Pagani Waila R is a 850 hp circuit monster

Pagani revealed the Huayra R, a hardcore, track-only version of its Huayra supercar, in a series of social media posts on Thursday.

As expected, the Huayra R is powered by a naturally aspirated V-12 rather than the Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 used in all previous versions of the Huayra. It was developed in cooperation with HWA, Mercedes' motorsports partner and now the operator of the Formula E race team.

The new V-12 engine boasts a redline of 9,000 rpm and produces 850 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly higher than the 827 hp maximum output of the Huayra Imola with its twin-turbo V12 engine. the Huayra R's engine drives the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential gearbox and breathes through an Inconel exhaust system. It is also a structural component like a racing car.

Pagani has not released performance figures, but with an estimated dry weight of 2,134 pounds, there will not be much weight for these horses to pull. Acceleration should be explosive.

In addition to the engine, HWA has developed a composite monocoque chassis. It consists of a subframe of carbotitanium, carbotriax, and chromemolybdenum alloy steel to keep weight down. According to Pagani, upgraded aerodynamic elements, including a roof scoop and a huge rear wing, allow the car to generate 2,204 pounds of downforce at 199 mph.

The car rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero racing slicks (available in dry and wet compounds). Stopping power is provided by Brembo self ventilated carbon ceramic discs with racing pads and six-piston calipers. The Huayra R is also equipped with forged aluminum double wishbone suspension front and rear.

The interior incorporates a full safety cage and fire extinguisher, and the seats are integrated with the monocoque. The carbon fiber seat shells are foam padded, and the pedal box and steering column are adjustable to help ensure the correct driving position.

Pagani will build only 30 units of the Huayra R, priced at approximately $3.1 million per unit at current exchange rates.

The Huayra R is the spiritual successor to the Pagani Zonda R, which was launched in 2009. The Zonda R was also a track-only car, which Pagani used to hone the technology that would eventually be incorporated into the Huayra. Similarly, Pagani calls the Huayra R "an experimental car that incorporates technology from future Pagani models." We look forward to seeing how that plays out.

We already know that Pagani is developing a successor to the Huayra. That car will reportedly have a V-12 and a battery-electric option, although the latter will likely not be available at launch. The V-12 engine is also expected to be an AMG twin-turbo, while the naturally aspirated V-12 engine will be exclusive to the Huayra R, at least for the time being.