Pagani unveils Huayra Roadster ahead of Geneva debut

Pagani's €2.28m (£1.94m) Huayra Roadster hypercar has sold out before it even makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Based on the existing Huayra platform launched in 2012, the Roadster houses a 6.0-litre Mercedes-AMG-built twin-turbo V12 engine, first developed for the limited-edition Huayra BC. It produces 754bhp and 738lb-ft torque, which is around 34bhp more than the base model.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed gearbox and electronic differential, which AutoExpress says could see the Roadster go from a 0-62mph in "less than three seconds".

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A blend of carbon fibre and titanium, which Pagani calls "Carbo-Titanium', stiffens the Huayra Roadster's structure by 52 per cent. This process also shaves an impressive 176lbs over the Huayra coupe, bringing the total weight down to 2822lbs.

The Huayra Roadster clearly takes several styling cues from the BC, including the extended carbon fibre splitter at the front and sharper lines down the side of the car.

It does, however, introduce a few tweaks. A small aerodynamic lip has been placed above the tail lights and the rear diffuser extends further than the coupe.

Inside, Pagani's iconic deep sports seats return, coated in leather, as do the carbon-fibre dashboard and steering wheel. The jet-inspired air vents have also been tweaked and the front of the glove compartment is fitted with a metal Roadster logo.

Pagani will reveal the Huayra Roadster to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Prices start at €2.28m (£1.94m) and will be limited to just 100 units, although the Italian firm says all its models have already sold out.

Hardcore Pagani Huayra on the way

19 January

Italian supercar-maker Pagani teased fans on Facebook with a tantalising, shadowy picture of an upcoming new model, which seems to be a track-bred and faster version of its Huayra hypercar.

Tipped to be called the Huayra BC, most of the motoring media say it will be revealed publicly at the Geneva Motor Show in March, as car companies begin drip-feeding the first hints as to what models they will take to the show.

The current Huayra is priced at £990,000 and uses a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 with 720bhp, powering it to a top speed of 230mph. How much Pagani will turn up the wick is under debate, but Top Gear reckons the new BC will have in excess of 750bhp and will be "a monster of a road car".

Performance upgrades won't just be limited to the engine, though. Visually, the BC will sport heaps of new aerodynamic kit over the standard model - the huge rear wing on show in the teaser shot will be joined by similarly serious appendages at the front, as well as more cooling vents.

Auto Express says the car has been spotted testing on circuits in Italy and that the BC will get a new transmission and differential set-up for optimum performance. Unlike Top Gear, they are unsure if the car will be road-legal or track only.

Rumours suggest only 20 vehicles will be made, but given Pagani's history of releasing many faster and track-inspired versions of its older model, the Zonda, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that the Huayra lineage doesn’t end with the BC.

Described as a "motoring Mecca", the Geneva Motor Show is the biggest of the year, says Car magazine. The 2015 event was noted for a string of several high-profile supercar reveals and that looks set to continue this year, with Aston Martin's upcoming DB11 and a new Lamborghini supercar joining the BC rumours as possible crowd-pleasers.