My FH5 Log: Community Day Classic (PART 3)

The Pagani Huayra and the W113 Mercedes 280SL are the highlights of the Forza Horizon 5 Community Choice's Dry Season playlist. Get your Pagoda air fresheners ready because these expired goods are going to be fresh.

First up is the Pagani Huayra, which I snagged after hitting the 20-point mark on the Dry Season Playlist.

The Pagani Huayra is the Zonda replacement named after Huayra-Tata, the god of wind from the Aymara legends. It made a world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Auto Salon in March. It is powered by a 6.0L Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-turbo engine, producing over 700BHP and over 1,000Nm of torque. It can go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, and flat-out, the Huayra blows away at 227 MPH (365kph). It is mated with a transverse sequential seven-speed gearbox with an AMT robotized system. The Huayra weighs 1,350kg, and it has a 44:56 weight distribution.

Lastly, the vintage Mercedes-Benz 280SL, which I snagged after hitting the 40-point mark on the Dry Season Playlist.

The W113-spec Mercedes-Benz SL, built from 1963 to 1971 with 48,912 units made, was one of the most iconic Mercedes vehicles in history. It was nicknamed Pagoda due to its slightly concave hardtop shaped like a pagoda.

Most models are equipped with a water-cooled inline-six cylinder engine with multi-port injection with the range-topping 280SL producing 170PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Gearboxes are offered with either a 4-speed manual, automatic, or a 5-speed manual. The front suspension has double wishbones, coil springs, and stabilizing bars while the rear has a swing axle, radius arms, compensating springs, and coil springs. Aside from that, parts of its body are made of aluminum to save weight.

It was the first sports car with a safety body that had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the structure.

In the spirit of community service, it's time to take these two expired goods on a quick drive with the Huayra taking on a handmade circuit made by a certain player while the 280SL takes on a Gauntlet-style rally course situated at Copper Canyon. Let's roll the tapes.

Mission accomplished for these two. Well done.

Next time, let's sample the Fiat Dino and the Spania GTA Spano in the final playlist of the Community Choice series update.

My FM Log: The Pagani Huayra R

Having fought through the time-limited Contemporary Tour on Forza Motorsport until the January 31 deadline, I got my hands on the Pagani Huayra R, the track-only climax of the Huayra series.

Now that I got my hands on the Huayra R, let's learn more about this FM prize car.

Essentially the finale for the Huayra hypercar, this track-only version, with only 30 units made and sold, is powered by the naturally-aspirated 6.0L AMG V12 engine producing 850PS of power while mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox.

Apart from the engine, the Huayra R features Pagani's signature carbo-titanium HP62 monocoque and Carbo-Triax HP62 with front and rear tubular subframes in carbon monocoque alloy steel as well as Brembo carbon-ceramic racing brakes, forged aluminum alloy, independent double wishbone with helical springs and electronically controlled active shock absorbers, and bespoke Pirelli P Zero racing slicks. 

The chosen 30 drivers behind the wheel of the Huayra R have gained access to special events organized by Pagani on four different continents such as the Pagani Raduno, a highly personalized event, and now an established tradition in the history of the Atelier, and Arte In Pista, which gives Huayra R owners a chance to push its limits on various racetracks worldwide.

With the introduction sorted, it's time to push the Huayra R around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and see if the "Arte In Pista" reference means a lot for this track-only finale of the Huayra series. Let's roll the tape.

I did it in 1m58.070s. That's the best I can do with this car but hey, at least the Huayra R's Arte In Pista proved its point as the climax of the Pagani Huayra. Even though its successor is out in the open, I guess a game like Forza Motorsport would stick around with the Huayra for all eternity.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 3: Tricolore ~ Cante II

Not too long ago, the Holy Trinity of the Italian Supercar hierarchy dished each other to see which is the best. From the Ferrari F12berlinetta, Lamborghini Aventador, to the Pagani Huayra, the clear winner by a complete surprise is a turbocharged V12-powered Pagani Huayra, knowing that Modena's finest can really topple against the establishments. However, the fight between those three is far from over because they are flexing their muscles for more and now, the more powerful versions have arrived for a rematch.

