Pagani Utopia Roadster
Targa top style open body
The carbon monocoque is designed with the assumption that it will be open, so there is no need to reinforce the body.
Pagani is an Italian supercar brand. Led by founder Horacio Pagani, this small-batch manufacturer is known for its top-tier performance and beautiful cars that are like works of art. Pagani’s latest creation, the Utopia, was unveiled as an open-top model at Pebble Beach last year, and now the production model has finally arrived in Japan.
Only the upper part of the car opens, in a style similar to a Targa top. To avoid adding weight, the opening and closing operation is manual, but since the roof is made of carbon fiber, no particular strength is required to do the job. Of course, it would be difficult to do this while waiting at a traffic light, but if you were so inclined, you could pull the car over to the side of the road and remove or put it back on by yourself.
No body reinforcement for the open-top design
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[1] A stand for propping up the removed roof is also included. It has rollers for easy movement. [2] The V12 engine is made by Mercedes-AMG. The pushrod suspension and subframe construction are also artistically beautiful. [3] There are aluminum heat dissipation fins behind the taillights. Even the smallest details are cool. [4] The area directly behind the passengers that doubles as a roll bar also has a rear window.
The Utopia, with its carbon composite chassis, was designed with open-top construction in mind from the beginning, so no additional reinforcement was required, and as a result, the weight was kept to 1,280 kg, the same as the coupe. When the roof is closed, the same form as the coupe is revealed, so there are no negative aspects to being open-top. It can be said that this is a car that simply adds to the fun of open-top driving.
The engine is a V12 made by Mercedes-AMG, just like the coupe. It has a displacement of 5980cc and a standard 60-degree bank angle. It is supercharged by twin turbochargers, producing 864PS of power and 1100Nm of torque. It is equipped with an Xtrac 7-speed manual transmission, but a 7-speed automatic manual transmission is also available as an option. Drive is of course rear-wheel only, and the top speed is limited to 350km/h.
The steering wheel is machined from a block of aluminum
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[1] The aluminum shift gate and exposed linkage are beautiful and reminiscent of an art object. The lighting color can be changed. [2] The tachometer and speedometer are analog. The speed is recorded up to 370 km/h. [3] The central meter shows, from right to left, water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure, and boost. The toggle switches below it are also beautiful. [4] The interior is full of Horacio Pagani’s aesthetic sense. The steering wheel is carved from solid aluminum.
And when it comes to Pagani, one thing you can’t miss is the artistic finish of each part. The interior in particular makes extensive use of genuine materials such as leather and metal. The aluminum steering wheel is made using an elaborate technique of being carved from a solid block. The meters are basically analog, which, combined with the gorgeous lighting, makes them look truly glamorous. Items such as the bag that fits in the luggage compartment on the side of the body and the jacket case that can be hung on the headrest and carried around are not only beautifully finished, but also have a wonderful design. Horacio Pagani’s artistic sense is evident in every detail, and it could almost be said that this car is a work of art in its own right.
Founder Horacio Pagani commented, “This car is the result of beauty, craftsmanship and meticulous research into the finest details. We learned that attention to detail from Japan.” He said that Japan was chosen as the first location for the launch in the Asia Pacific region, as there are many passionate Pagani fans in Japan.
While the coupe was produced in 90 units, the Utopia Roadster is planned to be produced in 130 units. Of course, all owners have already been decided.
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[1] Elegantly designed carbon fiber seats. In addition to a dedicated bag that fits behind them, there is also a jacket case that can be hung on the headrest. [2] The miniature car(?) that fits in the center console is actually a key. [3] There is a luggage space in front of the rear tires, and a bag that fits perfectly there is also included.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pagani Utopia Roadster
Body size: Length 4673 x Width 2060 x Height 1165 mm
Wheelbase: 2796 mm
Vehicle weight: 1280 kg
Engine: V12 DOHC twin turbo
Total displacement: 5980 cc
Maximum output: 635 kW (864 PS) / 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 1100 Nm (59.7 kgm) / 2800-5900 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed manual
Drive system: RWD
Suspension type: FR double wishbone
Brakes: F&R ventilated disc (carbon ceramic)
Tire size: F265/35R21 R325/30R22
Performance Top speed: 350 km/h (limiter activated)
