The former Top Gear Stig tests the new Pagani Huayra R Evo... with its V12 that sings like a 90s F1 car

Some cars impress with their numbers. At a time when engines are becoming quieter, filtered and electrified, the Italian hypercar Pagani Huayra R Evo offers an experience that has become almost rare: that of an atmospheric V12 capable of howling at up to 9,200 rpm with a sound reminiscent of the Formula 1 single-seaters of the 1990s. This is precisely what former Top Gear Stig Ben Collins discovered during a test drive on the Paul Ricard circuit.

The Pagani inspired by Le Mans prototypes

The Pagani Huayra R Evo Roadster is not a street-legal car. Nor is it designed to compete in a championship. And that's precisely what makes it so special. Free from all regulatory constraints, Pagani was able to give free rein to its vision of the ultimate hypercar for the track. Horacio Pagani and his engineers developed a machine dedicated exclusively to driving pleasure.

Produced in just 35 examples, the Huayra R Evo Roadster takes the concept introduced by the Huayra R a step further. Its design, inspired by the Le Mans prototypes of the 60s and 70s as well as modern IndyCar single-seaters, lengthens the car to over 5.18 metres and considerably improves its aerodynamic performance.

The naturally-aspirated V12

Developed with HWA, a company founded by Hans-Werner Aufrecht, one of the founders of AMG, the V12-R Evo engine has a displacement of 6.0 liters. Without turbo or compressor, it develops 900 hp at 8,750 rpm and 770 Nm of torque. But numbers only tell part of the story.

The real magic happens when the rev counter needle approaches the red zone set at 9,200 rpm. In the video, Ben Collins makes no secret of his enthusiasm as the engine revs up on the long straights of Paul Ricard. «Unleash the rage», he declares as he mashes the throttle! And indeed, it's hard not to think of the Ferrari V12s that thrilled Formula 1 circuits in the 90s. It's a song that's virtually unheard of in modern motoring.

More powerful than a racing prototype

But sound is only one facet of the car. Thanks to extensive aerodynamic work, the Huayra R Evo generates 45 % more downforce than the Huayra R, while improving aerodynamic efficiency by 21 %. At 320 km/h, the aerodynamic load generated even exceeds the weight of the car. Weight remains contained at just 1,060 kg thanks to the intensive use of latest-generation composite materials. The result is an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.18 kg/hp.

During his test drive, Ben Collins was particularly impressed by the car's stability under braking. «The braking is fantastic. The car is incredibly stable», he explains several times, also highlighting the effectiveness of the third hydraulic shock absorber in maintaining the vehicle's attitude under heavy braking.

The British driver even talks about a car capable of rivaling the performance of a modern endurance prototype, while remaining surprisingly accessible.

Reserved for a privileged few

Buying a Huayra R Evo Roadster is more than just receiving the keys to a 900-hp hypercar. Pagani offers a complete experience around the Arte in Pista program. Owners benefit from support worthy of a real racing team: simulator, telemetric analysis, professional coaches, dedicated mechanics, physiotherapists and engineers are on hand to help them progress on the world's most beautiful circuits.