Pagani Huayra R Evo straps on a 900-hp V12 engine (2024)

It’s mad, wild, and completely unhinged. Meet Horacio Pagani’s latest creation, the Huayra R Evo, with detachable roof panels and a screaming naturally aspirated V12 powerplant. The track-only monster is an evolution of the Huayra R, itself another bonkers performance machine conceived in the incredibly fertile mind of Mr. Horacio Pagani.

According to Horacio, the inspiration for the latest Huayra variant came from watching a Formula Indy race in Nashville. “As I observed the single-seater cars with their aeroscreens,” he said, “the idea of creating a car with protective polycarbonate surfaces and the option to remove the two roof panels to be fully immersed in the allure of the air and the captivating sound of the engine, dawned on me.”

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The distinctive ‘long tail’ body style was taken from the limited-seriesHuayra Codalunga. The 190-mm extension, compared to the regular Huayra model, translates to a 45-percent increase in downforce and a 21-percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency for the Huayra R Evo. Other downforce-enhancing elements include a redesigned rear diffuser and a massive spoiler with a central stabilizing fin.

The detachable roof panels on either side of the roof scoop are an ingenious addition that heightens the overall driving sensation. Once removed, they help increase the overall downforce by an extra five percent. At 320 km/h (199 mph), the Huayra R Evo will generate more downforce than its running weight.

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The open cabin concept will also allow the occupants to enjoy the unfiltered V12 symphony of the hand-built HWA 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12. It’s an updated version of the Huayra R’s engine called the V12 R-Evo and makes 900 hp at an ear-splitting 9,200 rpm. That’s an increase of 50 hp over the Huayra R’s output courtesy of new camshafts, a new intake manifold and a recalibrated ECU, amongst other tweaks.

Power is fed to the rear wheels via a specially designed six-speed sequential gearbox that weighs a scant 80 kg (176 lb.). The Huayra R Evo will hit a 351 km/h (218 mph) top speed before forward momentum is scrubbed off by self-ventilated carbon-ceramic brakes and bespoke brake pads.

Pagani claims the performance of the Huayra R Evo is at par with current Le Mans Prototype 2 race cars. The lucky owners of the Huayra R Evo will be able to push the car to the limits at special Pagani track days with other Pagani track toys like the Huayra R, Zonda R and the ZondaRevolución.