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www.QV500.com - Pagani Zonda Part 2: C12 Zonda S |
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12 months after launching the first C12 prototype, Pagani debuted an even faster version, the Zonda S. Displayed at the Geneva Salon in March 2000, a few minor changes were made to the suspension geometry and underbody aerodynamics, but a new engine was the really big news. A seven-litre AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz V12 replaced the original C12's six-litre unit, output jumping by 160 horses to 550bhp at 5500rpm. Enough for a 211mph top speed, 0-60 shrunk to just 3.7 seconds while 0-100 required less than eight. |
| Designated Typ M170 E 72 and with a displacement of 7010cc, the C12 S motor was one of the largest and most powerful European engines available but still highly tractable at any speed. Coupled to Pagani’s own six-speed gearbox, the handful of visual changes included a new front end treatment with a supplementary aerofoil. This was positioned at the base of a more defined central splitter and just below a distinctive 'arrow head' nose. More differences could be found at the rear where the C12's bi-mounted wing was substituted for two separate spoilers. The interior remained unchanged save for the centre console scripting that now read Zonda S. Production began in the autumn of 2000 and despite a higher list price, Pagani's new flagship all but killed off demand for the less powerful C12. |
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