Zonda F test drive at Pagani Automobili

Road test: Granted that we were merely passengers during our first encounter with the magnificent Zonda F – however, the experience from the co-pilot’s seat is still an incredibly rewarding one.

Sitting in the cockpit of the Zonda, the first thing you notice is how bright it is, and how fantastic the visibility is for a car of this size. All corners of the car can be seen from the driving position, and the wheel arch mounted wing mirrors offer exceptional rearward view. As you become acclimated to the car, you begin to feel as if there is much more glass than car surrounding you; such is the feeling of openness.

The seating position is very comfortable for both driver and passenger – seating material is firm and supportive, nestling you within the embrace of the sport seats. Looking around, the attention to detail in everything you touch is absolutely incredible. Most of the switchgear has an exquisite tactile feel to it, with nary a parting line, machine mark or burr to be seen anywhere. Switches snick up and down positively, and buttons have a positive action to them. Notice the snorkel-like vents protruding from the center console – the ducts move so silkily, it’s unreal. Notice the hardwood and aluminum gearknob with the bright red starter button – the tactile reward is almost surreal.

Looking forward from the driver’s seat through the fabulous hardwood Nardi wheel, your eyes will settle on what must be the most incredible instrument cluster known to man. Framed in aluminum, the dark grey background provides good contrast to the light grey numerals and symbols. Though it includes fuel level, oil temperature, oil pressure, coolant temperature, speedometer and tachometer, as well as warning lights for other systems, it doesn’t look cluttered; such is the success of the design layout.

Nothing in the cockpit has been lifted from a parts bin – indeed, everything seems to have been engineered to the exacting specifications of Mr. Pagani himself. I have never been in a car anywhere that has the levels of fit and finish exhibited by the Zonda F. To illustrate: even the grain of the carbon fiber lines up at the seams of the different assemblies – now that’s perfection!

Alright, enough looking around, time to experience the total package. Our most gracious escort for the day, Hannes, turns the key and thumbs the starter. With that, the engine roars to life and settles into a smooth idle. Oh, what a truly magical sound! Throttle blipped a few times, it’s amazing how quickly the engine builds and sheds revs. Is there any weight behind this flywheel? Wow.

As we turn out from the Pagani facility, Hannes illustrates both the incredible torque of the Zonda, as well as the well designed clutch by selecting and engaging first without touching the throttle. While we’ve found that most cars can be 'feathered' into gear via this method, no car I’ve ever experienced can do it as quickly and easily as the Zonda.

Trundling up the road, Hannes short-shifts into second, and I think (for a brief moment), “I thought this car was supposed to be fast.” As if reading my mind, my illustrious chauffeur firmly plants the throttle against the stop, the car unleashes its 602 horses onto the unsuspecting tarmac with such ferocity, I thought we’d just been launched out of a catapult! Almost immediately, we’re reaching the limits of second gear, so in goes the clutch, followed by a moment of weightlessness as my body glides forward before being hammered back into the recesses of the seats once more. At this point, my brain is pinned against the rear of my skull, trying desperately to keep firm focus on the horizon, while at the same time thinking, “How am I going to put this experience into words?”

No time to think about it for too long, since there’s a corner coming up. Looking for the apex of the turn, I wait for the throttle lift…long enough to realize there’s not going to be one. No matter, since the Zonda stays absolutely flat through the turn with not even a chirp from the massive 335/30 profile rear tires. Right then, onto the next straight, and up through the gearbox, trying to recollect how many shifts we’ve been through to figure out what gear we’re in. (Not that it matters, of course, as the Zonda pulls with such incredible force regardless of what gear you’re in!) Later on, Hannes would demonstrate how tractable the Zonda is by shifting from first to sixth but eliciting nary a shudder from the car. Indeed, this car can assume the “comfortable GT” role as easily as the “manic racer” one.

It’s about this time that Hannes realizes he hasn’t demonstrated the brakes yet. Fortunately, I was warned before the brakes were applied so I had the opportunity to gather myself together in preparation for the exploration of another angle to the Zonda. This particular car is fitted with the carbon-ceramic discs (derived from racing technology), and I’d heard that they didn’t work particularly well until they’ve warmed up. I can now say categorically that if these brakes work better when warm, I think I’d have an imprint across my chest where the seatbelt was. Let’s just say, even on “cold” brakes, the Zonda stops as well as it goes. (I idly contemplated whether or not I should close my eyes to keep them from flying out.)

After a few more twists and turns, I realize we’re on the road heading back to the factory. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Zonda yet (or let Oli have his turn), but unfortunately, such is life. As we round the last turn, completely devoid of traffic, Hannes plants his foot one last time. Such is the ferocity of acceleration as he works through the gearbox, I swear I see the fabric of time and space tearing, just a little bit.

As we pull up outside the Pagani facility and I clamber across the sill to let Oli in for his chance to experience the Zonda, I wonder, “Is there any downside to this car?”

To put it bluntly, no.

Price: Granted, the car is not inexpensive – but the fit, finish, performance and technology present in this automobile would be reasonable at twice the price.

Performance: The car accelerates as if being shot from a cannon. The pitch and roll of the car seems almost totally flat, regardless of the corner or speed. (Though suspension settings are adjustable to customer taste.)

Appearance: This is truly one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever set eyes on. While I’ll admit to being a little skeptical after seeing the car in pictures, having seen the car “in the fiber” so to speak, I can report that few photos adequately express its beauty.

Exclusivity: With only 60 cars built since 2000, you’re not likely to ever see one again. In fact, as every car is individually fitted to the customer, no two cars are exactly alike.

The only drawback for those of us living in the United States is that the car is not certified for road use. Thus, if you buy one, you will have to get a special vehicle approval to drive it on the road. Pagani has received many inquiries from the U.S. for their cars, and is currently working to find ways to make them road legal. I feel confident that patience will pay dividends.

We would like to pass along our most humble thanks to all of the fantastic people at Pagani Automobili for tolerating us for the entire day. A special thanks to Mr. Pagani himself for allowing us the opportunity to learn about his company, meet his incredibly dedicated staff and experience his latest supercar.