While most newly founded supercar firms promise greatness then recede into the pages of history, Pagani is one brand which has defied the trend, largely thanks to its ostentatious design.

As a send-off to the first generation of Zonda supercars, Pagani has created the special-edition Zonda R - a car which the brand claims is 90 per cent new and completely insane.

Using an exotic blend of carbon fibre and titanium, allegedly an industry first, the Zonda R represents the pinnacle of founder Horatio Pagani’s vision for the ultimate supercar.

ith few standard Zonda’s ever venturing out from their pristine garages, street legality was apparently not a consideration for the Zonda R - which will either become the ultimate track-day special or an automotive sculpture in some Saudi oil tycoon’s living room.

Its exterior gives a good indication of the power on hand, with an incredible 551kW and 710Nm available from the AMG-sourced 6.0-litre V12 engine.

Weighing in at precisely 1070kg, the Zonda R’s performance is simply staggering, reaching 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds from a standstill - just tenths away from the Veyron - with a top speed of more than 350km/h.

Only 16 examples of the Zonda R are slated for production, 15 of which will be offered to the public at roughly AUD$2.75million with the final model staying with Pagani.

Article key :  AMG, Car News, Gallery, Pagani, New Car, 2009