Will we see Huayra's in the USA?

Of all the independent supercar, or hypercar in this case, companies Pagani is arguably the best. The incredibly successful Zonda was launched in 1999 with the Zonda C12 with its Mercedes-Benz 6.0L (366Ci) V12 putting out a claimed 389bhp. Later models of the Zonda saw the V12 bored out to 7.0L (427Ci) and later to 7.3L (445Ci).
The final version of the Zonda was call the Cinque. With the 7.3L V12 it pushed a claimed 678bhp. It is renounced for its cornering ability as it can manage a stunning 1.45G of lateral cornering force.

After a few special editions Pagani stopped production of the Zonda. The supercar world thought it would be the end of the marque, because surely a small independent company couldn't pull off a new car, which would have to be better than the outgoing Zonda.

That's where the Huayra comes in, the replacement for the Zonda. They've got the recipe right: more power, better looking, better cornering ability (1.5G) and a larger price tag. Except for the increase in size and weight of the car, I suspect the extra weight is due to cooling systems for the twin turbo's on the smaller 6.0L V12, to meet EU emissions regulations. The increased size could also increase the appeal for the car in the US, though this brings me to the latest development in the Huayra's tale.

The car meets EU regulations, which are normally more stringent than the rest of the world, so Europe, the Middle-East, Africa, Asia and Australia are covered, but not the US. The US DOT regulations are extremely tough on imported cars and, according to CarsUK, the DOT hasn't yet received an application for approval for the Huayra. Pagani has appealed for exemption from the DOT as far back as 2007, their reasoning for this?
"The application for exemption was made on the basis that complying with the regulations would cause Pagani undue hardship." CarsUK.

With the US expected to buy up to 17% of the cars produced you've got to wonder what the guys at Pagani were thinking.
The point of this article? Expect delays. The deliveries to the US are supposed to start later this year, but I can't see that happening.
Let us hope they sort this out, because this is a car which deserves to be on the road.

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