Driver's Notebook: An Exclusive Spin in Supercar Valley
June 4, 2002
Sr. Pagani has also paid close attention to the interface between man and machine. Twin periscopes on the dash deliver enough cold air to banish the usual roasting effects of a supercar’s greenhouse-like cockpit. The made-to-measure carbon fiber seats provide the ideal balance of comfort and support. The Zonda’s suspension is endlessly communicative, yet compliant enough for long journeys. You’re surrounded by sumptuous leather, polished aluminum and glassy-smooth carbon fiber. The cabin’s only failing is the radio, a fiddly little Japanese unit that cleverly disguises the “on” button, and somehow manages to make FM sound like AM. Buyers are advised to replace it with something more serious, or yank it out and let the mighty Mercedes engine provide the soundtrack.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc(); "Paganini C12S")
In short, the Pagani Zonda is easy to drive and built to last. If it wasn’t wider than a moving van and lower than a grasshopper’s ankles, this car could even be considered as a viable, everyday alternative to a Porsche Turbo. Which is, of course, a bit silly. Even a glance at the enormous Group C Racer–style body is enough to tell you this mad, bad machine belongs in the wide garage of an enthusiast, rather than hogging two spaces in a public parking lot. In two years’ time, American collectors will get their chance. Whether they can see past the manufacturer’s lack of racing pedigree and the car’s enigmatic styling remains to be seen. If they do, they will own one of the finest driving machines ever made. (Click image to enlarge)
Meanwhile, you might be interested to know that a “zonda” is a dry, winter wind that descends from the Andes’ eastern slopes. It usually precedes the pampero, a severe windstorm with rain, thunder and lightning. Given the ferocity of the Zonda automobile and the company’s initial success, the traditional supercar establishment had better watch out. The Pagani Pampero must surely be on its way.
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