Among the most important were ventilated carbon ceramic brakes, these being fitted to the Zonda for the first time and featuring huge 380mm discs all round. Combined with custom 19 and 20-inch wheels that used titanium nuts, a weight saving of 20kg was realised. A new induction system with larger intake apertures for the engine replaced the standard Mercedes-Benz unit. This and a larger hydroformed exhaust helped the 7.3-litre Mercedes-Benz V12 reach 602bhp at 6150rpm. However, if that wasn't enough, a 650bhp Clubsport option could also be specified. For the first time, the Zonda's bodywork came in for its fair share of surgery, a reworked front end receiving a larger front splitter, re-profiled air intakes to increase cooling and a one-piece carbon surround for the headlights. The mirrors were moved from the top of the windscreen pillars to the front wings so they no longer disturbed airflow to the new one-piece fixed rear wing. Extra cooling ducts were carved out from the tops of the rear wheelarches. To help airflow underneath, the larger front splitter was joined by a bigger rear diffuser that featured twin stabilising wings to create even more downforce. The back end too was subtly reworked, the trademark central exhaust being flanked by reshaped grilles and tidier tail light clusters. Inside, the familiar cockpit was given a minor makeover with a wooden steering wheel, bespoke switchgear, a wooden handbrake and wooden gear knob. The seat centres, transmission tunnel and even the footwells were trimmed in quilted leather. Weighing in at 1230kg , a top speed of 217mph made this the fastest production Zonda, 0-60 requiring just 3.5 seconds whilst 0-125 took 9.8. By contrast, with its new carbon ceramic brakes, stopping from 125mph took just 4.4 seconds. |