Here they are, the more powerful versions of the three Italian V12 kings; the Pagani Huayra BC, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV, and the Ferrari F12tdf. With all the added firepower in the mix, deciding which of these three is the king will be similarly different from the last time when the normal three V12 machines fought against each other like Roman gladiators.

First, let's start with the Ferrari F12tdf, which is the most powerful of the three. For starters, the tdf name was derived from the legendary Tour de France endurance road race that Ferrari ruled in the 50's and 60's with the 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions in a row. With 799 units ever made and sold, this special F12berlinetta features an upgraded version of the same 6.3L V12 engine from the normal F12berlinetta, producing 780PS of power, and when mated to a 7-speed Formula 1 gearbox, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 2.9 seconds and top speed of over 340kph. Apart from the added power, Ferrari reworked on the aerodynamics and the handling to make it more track-focused and more aggressive on the bends. It lapped the Fiorano test track  in 1 minute and 21 seconds, faster than the normal F12.

The Aventador LP750-4 SV, meanwhile, may have 30PS less than the F12tdf, as well as sticking with the 7-speed ISR gearbox rather than double clutches as seen on the Huracan, but with its improved power-to-weight ratio courtesy of its improved dynamics and weight loss (not to mention the removal of the sat-nav) resulted to a 0-100kph time of 2.8 seconds and over 350kph of top speed.

The Pagani Huayra BC's turbocharged 6.0L V12 engine may have the similar power output as the Lamborghini Aventador SV's as well as the same seven-speed automatic gearbox setting but this car is the lightest of the three, with 1,218kg of dry weight, 132kg less than the normal Huayra, courtesy of its new type of carbon fiber that is lighter and slightly stronger than a regular carbon fiber. This extreme version of the Huayra is surely a odd-defying beast that can unleash a typhoon at a mighty swing of a fan.

If you recall a quick comparison a while back at a certain street racing route in the Outback, the Huayra lapped quicker than both the established supercars from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Now, let's find out if the hardcore versions are any better than last time...

And now the results...
2015 Ferrari F12tdf - 2:25.979
2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV - 2:22.075
2016 Pagani Huayra BC - 2:17:337

Once again, the lone gladiator from Modena has toppled against the establishment even with a new set of twists in store for them and the Huayra BC remains the undisputed winner of the three. So, Pagani may have won the battle but the war goes on because pretty soon, the three kings of Italian supercar hierarchy will be showing their upgraded versions of their normal V12 machines of their lineup and they're going to be as good as...other cars can get.

In the meantime, let's give these three a chance to get their wow factor on the Horizon Festival around Down Under because after their long, grueling, battle, they now have the free time to let loose of their hidden talents and potential as cars and since they're having a leisure trip on Aussie roads, it would be the ideal time for these three to get some "extra service."







The F12tdf will be sporting a design heavily inspired from THE IDOLM@STER's Makoto Kikuchi, although the design layout is very similar to the one I made a while back, while the Aventador SV will be wearing a design similar to the Ad Personam personalization done by the Lamborghini Newport Beach dealership, which is very cool, and the Pagani BC wants to cloak itself with some specialized square camouflage.

Anyway, with their respective designs all set to go, the three V12 kings, recharged, are off to see how they perform when faced against different strangers of all kinds...



Although the age of V12 engines will come to an end someday, the rivalry between the three Italian supercar greats will keep on burning for many generations to come as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani, no matter which path they'll be going, will keep on fighting until the very end. They may not be forever, but their rivalry between these three will surely becoming one of the automotive greats in history.

Forza Horizon 3: Tricolore

The Lamborghini Aventador, the Pagani Huayra, and the Ferrari F12. They are the three kings of the Italian exotic hierarchy and when these three Italian V12 kings face each other, they can all see their true selves. When it comes to measure its styling, performance, and how a driver behaves, it's everyone's guess because while these cars reign the supercar realm by its iron fist approach, what they differ is how they perform as a car made for the elite few.

Of course, I did record a little message about something regarding these three kings of the exotic realm. Shall I play the tape for your understanding? Time for a message playback on what I said about these three from a distant past.

