Economic Concerns?

While at Barnes and Noble I picked up the newest issue of Evo. The cover story was comparing the Pagani Zonda F, Porsche GT, and Ferrari F430? Obviously two of those cars are somewhat comparable (Zonda and Porsche GT), but the F430 was simply outmatched. In terms of price, you could buy 5 F430 for the price of one Pagani and almost two Porsche GT for the price of a Pagani. Although I personally would drop the money for all three cars if I was able, what are the implications of such high car prices? This is all a bit reminiscent of the early nineties-when wall streeters received 8 digit bonuses. I can’t help but remember the failed Bugatti EB110 and Jaguar Xj220. Both cars failed because the economy took a downturn as production began. No doubt we are living in a prosperous international economy. This optimistic market is boosting exotic car values because people have more disposable income. This is evident from rising classic car prices, home prices, watch prices…. However, I must remind you all that the market is cyclical. Interest rates will increase and even if they do not and homes remain at such high price points, demand will eventually shrink for exotic cars and with this transition the price a manufacturer can charge for a car will decrease. Remember, one can buy a Ferrari GTO for under $10M today that a Japanese Businessman paid $20M for in the early 90’s. My point? Although we love million dollar exotics, there is a chance that companies like Pagani are condemning themselves to doom by not diversifying the price range of its products. I was relieved upon reading that Pagani is planning on releasing an ‘entry level’ Pagani. In my opinion Pagani is the most elusive and remarkable exotic car manufacturer of today and I hope it will remain so indefinitely.

Diablo GTR

After campaigning the Diablo SV-R for four years in the Diablo Supertrophy Lamborghini launched a completely new
car for the 2000 season. This Diablo GTR is a modified version of the 6 litre GT version of the Diablo launched in
1999. In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated
roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for
transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing (directly bolted to the chassis), simplified interiors and
weight reduction. The engine is basically the same V12, 6 litre, of the Diablo GT which thanks to the adoption of a
specially tuned exhaust system, without catalyser, delivers 590 hp (575 in the GT model).

The engine management system is based on the proprietary Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control system tuned
for racing. Fuel injection is sequential multipoint and ignition is static with individual coils. Lamborghini Data
Acquisition System, LDAS, and diagnostic functions are integrated in the engine electronic management system.

For the engine cooling, two water radiators in parallel are side mounted to the engine and an engine oil cooler is
front mounted as in the Diablo GT. Additional coolers for gearbox and differential oil are installed in order to better
match the racing overloads.

The transmission is on the rear wheels through a Lamborghini 5 speed gearbox with one basic gear ratio option and
an alternative option for a shorter 5th gear ratio. The gear box lever is in an asymmetric position on the central
tunnel in order to be closer to the steering wheel, for better control. The steering system is power assisted.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing. The front suspension is
modified for racing. Shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are adjustable. The rims are lightweight magnesium alloy with
central fixing nut and they accept racing type tyres. A special racing fuel tank with fast filling system has been
installed. The braking system is based on the Diablo GT high performance module. New racing brake calipers have
been adopted to better match the very severe racing conditions.

Most of the body is carbon fibre made, except for the roof, which is made of steel for torsional rigidity, while the
doors are made of aluminium, for safety reasons.

The cockpit fittings are simplified to meet racing requirements. The driver seat has been moved towards the
longitudinal axle of the car, reducing the size of the central tunnel, to ensure a better driving position. Racing
switches for ignition and for other functions have been adopted instead of the series push buttons. The fire
extinguisher system is installed on the right side of the cockpit with activating switch on the tunnel. The driver's
seat is of racing type with a six-point safety belt and the steering wheel is also racing type.

A production run of 30 cars was planned at the launch of the car at the 1999 Bologna Motorshow, but at the end of
the run 40 cars were built.

Special features of the GTR engine, common to the GT, are:

- multi-throttle intake manifold with individual intake system
- variable intake valve timing system
- dynamic air inlet duct upstream of the intake plenum
- titanium connecting rods and lighter crankshaft

Unique specifications of the GTR engine are:

- improved exhaust system designed for racing
- special calibration of the engine management system.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing.

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