The £2.2m Pagani Huayra R has an 850PS V12

Firstly, that engine. Yes, it’s a naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12, good for 850PS (625kW), 750NM (552lb-ft) and a redline of 9,000rpm. In a world of five-figure-revving GMA T.50s and Aston Martin Valkyries, that may not sound that amazing anymore. Remember however that since its release ten years ago, the Huayra has used a lower-revving twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre AMG V12. This is a major heart transplant for the model and so Pagani seems to be indicating, an engine development exclusive to this low-production track-only variant. Like the Zonda R, the Huayra R gets an Inconel exhaust, matte white in appearance for maximum racing car feel.

Then there’s that incredible bodywork. It actually seems to share more with the Zonda R than the Huayra, with an elongated tail, jutting chin splitter, enormous swooping rear wing and bespoke lighting, all entirely new for the Huayra R. It all adds up to a targetted 1,000kg downforce figure at 199mph, with a 46/54 per cent distribution of downforce across the body. Curiously, in contrast to the prototype-like Zonda R wing treatment, the Huayra R wing is rather more subtle. We like.

“Today’s racing cars are focused exclusively on aerodynamics and are largely the product of the wind tunnel," Horacio Pagani said.

"In the '60s and '70s, however, the cars were very fast, certainly dangerous, but beautiful. Prototype sportscars like the Ferrari P4 or the Ford GT40 had extremely attractive lines, which are still a huge source of inspiration for our cars today. The Porsche 917 is my favourite, with its romantic yet bold shape, which gives the impression of a very fast car. It is beautiful, elegant and timeless. From this desire for freedom, and from the experience of the Zonda R and the cars of the past, came the idea of the Huayra R, like a breath of fresh air.”

Unique for the Huayra R are the McLaren-style doors, replacing the gullwings of Huayra Coupes. Interestingly, the Roadster uses conventional doors. Is the Huayra the first car model line to use three different types of door? Food for thought... 

As this is Pagani, perfectly-formed carbon bodywork is de rigour. This is Pagani’s lightest car to date, with a 1,050kg claimed weight figure, 20kg down on the Zonda R and a full 300kg down on the original Huayra.

As with the Zonda R, the Huayra R is pitched as something of a technological testbed and showcase. Developments made for the Huayra R will be making their way onto the Huayra replacement, expected to make its debut in 2022. The Huayra R is described as “a laboratory car that incorporates the technology of future Pagani models”.

Performance numbers aren’t yet known but expect incremental improvements on figures claimed for the last iteration of the Zonda R, the Revolucion. 

As for price and availability? Just 30 will be made, with a base price of £2.2 million, plus local taxes. So what would be your pick out of 2021’s class of ultra-exclusive track-only tax haven darlings? The Pagani Huayra R, GMA T.50S or the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro? 

P.S. No, there’s no mention of the coming LMH class in the World Endurance Championship...