What's the deal with Zonda's in the US?

From what i know, no "baby-Pagani" (entry-level car) is planned for the future: in 2008 there will be the Zonda replacement, which will be fully US legal.

From what i've been told, the main reason the Zonda isn't fully US legal is because of the OBD system, the oxygen sensors plus some other things.
And, last but not least, the lack of airbags.

Me too, in less than you think... ;-)

 

Probably I'll put my hands on the new Zonda Roadster F... ;-)

Any owners of this one?

 

More like 890K +/- 1M

 

Wow...can't believe I missed this thread

I was at Pagani May 2nd and asked them all the questions asked here

- How many Paganis are in the U.S.?

They said 5. After asking where...turned out 2 were still in Europe and that included the Pearl White F which I saw at the Pagani Factory. The others are the C12 here in AZ that is owned by a friend, and there is a yellow and a silver one. There *MIGHT* be 1 more...but not sure about that.

- Are the Paganis U.S. Legal?

No. At least according to Pagani. They don't meet U.S. EPA requirements. When asked if they meet U.S. DOT...they said Yes. I personally doubt that. No airbags for example..

- Are the Current 3-4 Paganis legal?

No idea how these cars got into the country and why they can stay. But I've asked the AZ owner the "legal" question, I got an answer, but will not post it here....sorry.

- Will the Zonda F become legal?

No. Production of the Coupe is sold 1/2 through the run of 25 cars. The run of 25 spiders will sell out without the help of any U.S. buyers. Plus the cost of the EPA conversion would be too expensive for Pagani.

- Will a Pagani ever become legal?

Probable. Of course Pagani would not go into detail, but as the F is replaced by a new model, there comes the possiblity that the next model could go through the DOT/EPA process.

- Will the Pagani Factory Handle all the potential US buyers?

I told them it is very possible that they could get 20-50 orders all at once if they are open to the U.S. and that their factory might be a tad too small...They agreed and said they have a possible plan.

Hope this helps!

 

^It doesn't seem Pagani really cares about producing many of their cars by expanding customer base. Maybe they want to keep the company small and close-knit?

For some reason, I can't access the NHTSA's Show and Display Eligibility list. It would say if they can get in that way. Off the top of my head, I think I remember seeing them on that list.

 

There IS one more. Roadster.

 

When i took pics at the "Scrigno - Tesori d'Italia" fair here in Rome, of the Pearl White/Blue Zonda F, there was also the price tag of that specific car....

 

I heard someone has an F on order in Florida.

 

Anyone wanna know it? lol

 

Pagani Zonda pics in this thread from the POC event at California Speedway last weekend...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106664

 

With little effort they could get waivers for the missing DOT stuff (such as airbags) or owners could just have them exempted under "Show or Display", but Pagani is right - there are no easy tricks for satisfying the EPA in their case and it is the true hurdle that is keeping the cars out. Stupid bureaucrats.

Last I heard, the Yellow C12 left the country for some updates at the Pagani factory and was having trouble getting back in the country. This may have changed, but that was the story about 2 months prior.

= = = = = =

There are no Pagani's on either side of the list. Again, the EPA requirements kill any possibility of getting the car approved, even under Show or Display. Here's the list though:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ShowDisplay/sdlist06202005.html

>8^)
ER

 

I think they do care...but they said more than once that building these cars is not something that makes you rich..it is only a job of passion. which btw is a great kinda job to have...assuming you have all the money you need.

My impression when I asked them about expansion plans is that they wanted to error on the side of caution. They know the U.S. is a hugh market..they know about the U.S. press...in fact I even logged on to FerrariChat to show them the Pagani in AZ in our spotters thread.

I think that as they grow...and this is speculation...they don't want to become trapped in an avalanche. Of course they could sell more cars...but why risk it? move a little slower...again...thats just my speculation.

 

what does this mean?
an avalache of orders?
why would an avalanche of orders trap the company?
first come, first serve. build what they want.

i appreciate the unique zondas as well.
how may zondas have been produced in total?
i thought i read somewhere it was in the neighborhood of only 35-40!?
obviously not in it for the numbers.
how is horacio pagani financed?
i would love to see them enter the us market as well.
but they will most likely wait until the numbers get to
the point it that would make it financially feasible.

best
jeff

 

Horacio Pagani founded the Modena Design, maybe the best company in the world for composite materials: customers are many racing teams, including F1, FIA GT, and car factories like Lamborghini.
THat's how he finances himself.

 

this is a guess?
a self financed car mfg?
i've heard he has outside financing.

best
jeff

 

This is what i know for sure: if he has other ways of financing, i don't know it.

 

Two weeks ago, I also was at Pagani. So, maybe I can add a couple of things too ...

They told me 6 cars. Benny Caiola has/had at least one.

Total production was around 68 cars. So, around 10% ended up in the US, which is not bad for an "illegal" car ...

The next Pagani (succesor of the Zonda) will become US-legal.

I also saw SIX Pagani's in Monaco two weeks ago. See attachment of a pearl-white with blue Zonda F, which might be Benny Caiola's next car??? Car was on Italian export plates. Other pics of Pagani's will follow in a couple of days ...
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It IS Benny Caiola's car. Like i said before, i know everything about this particular car, VIN number included.

 

Am I the only one who thinks these cars look gaudy, ugly, and something right out of a "bling bling" rapper video? Do they come with a leather jacket AND gold neck chains?

 

Yes

 

Yes, you are! lol

 

The round pod in the center of the Zonda rear end makes it look like a Batmobile: http://www.1966batmobile.com/rear2.jpg
Bling bling! Hey look at my car!

 

Lol!

 

White car on Pagani showroom floor is Benny's car. The carbon fiber body one is apparently the first Zonda going to Romania. These pics were taken last Monday at Pagani factory in Italy.
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