo can match the performance levels of the current LMP2 cars.
