A vehicle-laboratory

A major step forward in the technological and scientific progress of Pagani Automobili, the Pagani Imola is a vehicle-laboratory where important innovations have been devised, tested and developed. Some of these have been used in the Roadster BC and will be a feature of Pagani’s future creations.Experimenting is an inborn part of Pagani Automobili’s research philosophy. The training experience we acquired back in 2008 with the Zonda R proved priceless since it enabled us to create the Huayra using solutions tested in extreme conditions. At that time, we came up with revolutionary ideas like the Carbo-Titanium chassis, as well as geometries, materials and concepts that were hitherto unheard of from the aerodynamic, dynamic and supercar-safety viewpoints. Working in partnership with Pirelli, we developed tires for the Zonda R using the new MIRS system, subsequently applied to the Huayra and Formula 1 race cars.

Similarly, once we had laid down the initial specifications, we worked on the Imola project in a very open-minded way and with the utmost freedom from the technical viewpoint in our efforts to integrate the innovations as the vehicle took shape.

“The aerodynamic technology behind the Pagani Imola is evident in three of its key features. The general outline, the internal aerodynamics and the external aerodynamic details, such as the fins, winglets and deflectors”, explained Horacio Pagani, Founder and Chief Designer of Pagani Automobili. “We can’t say that it’s an elegant car. We wanted an efficient vehicle, and just as you’d expect if you were looking at an F1 single-seater, this led us to design a car with additional aerodynamic features. So, although on the one hand these details may detract from the lines and overall aesthetics of the vehicle, on the other, they also allow to improve lap time, ease of driving and especially safety. Speaking of safety, we could have reduced the ground clearance so as to increase the downforce effect by taking advantage of the vehicle’s flat bottom. But don’t forget, the public roads are very uneven and can lead to the loss of several hundred kilograms of downforce in just a few instants. Well aware of these dangers, we worked very carefully on the upper part and details of the car.”

Pagani Imola uses the active aerodynamics system introduced by the Huayra, the first road vehicle ever to be equipped with this technology. This means that each of the four mobile winglets behaves according to the driving circumstances in a dynamic and immediate way and even when braking, by generating an aerodynamic braking action.

The suspension geometry has been newly designed to transfer the power and lively 1100 Nm torque to the ground, reduce the dive effect and sway when braking. So much so, the driver can take a corner by braking at the last thousandth of a second.

We applied an electronically controlled system of active shock-absorbers to each wheel and interconnected them with each other. The front suspension is able to vary the ride height in a smart and automatic way. It dialogues with the Central Unit, which handles active aerodynamic control as well as controlling the engine, differential and gearshift functions. Introduction of the SMART GAS system reduces shift time and enhances the racing character of the Imola, while driving pleasure is ensured thanks to active dumpers.

As always, Pagani Automobili is strongly committed to research into advanced composite materials. The new formula of the Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, developed for the ultra-reinforced central monocoque of the Pagani Imola and Roadster BC, was created to reduce weight while increasing torsional and bending stiffness.