2005 Pagani Zonda F

July 2024 · 4 minute read

Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, The Zonda F is one of the fastest supercars ever made. Built using Pagani’s extensive experience in carbon fibre construction, the Zonda is leader with regard to fit and finish. With this car, Pagani Automobili is among a small group of independent supercar manufacturers that challenge more established competition such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

During the outset of the Zonda project, Juan Manuel Fangio consulted and influenced Horacio Pagani on every aspect of the Zonda. Horacio says Fangio had great ‘technical sensibility’ and was a major source of inspiration for his car. Thus, it should come to no surprise that Pagani’s latest work pays tribute to the late Fangio, a world champion five times over.

Zonda F is a special edition car that will be built alongside the regular production model. It takes the modifications adapted to the C12-S Monza and refines them into a more appealing package. As a result the Zonda F is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor.

Aerodynamics play large role in shaping Zonda’s new car. More traditional devices include a one-piece fixed wing which now gets undisturbed air thanks to relocated mirrors. To help airflow underneath, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser with twin stabilizing wings create even more downforce. At the front of the Zonda F is a much larger air intake to increase cooling effectiveness of the more potent V12 engine.

To give the Zonda F more power, a new induction system is used which replaces the standard Mercedes-Benz unit. It features larger intake apertures and, when combined with a larger, hydroformed exhaust, the 7.3 liter Mercedes-Benz engine reaches 620 bhp. This is up from 550 achieved with the standard Mercedes intake. A clubsport model is available as an option which increases power to 650 bhp @ 6200 rpm.

The chassis receives several upgrades which lighten both the overall and unsprung weight of the Zonda. Newly designed 19 and 20 inch wheels make room for much larger brakes which can now be ordered in a ceramic compound for the first time. Combined with the titanium wheel nuts, and various trimmings of the carbon fiber tub, the Zonda F weighs 1230 kgs without liquids.

After all these changes it should come to no surprise that Pagani has made a much superior Zonda. With 650 bhp on tap, the clubsport model should easily rival cars including the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo.

Specs & Performance

submitted byRichard Owen
typeSeries Production Car
released at2005 Geneva Motor Show
built atItaly
production25
price $$741,000
engineMercedes Benz M180 V12 w/Pagani Intake, Exhaust, Management Systems
positionMid-Longitudinal
aspirationNatural
valvetrainDOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement7291 cc / 444.9 in³
bore91.5 mm / 3.6 in
stroke92.4 mm / 3.64 in
power480 kw / 643.7 bhp @ 6200 rpm
specific output88.29 bhp per litre
bhp/weight505.26 bhp per tonne
torque1057.54 nm / 780 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
redline7000
body / frameCarbon Fibre Monocoque with Aluminum Sub-Frames, Carbon Fibre Roll Bar
driven wheelsRWD w/Traction Control, Self Locking Differential
front tires225/35×19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2
rear tires335/30×20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2
front brakesCarbon-Ceramic Discs w/6-Pot Calipers, Hydraulic Assist, ABS
rear brakesCarbon-Ceramic Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, Hydraulic Assist, ABS
steeringTRW Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspensionAluminum Alloy A-Arms w/Pull-Rod Springs, Ohlins Adjustable Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspensionAluminum Alloy A-Arms w/Pull-Rod Springs, Ohlins Adjustable Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight1274 kg / 2809 lbs
wheelbase2730 mm / 107.5 in
length4435 mm / 174.6 in
width2055 mm / 80.9 in
height1141 mm / 44.9 in
transmission6-Speed Manual w/Twin Plate Clutch
top speed~345.94 kph / 215 mph
0 – 100 kph~3.5 seconds

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