The innovators at Pagani Automobili have never been accused of creating an ordinary supercar. With Horacio Pagani at the helm, pushing the boundaries is a given. Hence, it’s no surprise that the automaker has unveiled what could be its most extreme supercar to date – the Pagani Huayra R Evo. Sporting a distinctive long-tail design and a customized V-12 engine generating nearly 900 horsepower, this track-only model is crafted specifically for the brand’s most influential (and wealthiest) clientele.
Horacio Pagani conceived the idea for the Huayra R Evo after attending an IndyCar event in Nashville, Tennessee. The open-air and polycarbonate-laden cabins of the open-wheel racers caught his attention, especially when paired with the brand’s existing Huayra platform. The iconic Le Mans racers of the Sixties and Seventies, with their elegant ‘codalunga’ (long-tail) aero treatments, further inspired the project. As a result, the rear section of this latest track car is extended by 7.5 inches compared to the standard Huayra R introduced in 2021. The rear wing now features a large center stanchion, complemented by vintage-style metal side caps.
These modifications contribute to the car generating 45 percent more downforce than its predecessor and boasting 21 percent higher aerodynamic efficiency. Removing the roof panels for an open-air experience enhances performance, adding an extra five percent of downforce due to increased vertical loads. At a speed of 199 mph, the Huayra R Evo produces more vertical aerodynamic load than its listed curb weight of 2337 lb dry. The car features double wishbones suspension with electronic shocks at all four corners, now supplemented by a new heave damper designed to separate ride height changes from individual wheel control.
Beneath the hood of the Huayra R Evo lies a new iteration of the brand’s V-12 engine, known as the V12-R. Developed in collaboration with HWA AG, this unit incorporates new camshafts, a reworked exhaust setup, and a modified intake manifold, producing 887 horsepower and 567 lb-ft. This marks a 50 hp increase over the Huayra R, along with an additional 14 lb-ft. The redline is set at 9200 rpm. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a non-synchronized, dog ring, six-speed sequential box. Staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Slicks, emphasizing that this is a track-only machine. Behind the wheels, CCM-R self-ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with motorsport pads are installed. The supercar boasts a top speed of 218 mph.
Even if you happen to have a few million dollars in your account, this Pagani isn’t for the “average” wealthy buyer. It is part of the brand’s Arte In Pista program, involving curated track events on FIA circuits throughout the year. Although initially launched in 2021 for Huayra R customers, the program also includes owners of the former Zonda R and Zonda Revolución models. While production figures have not been disclosed by Pagani, the exclusivity of the Arte In Pista program suggests that the new Evo models may already be spoken for by a group of dedicated enthusiasts.
