Pagani meets Top Gun as Huayra Tricolore takes off
Pagani has enlisted the Italian Air Force to launch its high-flying Huayra Tricolore. Just three of the $6.7 million machines are being made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s national aerobatics team.
In keeping with the aviation theme, Pagani says the Tricolore features the most aeronautical influence ever seen on the road. Appropriately, the car’s air management has been enhanced significantly. A bigger front splitter delivers more downforce, while new side extractors aid the intercooler. A new air scoop delivers cold air to the engine and the whole design aims to echo the Aermacchi MB-339A aircraft used by the Frecce Tricolori. The rear wing supports are also styled like the tail fin of the MB-339A, and the hood of the car even features a pitot tube to measure air speed. Finally, the car’s livery complements that of the famous flyers.
The Tricolore’s chassis is made from Carbo-Titanium HP62G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, aerospace-quality materials that reduce weight and increase strength. Power comes from the latest Mercedes-AMG V-12, specially developed for Pagani. This twin-turbo brute sends 840 hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential transmission and an electronic differential. The new system is said to be over one-third lighter than a dual-clutch transmission.
The interior of the Tricolore takes inspiration from the Air Force jets in its use of machined aluminum and carbon fiber. Even the floor mats are a special composite material. The white-and-blue seats are a throwback to the original Zonda but add red, white and green inserts to pay tribute to the National Aerobatic Patrol. The headrests feature the patrol’s emblem. A final touch is the fitment of an anemometer in the center console, fed from the pitot tube on the hood.
With Bugatti recently launching its own aviation tribute Les Légendes du Ciel edition Chiron Sport, we’d love to see a dogfight between these two. Until such a day dawns you can enjoy watching the Tricolore and the Frecce Tricolori in action in the video below.
