The Pagani Zonda and Huayra are hypercars like no others. Using carbon fiber for almost every component and powerful V12 engines, the cars Pagani design are lightweight, beautiful, and stupendously fast. But with so few models, many wonder if Pagani still make cars.
Pagani is still making cars, with the next model slated for release in 2022 and codenamed C10. The only information about this model is that it will be a two-seater hypercar with manual transmission. Pagani Automobili began designing cars in 1992, debuting their first model the Zonda C12 in 1999.
Below we go into detail about Pagani. Starting out designing race car parts for Renault, then moving on to Lamborghini in the late 70s and 80s, the history of Pagani Automobili is also the history of Horacio Pagani, an Argentine Italian who knew he could achieve great things in motorsport.
History Of Pagani
Beginnings
The story of Pagani begins with its founder Horacio Pagani, an Argentinian born in 1955 in the village of Casilda to an Italian father. His youth was spent learning from Tito Ispani, a local modeler, about form and function. By the age of 14, Horacio had begun building mini bikes with a friend. In 1972, Pagani made his own dune-buggy.
He then enrolled at university in 1974, though political turmoil cut his formal learning short. In 1977, he got a building and started taking on clients. Working with mostly hand tools, Horacio filled small orders for local business untilhe designed and debuted a caravan called the Alpine. Soon after he began producing one-off vehicles or modifying existing ones to suit his clients’ tastes.
In 1979 Horacio designed his first race car for a national competition but needed an engine. So, he went to Renault’s Argentina headquarters and struck up a deal for an engine. After mild success in racing, Horacio left for Italy. With help from his friend Juan Manuel Fangio, he was able to secure a job at Lamborghini. By then his work with fiberglass was catching people’s attention.
Partnerships
After working in the body shop at Lamborghini for some time, Horacio learned of carbon fiber. He then styled the 25th Anniversary Lamborghini Countach. Around this time, Pagani urged Lamborghini to invest in a carbon fiber autoclave, but they refused. So, Horacio Pagani took out a loan for around $500,000 and bought a carbon fiber autoclave. He then set up a carbon fiber studio, Modena Design.
When he had completed work on the Countach, he had shaved over 1000 lbs from stock, but it wasn’t produced due to cost. In 1991, he resigned, turning his full attention to his carbon fiber design business. He began by designing body work for Ferrari’s F1 team, Dallara IndyCar racing, and Aprilia among others. In 1992, Pagani started designing what was to be known as the Zonda.
In Media
Over the past two decades, Pagani vehicles have been featured in many games, television shows, movies, and music videos. For a lot of people, media will be the only way they can experience the balance of form and function that Pagani Automobili is renowned for. With price tags starting upwards of $1,000,000, these pinnacles of performance and luxury are a designer’s dream.
Where Are Pagani Cars Made?
Pagani cars are made in Italy. Pagani Automobili S.p.A is headquartered in San Cesario Sul Panaro, Italy, which is near Modena. All Pagani automobiles are made at the factory there, but they also do prototyping and carbon fiber design at this facility.
How Many Cars Has Pagani Made?
Pagani has made two flagship cars, the Zonda and the Huayra. They have also made roadster versions of each car, with the 2017 Huayra being a significant redesign. They have multiple one-offs and special versions of both models and special projects of which there are only 1 or 2 in the world.
Though they use advanced composites and leading design equipment, Pagani only produce around 30 cars a year. They have produced just 200 Zonda C12 cars, and only 100 first generation Huayra units, limited by an agreement with Mercedes-AMG who makes all V12 engines for Pagani. In 2017, Pagani launched the Huayra Roadster, which was also limited to 100 units. All planned units have sold out.
Are Pagani Still Making Cars?
Pagani is expected to release a new model or news of their ongoing project, the C10, by the end of 2022. Other than that, they are currently finishing up on existing customer orders for the Huayra Roadster, along with rebuilding any that have been crashed.
The C10 is expected to be a 2 seater coupe, with a roadster model coming after release. It is also expected to use a custom Mercedes-AMG V12, like the previous models. Pagani has also expressed interest in designing a crossover or SUV, due to the popularity of those styles of cars. While there has been no official data, these projects have been mentioned in interviews with Horacio Pagani.
When Is The Next Pagani Being Released?
The next Pagani, dubbed C10 in pre-production, is set to be released in late 2022, with the first models becoming available some time afterwards. This car is expected to follow the formula Pagani has used in the past, and based on past designs it will be breath-taking.
At some time around 2025, Pagani has hinted at a new style of car for his company, something that would be more comfortable and accommodating to more passengers. It is speculated to be a crossover, or sedan, due to the sales prominence of these body styles. But will likely retain the V12 Mercedes-AMG engine the other Pagani vehicles feature.
Final Thoughts
Pagani is still making cars. Though they’ve only been a manufacturer for 30 years, founder Horacio Pagani has been around motorsports his whole life. The new models are slated for release in the coming years, with one, codenamed C10 set to be released in late 2022.