Pagani Zonda Tricolore

Pagani Zonda Tricolore specs
Top Speed: 220 mph
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
Engine: 7.3L mid-mounted V12 678 HP


2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore takes on center stage on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the "Frecce Tricolori", Italy's world renowned national aerobatic team. The Zonda Tricolore is the fitting tribute to the demonstration team of Italian Air Force by this hyper-exotic Modenese automaker. While the regular Pagani Zonda takes the general configuration of a jet fighter, the latest special Zonda edition bears a color scheme commonly associated with the aeronauts, and these include the distinctive carbon fiber elements and the pairs of white, green and red flarings that run through its hood.

Ferrari may have foisted the name "Italia" in the new 458, but rival Pagani is taking a different tack, albeit equally significant, as it takes on the tag of "Frecce Tricolori" in what is expected to be the culmination of a series of Zonda editions that will pave the way for the entry of the new Pagani C9. Being the last entry from the Zonda line, the 2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore is expected to be the epitome of all the great innovations that were started from earlier special Zonda editions. The Tricolore is developed from special composite carbon-titanium core material. Its dominant red, green and white stripes perfectly complement its dynamically designed fin air intakes.

The looks of the Tricolore gives the impression that it is designed for action above ground, which is definitely in stark contrast to what it was actually made for - a terrestrial speedster that easily reaches new highs in ground speed. The LED running lights of the Zonda Tricolore is another distinct element that will surely make heads turn as it zooms and attains top speed on the ground. Just like its airborne counterpart, experts metaphorically define the experience of driving a Zonda as "fast fly-high."

As a take-off from the overall design theme of the Zonda Cinques, the 2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore also comes with a tub and body that is crafted from the distinctive weave of titanium and carbon elements. It is powered by the Mercedes Benz's 7.3L mid-mounted V12 engine which delivers 678 hp and is matched by 6-speed sequential transmission system that is designed and developed by Pagani. This allows the Zonda Tricolore to zoom to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 mph. If you are looking for speed, this speedster definitely gives you the rush.

In as far as production details are concerned, Pagani is only coming out with just one Zonda Tricolore, so expect that its price will also reach new highs. In fact, industry observers believe that the Zonda Tricolore will come down as the most expensive sports car that will ever be sold. This single unit Zonda model is expected to be sold at a whopping $1.75M.

In contrast to its predecessors, the 2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore is not just about straight-line speed performance. It is also a dizzying speedster and reliable corner-hugger. Regardless at how you handle a bend and no matter what you do with the steering wheel and the pedals along the curved portion of the road, the Zonda brings you through with some extras to spare. If you are coming down the bend at break neck speed, you just step on the brakes, make the turn and you are ready to go in a split of a second.


More Pagani Cars:
Pagani Zonda F
Pagani Zonda C12 S


The Zonda Tricolore interior is classy in every sense of the word. If you have the urge to test the limits of its lateral performance and reliability, then you may try to be more daring and take her off its traction control. Drain the Zonda of all her speed juices in the middle of the sharp turn, and you will be surprised at how the Zonda easily settles into a controllable oversteer.

Mechanically, the Pagani Zonda Tricolore (2011) does not offer anything new or any enhancement that is not seen in its predecessors. The Tricolore is an ultra-wide rear wheel showstopper that boasts of an enhanced double wishbone suspension system, Brembo brakes and a powerhouse engine. The sportscar's high-precision handling goes back to weight, thrust and balance parameters. Everything is made possible by the adoption of carbon fiber construction of the Zonda Tricolore. This series-ending version of the Zonda is a full thousand pounds lighter than the Lamborghini Murcielago. Starting from its monocoque chassis down to its wiper mounts, the Zonda is definitely the rider's dream.

While the Pagani Zonda Tricolore may not tip the scales the way Enzo enthralls and beguiles sports car connoisseurs, its pod-like interior design score big points in terms of comfort, cutting off its close competitors in this aspect including the Porsche Carrera GT and the Mercedes SLR. The cabin bears the finely-stitched leather and elegantly-woven carbon fiber with matching topnotch ergonomics. For the more discriminating souls, there are elements in the Zonda that may seem to appear a bit off tangent. These include the toggle switches which are seen to be out of proportion to the rest of the control switches and the ventilation periscope that is mounted on the dashboard, which appear to be made more for practicality than aesthetics. On the overall though, the Zonda cockpit is still the best place to be for those in need of some adrenaline rush.

For those who can see a masterful creation when they see one, this supercar is over-the-top. When it comes to quality, the Pagani Zonda Tricolore (2011) is unsurpassed in every sense of the word. Its fiery character brings forth an excitement from a supercar that seems to fly high every time it takes on the road. When it comes to perfect fit and elegant finish, it is definitely second to none.

Though Pagani is not inclined to provide us with the fuel consumption variables of the Zonda Tricolore, you must expect that we are going for gallons of fuel per mile. Then again, if you are ready to be blown by millions of dollars to get behind the wheel of the Tricolore, the extra fuels bills is something you can dismiss as trivial.