Pagani Huayra (2011): first news of Pagani's C9

This is the new Pagani Huayra - the new Pagani supercar previously codenamed C9. The Huayra is the Italian maker's replacement to the Zonda V12 and will make its official show debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

The Pagani Huayra is named after a mythical god in the Andes responsible for winds, blizzards and hurricanes. We can see that this new V12 supercar may produce a few localised storms of its own.

Pagani has stuck with his tried and tested AMG V12 engines. This one's twin-turbocharged, dry-sumped and displaces 6.0 litres - enough to produce 'more than 690bhp and 737lb ft of twist. Yet Pagani claims this is the most efficient 12-cylinder engine in the planet.

It drives through a seven-speed automated manual gearbox (like Lamborghini's preferred transmission) and drives the rear wheels. Pagani quotes a top speed of more than 224mph.

Pagani says a twin-clutch system would've added an extra 70kg to the weight. This Xtrac-sourced transmission weighs 96kg all-in.

This is a big supercar at 4605mm long, 2036mm wide and 1169mm tall, yet it weighs a svelte 1350kg dry. Pagani claims 56% of that mass is over the rear wheels, helped by the placement of two radiators in the nose. The 85-litre fuel tank has composite shell, similar to ballistic shock material.

That low weight is allowed by a carbon-titanium monocoque, using much of the learning from the Zonda R. Gullwing doors are present and correct - for maximum impact at Casino Square in Monaco - yet the composite construction means they have little effect on the rigidity of the Huayra.

Even the exhaust system is lightweight - crafted from titanium and weighing just 10kg.

By Tim Pollard