It may be pretty cool at the Southern tip of Africa right now, but they are enjoying a really warm summer north of the equator. That makes the debut of the Pagani Utopia Roadster well-timed to hit the Italian Riviera. “Here it is: the Utopia Roadster, the latest creation of our Atelier, the pinnacle of our ongoing research aimed at crafting objects combining the most sophisticated technology with timeless design,” – Horacio Pagani.

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Carbon-based

The Pagani Utopia Roadster is based on the fixed roof version that debuted about two years ago. Underneath the Pagani Utopia Roadster’s drop-top body style is a new generation of the company’s carbo-titanium monocoque. Using this lightweight and stiff material has resulted in a total mass of 1 280 kg, which is identical to that of its fixed-roof sibling. The car rides on forged aluminium suspension that features double wishbones at each corner. Coil springs are coupled with electronically controlled dampers.

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Merc-powered

The Pagani Utopia is powered by a 6,0-litre V12 that is produced in the same plant as all Mercedes-AMG units. Each engine is made especially for Pagani by a single technician. The twin-turbocharged motor produces 635 kW and 1 100 N.m of torque. The latter is on tap from 2 800 to 5 900 r/min. The engine can be mated with a sev1en-speed automated manual transmission or a proper seven-speed manual with a clutch pedal. An electro-mechanical differential sends power to exclusively to the rear wheels

Massive Brembo carbon-ceramic discs are fitted at each corner. These measure 410 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear. To get the best performance from these clamps the mixed size (21-inch front/22-inch rear) alloys are fitted with Pirelli P-Zero rubber. Pagani does not quote any acceleration figures, but its press material does mention that the car’s top speed is limited to 350 km/h.

Old School

The cabin of the Pagani Utopia has plenty of old school dials. The only digital screen is found between the analogue speedometer and rev-counter. Pagani mills the steering wheel and pedals from blocks of solid metal. The steering wheel, along with the seats and facia, are covered in hand-stitched leather. The Roadster had a removable hard-top panel as well as a soft-top roof, so it can, in essence be used as a coupe and a roadster with the safety of the soft top when you leave the roof panel at home. One hundred and thirty examples of the Roadster will be produced, destined for customers worldwide, with a starting price of €3,1 million excluding local taxes.