The Third Generation of Pagani Hypercars

Pagani has presented what it calls ‘Act Three, Scene Two’ of its hypercar story as the Utopia Roadster is revealed ahead of its forthcoming debut at Monterey Car Week.

Following the Zonda and Huayra, the Utopia is the third generation of Pagani hypercar and was first revealed in 2022 with 99 units of the coupe being produced. Like its two predecessors, the Utopia now has an open top variant to go with it and, my word, it is certainly a sight to behold. Even Horacia Pagani calls it “the pinnacle of our ongoing research.”

Power and Performance

Developed in tandem with the coupe version over a period of six years, the Utopia Roadster has the same 1,280kg weight thanks to plenty of carbon fibre and identical carbon-titanium monocoque, suspension and brakes. The car is powered by a Mercedes AMG-derived 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine (no hybrid here) that produces 864hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a choice of seven-speed Xtrac automated or seven-speed manual transmission giving a top speed of around 217mph.

Design and Features

The Utopia Roadster looks pretty much the same as the coupe version, barring the stand out feature roof. This can stay up and mirror the coupe, but to create the open-top Roadster experience, the roof has to be manually removed and placed on a bespoke stand. In case of rain, a fabric substitute roof is stored behind the seats in the cabin.

A set of 21 and 22 inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in the latest Pirelli ‘Cyber’ Trofeo RS tyres which feed back temperature and wear data to the car’s computer. These can also be fitted with optional carbon aero-inserts for better aerodynamics.

Inside the Utopia Roadster is your classic luxurious Pagani interior. The cabin is full of analogue dials and physical switches instead of modern touchscreens, while hand-stitched leather and carbon fibre are used throughout.

For those looking to use the Roadster as a grand tourer, Pagani has also thrown in two matching suitcases made from leather covered carbon that can be stowed in two special compartments next to the engine. There’s also room for two matching garment bags which fit behind the headrests.

How luxurious you want to make depends on how much you will spend on the range of customisation options available. Pagani says each Roadster is “truly unique….making it possible to create a car that reflects the personality of each client.”

The presentation Utopia Roadster making an appearance at Monterey Car Week will be fitted with the optional Sport Pack configuration which includes 20 per cent lighter seats, Aeroblade carbon deflectors on the wheels to cool the Brembo brakes, and a set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres. Carbo-titanium is also used for the gear shift paddles, knob and floor mats, while also being used on the outside for the movable flaps and roof of the monocoque.

Like every Pagani release, it will be limited in numbers and only 130 examples (30 more than the coupe) are set to be made. The price? £2.6 million rising to £3.1 million after added taxes. However, that is unlikely to put off its clientele.

The 2024 Monterey Car Week runs from 9-18 August.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Pagani