This is the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, probably the, oh, nine millionth version of the Zonda there's been since it was first unleashed onto an unsuspecting public in 1999. Well, we're very suspecting now, as it were, but that doesn't stop us being mightily impressed when a new one comes out.
So, following the pattern of previous Zondas, this one is simultaneously the tackiest and most desirable yet. Only five will be made (like the fixed roof version, and hence the name) and each will cost £1.1m each. It's essentially a street-legal, open-roofed version of the track special Zonda R. The chassis, which is built from a carbon-titanium composite, is 'redesigned' to compensate for the hole in the roof, so Pagani hasn't simply reinforced it with half a tonne's worth of steel bars. It means the Roadster stays light and will crack the 0-62mph run in a cannonball-like 3.4 seconds - exactly the same as the coupé. Top speed is 217mph.
It's powered by a 678bhp, 575lb.ft AMG V12 engine connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox, and basically, anything not forged from carbon or titanium is made from magnesium. There is, however, some lovely cow skin thrown into the cabin for a good dose of luxury.
Mark Nichol - 6 Jul 2009