Named after the racetrack on which it was modeled and fine-tuned, the new Pagani Imola is a roadworthy Hypercar with a wholly racing temperament that embodies the maximum expression of Pagani Automobili's track technology.
With a limited edition of only five examples built, the Pagani Imola has gone through the severest on-track validation test ever applied to a Pagani car. In addition to the regular and already scrupulous validation process, in fact, Imola has covered over 16,000 km on the track at racing speed - the equivalent to about three times the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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.
A tribute to the Motor Valley
"Imola is a sacred place for car enthusiasts. It's a fast, difficult, technical circuit that has always separated the wheat from the chaff, in terms of both men and machines. A circuit that has made the fastest drivers faster, one that has given rise to fierce duels between opponents and gentlemen, and where the sweetest victories and bitterest tragedies have been witnessed. A circuit in the Motor Valley of Emilia Romagna. A place that has given so much to the automotive industry. That has given so much to Pagani." Horacio Pagani, Founder & Chief Designer di Pagani Automobili.
The Imola circuit became a second home while the car was being developed. This is why project code PS-01 was dubbed Pagani Imola, as a tribute to the track where the vehicle was created and which is part of its identity.
Since we could test drive on track in different temperature and track surface conditions, we were able to try out new solutions, which we often took to the extreme so as to work out their behavior. For instance, fitting semi-slick tires allowed us to subject different parts of the car to stress that far exceeded - with respect to the suspensions and lateral forces - the stress sustained when road tires are used.
The customers' role
The Pagani Imola was designed and bespokely developed to become a natural extension of its owner. Pagani wanted its customers to be astonished and thrilled, but also actively involved in the making process.
The track tests already achieved excellent results right from the early stages of the project, not only in relation to our vehicles but also to other cars in the same segment. This encouraged us to study other solutions and ideas, often with the approval of our customers and their increasing involvement, not only during the first stages of development but even when their vehicles had been completed. Aware of the potential of the scientific research we were conducting, our customers frequently asked us to wait so that they could be present as their car took shape, and they often came up with brilliant suggestions.
"Customer involvement was very much a part of the Pagani Imola project. We wanted to amaze and, fascinated by our ideas and solutions, our customers decided to join the team and acted as test drivers, so to speak. I will never forget the day we consigned one of the cars to its owner, and how he smiled. Despite the fact that it was the first time he had driven his Imola on a race track, he built up his confidence lap by lap, pushing it like a professional racing driver. As he stepped out of the car, he told me that he had never imagined it would be so easy to drive", Horacio Pagani, Founder & Chief Designer di Pagani Automobili.
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