2014 Pagani Huayra: A Hot Piece Sure to Spice Up Your Automotive World

Let's face it, in these economic times who can afford an exotic supercar? I know that I can't! However, we can read about them and even decide if they 'would be right' for us. Oh, I'll pass on that supercar for now, what a luxury! Anyway, looking on the bright side, by not actually owning a supercar, we get to avoid the maintenance costs and insurance bills.

In 1999 the Pagani Zonda made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show. It impressed the automotive community with its performance, quality, and refined engine and chassis. The Pagani Huayra is the successor to the Zonda. Of note, the man who is responsible for making Huayra possible is Horacio Pagani.

In most of my articles, I leave the price until last. However, this time, I will begin with the 2014 Pagani Huayra's price - an estimated 1.2 million (base price).

The car is a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive, two passenger two-door coupe. The car sits low to the ground and it is very sleek. Its two gullwing doors swing up to provide easy entry and exit. The headlights are dual elliptical units nicely integrated in each front fender. The mirrors hang suspended off the fenders.

On the technological front, the car has flaps at each corner that move independently to change the down force based on inputs from sensors that measure the car's speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, as well as roll and steering angle. In short, this car stays firmly planted on the road and track like few others.

The chassis is a monocoque design made from titanium infused carbon fiber. The suspension is race car built and consists of double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bars, and pushrod actuated Ohlina shocks at all four corners. There are 1,200 titanium bolts (I like to use plain old stainless steel) that cost $80 each.

The interior is fully equipped and as comfortable as you would want. Some of the details include an exposed shifter linkage described as a work of art. The car's instrument dials are made from the same material that Patek Philippe has used to make watch faces (a set of four reportedly cost near $9,000).

The brakes are provided by Brembo and are 15-inch vented carbon-ceramic discs at all four corners. The tires are PZeros specifically developed by Pirelli for the car. They measure 225 3519 inch at the front and 235 30 20 inch at the rear. The exclusive tires not only handle the car's top speed but also enable 1.5 g of grip in the corners.

The power for the Pagani Huayra Sport Edition is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 providing 730 hp and an estimated 740 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel. As this supercar weights in at a light 3000 lbs., its 0-60 mph time is estimated to be in 3 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph!

And what is this supercar like on the road? Mr. Pagani says that the Huayra was inspired by the idea of a "roadgoing jet." He tuned the car's intake note to sound like an F-15 fighter jet spooling up when the driver gets on the accelerator.

Unlike other supercars such as Ferraris or Lamborghinis, the Huayra is a unique blend of art and technology.

View the slideshow to see the 2014 Pagani Huayra inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.