The Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is unlike nearly any other car on the road today. Not only is it extremely limited in production, but it's entirely hand-built and fuses together the themes of art and science as practiced by Leonardo Da Vinci. Since its founding in 1992 by Horacio Pagani, Pagani Automobili has established itself as one of the world's finest hypercar designers and builders. Its first car, the Zonda, has been discontinued and its Huayra successor will soon end production as well, but not before one last hurrah.
The 2020 Huayra Roadster BC is likely to be that last hurrah. It encompasses everything Pagani believes in and takes hypercar craftsmanship to the next level. The fact that it's powered by a bespoke Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V12 with 800 horsepower is there to remind us that even ultra-elegance needs a touch of madness from time to time.
This Is What Perfection Looks Like
Pagani could have simply sliced the roof off its Huayra BC coupe and called it a day, but no. That's simply not possible in Pagani's world. Going from coupe to convertible required starting from scratch. The Huayra Roadster BC was designed to generate an aerodynamic load with a targeted downforce of 1,102 lbs at 174 mph. Pagani's talented designers and engineers still had to figure out a way to maintain ground clearance so that the car can be driven in all weather conditions, regardless whether it's on-road or track.
For example, the front end was designed to guarantee that necessary heat exchange for the V12 while simultaneously generating downforce. Air extraction is completed at the rear end while also ensuring the vehicle's pressure center is constant. That large rear wing, by the way, isn't just for show, though it does look amazing. It was specifically designed to be useful at nearly any speed. The all-new titanium six-exhaust pipe system even includes two hidden pipes in the rear diffuser. Why? To generate even more downforce. The removable hardtop roof is an all-carbon-fiber unit with a glass insert.
An Interior Unlike Any Other
To say Pagani builds the finest car interiors ever is a bit of an understatement. Pagani basically redefines interiors with a jeweler's precision. Every piece, right down to the nuts and bolts, are given necessary attention. We've come to expect nothing less from Pagani.
The Huayra Roadster BC, at least in its debut form, features a carbo-wood interior trim with embossed leather. To signify Pagani's obsession with classic motorsports, specifically Formula 1, the hypercar here is fitted with racing style, four-point seatbelts. There's even a nine-channel audio system. But remember, each and every Pagani is built to order, meaning buyers will customize their cars to their heart's desire. Whoever said money doesn't buy happiness?
A One-Of-A-Kind V12
Horacio Pagani was adamant from the beginning of the Huayra program that it'd be powered by a V12 engine. Some tried to convince him a twin-turbo V8 was the better way to go given increasing emissions standards. Pagani refused. Like with the Zonda, he turned to Mercedes-AMG to build him a bespoke V12. Like with all Huayras, this Roadster BC is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, only this time it produces at least 800 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed sequential gearbox.
But a special car like this required its own special V12. Therefore, Pagani gave it new turbochargers, a revolutionary hydroformed manifold, twin throttle bodies, and four water-air intercoolers. And yes, the engine meets all international emissions standards. Pagani hasn't released official performance figures at this time, but we do know the Huayra Roadster BC will surpass the regular Roadster's 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and 210 mph top speed.
Handling And Safety
Because of its extreme performance capabilities, Pagani equipped the Huayra Roadster BC with a state-of-the-art suspension system that'll enable drivers to maintain control. An active aerodynamic system also plays a huge role in this. What's interesting about its chassis is that it's composed of an exclusive composite technology based on carbon fiber and carbon-titanium. As a result, torsional rigidity is increased by 12% and flexion rigidity by 20%. Combined with advanced electronics, drivers will be able to enjoy serious performance, stability and, above all, safety.
Another bespoke feature is the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Because they were developed exclusively for the car, the Huayra Roadster BC can achieve a lateral acceleration of 1.9 g during constant running. Impressive. The gorgeous 14-spoke rims are made from a forged alloy, while Brembo carbon-ceramic 4-piston brakes are at the rear and 6-piston units are up front. The car has a total dry weight of just 2,755 pounds.
It Costs How Much!?
Brace yourselves because something like this is anything but cheap. Pagani claims the Huayra Roadster BC will have a starting price of almost $3.5 million. Per car. You read that right. Chances are, buyers will spend even more because Pagani offers a nearly endless amount of customization possibilities. As we said, each car is built to order, and Pagani customers always want to create something unique, something that expresses themselves. Pagani is more than willing to oblige.
Will It Sell?
Is the Pope Catholic? Of course the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC will sell. All 40 of them. That's right, Pagani has already announced production will be limited to a mere 40 examples. No exceptions. This is done not only to maintain the car's long-term exclusivity but also because each example requires meticulous attention to detail. Too many cars being built at once makes it difficult for Horacio Pagani to personally oversee construction of each and every one.
The Pagani Huayra Roadster BC, likely the final Huayra variant, has been announced and customers are expected to quickly place deposits. Upon doing so, the customization process begins. It appears that money can buy happiness, after all.