Pagani Utopia Roadster promises V12 nirvana

Somehow it’s already two years since Pagani stunned the world with the Utopia, a mash up of all things great about the Zonda and Huayra in one package. Back in September 2022 it was announced with the promise of just 99 units that were already spoken for; clearly enough folk were disappointed at not being able to get a new Pagani V12, as here’s the Utopia Roadster. 

Actually that’s not quite the case, as Pagani designed  both models together, as opposed to the Huayra and Zonda equivalents which were separate projects. Almost like Pagani knew making V12 manuals might prove popular with the world’s billionaires in the 2020s. It means they can claim a hypercar just as dynamic and agile, too. So the powertrain is identical to the coupe, with an 864hp version of the venerable twin-turbo AMG 6.0 V12 mated to an Xtrac seven-speed manual. An automated paddleshift is available, said to be further improved from its previous installation. With a dry weight of just 1,280kg thanks to extensive use of composites in the construction, as well as a monster 811lb ft, expect appropriately amazing acceleration. Plus, as Pagani points out, ‘the wonderful roar of a V12 engine.’

With active suspension, an electronic diff and advanced traction control, Pagani says the Utopia Roadster is ‘always an exhilarating, obedient, and reassuring ally.’ New for this car is the Pirelli Cyber tyre, which has sensors that can communicate with the ABS and ESP for best possible performance. The 21- and 22-inch wheels are available with winter Pirelli rubber plus a track focused P Zero Trofeo RS; the latter is included as part of a Sport Pack that the Habanero Red exposed carbon car seen here – set to be shown to the world at Monterey –  is fitted with. As well as the tyres, a Utopia SP in either bodystyle will get carbo-titanium seats, a titanium exhaust, carbon deflectords for the wheels (to benefit brake cooling) and a host of interior highlights also in carbo-titanium. Pagani says there are more than 40 formulas of composite materials in a Utopia, plus a significant amount of locally made metal parts thanks to the rebirth of Modena Design (which Pagani owns).

Nowhere is that more obvious than the steering wheel, assuming one has already clocked the mats like those of an outboard boat. Starting from a 43kg block of metal (presumably aluminium), a five-axis milling machine works for more than a day (28 hours) to get down a 1.6kg wheel. The enormous amount left over is recycled. The wheel is then finished, polished and inspected by a craftsman. In case anyone was wondering where a price like €3.1m plus taxes was arrived at. 

Despite the spec similarities, the Roadster and Coupe Utopias are said to offer different experiences thanks to a large roof window in the hardtop of this car that will let in more light. It can be driven without the roof in place, of course, with the hardtop kept on a plinth, and there’s a soft top included that can be stored behind the seats. Pagani doesn’t mention anything about, y’know, how long that might take to put on or how fast the car can be driven with the canvas in place. Presumably it’ll be like many a vestigial roof for a roadster, there for unexpected showers. The Roadster has been built for roof down romps in California and similarly sunny climes; good job then, that just like the Coupe, this Utopia has been approved for road use globally.

Horacio Pagani said this new Roadster represented “the pinnacle of our ongoing research aimed at crafting objects combining the most sophisticated technology with timeless design.” Quite the claim given everything it has made over the past 25 years or so, and more than likely to take many admiring glances (and perhaps a few deposits) when it is shown at the Pebble Beach Concours in a couple of weeks. Seems like V12 dream machines remain alive and kicking.