Ever since Pagani released details of the Zonda R back in 2007, we’ve had a steady stream of enquiries. To be fair, most of those were from rubber-neckers looking for brochures or pictures; not serious buyers. But we have had a few very serious enquiries (although they may have had a change of heart if they were in banking, manufacturing, construction…!) and we’ve had to tell them the same thing; it’s going to happen, but we don’t know when.

But this week Pagani has finally got round to launching the Pagani Zonda R in Vienna.

The Zonda R is the final iteration of the Zonda before an all new model arrives sometime next year. But it’s not a road car. This is a Zonda built for the track, and there are only going to be 10 units built. And its not trying to homologate itself in to any racing series. This is just a pure and simple project to create the ultimate Zonda for the track, for a handful of very wealthy clients with access to private tracks.

The starting point for the Zonda R is a very powerful version of the 7.3 litre AMG engine from Mercedes. This high-revving engine has an output of 750bhp and a healthy dose of 525lb/ft of torque. New carbon fibre intakes, a racing clutch and an F1 style exhaust system add to the potent mix.

Although visually very similar to the Zonda F, the Zonda R uses only 10% of the same components. It gets an all new carbon fibre monocoque, the suspension is forged aluminium, it gets a new 6 speed sequential box and a four-pump fuel tank (which it’s going to need!). It grows a bit as well, with the wheelbase 47mm longer and the track by 50mm. The whole car is actually 394mm longer than the Zonda F.

Performance is pretty spectacular too. 0-60 will be just over 3 seconds, and on to a top speed of almost 250mph.

With just 10 being made, even at a list price of €1.4 million, there are going to be more takers than cars (but we will help if you’re serious!). And there is no way that the Zonda R can be used on the road (unless of course you happen to own the country you’re driving in – which will happen!).

Rumour has it that one buyer has taken this ‘Not Road Legal’ to the extreme, and is arranging to have his car stuffed and mounted in his living room!

The Zonda has been an epic car. Horacio Pagani has quite frankly worked miracles with the Zonda. Ten years ago the world had never heard of Pagani or Zonda, but now it ranks up there with the greats. Which is quite a feat when you think how many have tried and failed to do what Ferrari and Lamborghini have done. Yes, the Zonda relies heavily on Mercedes for its engines, but that has been a real plus, not a minus. The 7.3 litre Mercedes V12 is a gem, and Pagani has brought out the very best in it. But the real key to the car is the passion that goes in to it. It oozes from every perfectly crafted part of the car.

Starting with the Zonda S at the turn of the century, we’ve had the Zonda F (and clubsport variants), both coupe and roadster, and even the Zonda R (the track car). And now we have the final iteration of the Zonda – the Cinque – which is in effect a road-going version of the ‘R’.

This is one Zonda that is likely going to appreciate in value. Already an exclusive club, the Cinque is the model to have. The last ever Zonda. Limited to only 5 built. A better power to weight ratio than the Veyron (which in comparison is as common as muck!). And extra power plus a sequential gearbox to add to the mix.

All five of the Cinques are sold (but we do have one – be quick!). And that is no surprise. When you think that the limited edition Veyron, the Pur Sang, sold out its 5 units in just 24 hours, it’s easy to see why there was so much clamouring for the Cinque. And it’s not just a carbon-bodied supercar. Oh, no. This is built using something called Carbon Titanium, a pioneering new compound which is lighter and stronger than carbon fibre. This is undoubtedly the way cars at this level are heading, and Pagani are there first.

678bhp. 0-60 in around 3 seconds. 225mph. And just look at it!

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