Pagani Zonda Roadster F

The Zonda Roadster F debuted at the 2006 Geneva auto show. It was similar to the coupe, but with a removable carbon fibre roof and canvas side curtains weighing just 5 kilograms (11 lb). Production of the Roadster F was limited to 25 units.

The Roadster F is able to maintain chassis rigidity without any gain in curb weight by eschewing conventional thinking by not strengthening the sills - a process which would have needed more than 35 kilograms (77 lb) of reinforcement. Pagani instead uses racing car thinking, materials and construction techniques, strengthening the firewall structure of the chassis tub together with billet alloy braces that connect the points where the roof rails would have joined. The windscreen is also strengthened for safety reasons. These techniques enable the Roadster to have virtually the same weight as the coupe, 1,230 kilograms (2,700 lb).

The Zonda Roadster F Clubsport was tested by Top Gear's The Stig and James May achieved a lap time around their test track of 1:17.8, beating the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 tested during the same episode, but lost in a quarter mile drag race against the Veyron by nearly 2.5 seconds. According to James May, the Zonda F Roadster costs £825,000. German racing driver Marc Basseng managed to lap the Zonda F Clubsport around the 20.8 kilometres (12.9 mi) Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:24.7.

Having inherited the “genetic heritage” of its sister coupé version, Zonda Roadster F displays a folding roof with the central part in carbon fibre and the lower part in canvas. As the natural surface carbon fibre, the smooth leather and anodized finishes spark the driver’s emotion, this supercar reveals the true character of the Italian GT, which has the sheer privilege of parading elegantly along the esplanade of Montecarlo or screeching its tyres across the Le Mans racing circuit with the same sensuality, aggressive design and mesmeric beauty.

Even during open-top cruising, this supercar makes no compromises in terms of maximum speed – a result accomplished by means of improved aerodynamic properties and the rigid chassis with increased bending and torsional rigidity.

Improvements include, amongst other things: development of specific reinforcing elements in the door sill area and tank area; specifically designed roll bars, also serving a structural function at the chassis frame level, and lastly, high-modulus 3-way carbon fibre composites.

The Zonda Roadster F, which weighs pretty much the same as the coupé version, clearly testifies to the great success of the Pagani team in terms of the aesthetical-functional improvements made, having achieved a 7:29 lap time on the Nürburgring racetrack (only a few seconds behind the Clubsport version).

Produced in a limited run of 25 units

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Mercedes-Benz AMG 12 cylinder V 60°; 48 valves; displacement 7291 cc
Max. Power	(kW) hp/rpm: (478) 650/6200
Max. Torque	Nm/rpm 780/4000
Weight-to-Power ratio	1,89 kg/hp
Impianto di aspirazione	Alluminio/avional idroformato MHG-System
Intake manifold	Aluminium hydroformed alloy/avional MHG-System
Exhaust system	Hydroformed steel and ceramic coated, inconel manifold, titanium muffler
Transmission	Longitudinal mid engine; rear wheel drive with self-locking differential
Clutch	Twin plate clutch
Gearbox	Mechanical 6 speed (+ reverse)
Brakes	4 ventilated Brembo disks, hydraulic power brake
Carbon-ceramic brakes	Front 380x34 mm 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm 4 piston caliper
Steering	TRW rack and pinion power assisted
Wheels	Forged aluminium/magnesium alloy APP wheels; 19” front, 20” rear
Tyres	Michelin Pilot Sport 2: front 255/35/19; rear 335/30/20
Suspensions	4 independent wheels with double A-arm; pull rod helical springs and Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers; anti-roll bar; aluminium/magnesium alloy suspension arms
Structure	Central carbon fiber chassis; front and rear Cr Mo space frames; carbon fiber “MD System” bodywork panels
Dimensions	Length 4435 mm; width 2055 mm; height 1141 mm; wheelbase 2730 mm; dry weight 1230 kg
Weight distribution	46% front; 54% rear
Downforce	~600 kg at 300km/h; downforce distribution: ~270 kg front; ~330 kg rear
Vehicle-Diagnosis	TMD remote diagnosis. Texa Mobile Diagnostic
Safety	ABS/Traction Control Bosch; central carbon fibre safety cell with Cr Mo steel and carbon fibre roll bar; front and rear impact energy absorbing structure in carbon fibre and Cr Mo
Performance	Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3,6 sec.; 0-200 km/h 9,8 sec.; Lateral g’s: 1,4 g; Braking 200-0 km/h: 4,4 sec.; Top speed: > 345km/h