Pagani Huayra Epitome Unveiled

Before we sink our teeth into the details of the Epitome, created by Pagani’s Grandi Complicazioni division, we need to address the gearbox. For the first time in its production run, a Huayra has been fitted with a traditional, H-pattern manual gearbox.

The powerplant of the Epitome remains the M158 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, producing 852bhp at 6000rpm – 132bhp more than the original Huayra Coupé – and 811lb ft of torque between 2800 and 5900rpm. Alongside the power bump, Pagani requested that AMG increase the rev limiter to 6700rpm. A triple-disc clutch, an electronically controlled differential and a tripod driveshaft help the seven-speed manual handle the extra power. Top speed is electronically limited to 217mph.

We can’t talk about the latest one-off Pagani without discussing the heavily reworked exterior, which is finished in a stunning blue-tinted carbon fibre with subtle gold accents. The exterior is the traditional Pagani blend of beauty and aggression, and the model features redesigned front and rear bumpers. The new front bumper carries an integrated splitter and a wider mouth to feed the radiators. The Epitome is also the only Pagani one-off with four light units on the front hood, plus two DRLs in the bumper below. One of my personal favourite touches is the set of louvres above the front wheel arches, designed to release air pressure at high speed. Across the exterior, the changes are not there just for show. They all serve a purpose: increasing downforce and making the car feel balanced, as per the customer’s request.

Pagani Huayra Epitome with the driver’s gullwing door open, showing the tan leather interior

Pagani Huayra Epitome from the rear with both gullwing doors open

The rear of the Epitome is where there have been dramatic redesigns; the most notable change over a standard Huayra is the addition of a fixed wing across the rear, mounted to the side muscles, as Pagani calls them. When designing the profile of the wing, Pagani went back to their learnings from the Huayra R. Teaming with the rear wing, there are also additional aerodynamic covers over the rear lights and a blown diffuser, created by adding two extra pipes to the diffuser of the Epitome and bringing the titanium exhaust’s pipe count to six.

As with most of Pagani’s one-off projects, there are some borrowings from various models in their catalogue. For the Epitome, this comes in the form of its forged aluminium wheels. The car they take inspiration from is the owner’s own Imola Coupé, and they run seven spokes at the front and nine at the rear. Each one is wrapped in a Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyre, 265/30 R20 at the front and 355/25 R21 at the rear, helping keep the Epitome firmly stuck to the tarmac. Behind them sit Brembo carbon-ceramic discs, 398mm at the front and 380mm at the rear.

Pagani Huayra Epitome rear three-quarter studio view, showing the gold forged wheels

Pagani Huayra Epitome rear view in the studio, with central quad exhaust and two diffuser outlets

The interior is finished in tan leather, contrasting the blue carbon exterior of the Epitome. There is also the perfect blend of carbon fibre and aluminium throughout the cabin, which further complements the car’s elegant yet aggressive character. Apart from the addition of a third pedal and a beautifully crafted, exposed gear stick and linkage, the interior is distinctly that of a Huayra. The centre tunnel also carries a ‘super soft’ button for the new active suspension, which softens the dampers on rough roads and returns them to the selected mode above 93mph.

According to Lorenzo Kerkoc, Head of Pagani Grandi Complicazioni, the Epitome took 19 months: nine to turn the client’s brief into a final concept, then 10 of design work, because components for a single car take ‘the same time as those for series production cars’.

Now that the Epitome has followed the Codalunga through Pagani’s Grandi Complicazioni division, will more owners take this route? After all, when the Tempesta package was revealed, the majority of owners decided to make the upgrade. Could the latest customisation programme from San Cesario sul Panaro follow the same pattern? We’re sure that the next one-off will be as striking as the Epitome.