(clicks button)

The F12 maybe the most powerful of the three but because the F12 is a class apart from these two, apart from the fact that both the Lambo and the Huayra are mid-engined royalties, it can't just storm in recklessly because despite its power advantage, its drivetrain is what confuses these two. Although the Aventador and the Huayra's V12 engine produces the similar power output, the Aventador is the most fun car to drive because its ancient engine sounds so natural to our ears (because it's naturally aspirated), its gearbox is so fun to shift than double clutches, and overall, it's so generous to drive even if you're not paying attention. The Huayra, though, even though it's a rear-wheel drive scaremonger, is just plain serious. Serious about getting the best lap times with its capabilities as a track weapon and a grand tourer in its own right.

Okay, now that you get the idea, let's translate these words into action and since this is FH3, a certain area from the Outback that was onced used for street racing purposes in mind was made to see how good these three are. As always, fastest time wins so let's hit these three kings on the outback roads.



And now, the results...

F12 - 2:29.383
Aventador - 2:25.779
Huayra - 2:23.577







It's amazing that even though the rivalry between the prancing horse and the raging bull is still as hot as Vesuvius, the outsider from Modena that is Pagani is still reigning as hard as a gladiator in a Roman coliseum, beating both the horses and the bulls. Sounds rhetorical but because no Italian supercar maker does it better than the hands of Pagani, the Huayra is a clear example why an exquisite underdog like Pagani can outlash the likes of the more established ones like Lamborghini and Ferrari. This battle between these three maybe over...







...but the so-called Holy Trinity of Italian supercar hierarchy got something special in store. So, what's it going to be? You'll find out later.

Forza Motorsport 6: Three Kings

Ah, Italy. Home of the three kings of exotic hierarchy that shaped the world of cars. From Bologna, you have Lamborghini. From Maranello, Ferrari. And from Modena, Pagani. Those three speed-driven factions don't seem to be getting along very nicely; with Ferrari always the king of the supercar realm, Lamborghini as a second-rate, trying-hard, bully of the bunch, and Pagani as the ranked outsider who wants to came out on top one day.

Today, I got a selection of three Italian V12 kings which represents the pride and valor held by the company that made them. From Lamborghini, it's the Aventador LP700-4. From Ferrari, the F12berlinetta. And from Pagani, the Huayra.

As kings, these cars are built to reign than to serve, but as rivals from different factions, it's hard to sum up how these three stack up. These cars have been around for half a decade since their launch, well, the Lambo and the Pagani had, but despite the changing climate of the car world, these kings are still reigning strong with better versions but rest assured that these original versions are still be remembered by most due to its revolutionary breakthrough these cars possess.

The F12 maybe the most powerful of the three but because the F12 is a class apart from these two, apart from the fact that both the Lambo and the Huayra are mid-engined royalties, it can't just storm in recklessly because despite its power advantage, its drivetrain is what confuses these two. Although the Aventador and the Huayra's V12 engine produces the similar power output, the Aventador is the most fun car to drive because its ancient engine sounds so natural to our ears (because it's naturally aspirated), its gearbox is so fun to shift than double clutches, and overall, it's so generous to drive even if you're not paying attention. The Huayra, though, even though it's a rear-wheel drive scaremonger, is just plain serious. Serious about getting the best lap times with its capabilities as a track weapon and a grand tourer in its own right.

With the three kings set to settle things once and for all, let's find out which is the best Italian V12 king by lapping these three round Monza.




At the end of the lap, I have the results. The Aventador did it in 2:05.499 while the F12 did it in 2:06.937 and the Huayra finished in a blisteringly quick 1:58.706. Which means, the outsider from Modena trumps the big-shots of the Italian exotic hierarchy.

Lamborghini and Ferrari may have been rivals of the supercar race but in the end, it was the order of the Pagani that brought this fight to a presumable closure because the Huayra was made to deal against the big-shots like the Aventador and the F12berlinetta, even though these three have the same V12 engine with different configurations their makers had made for themselves. The V12 may soon be a dying breed like what happened to the V10s due to today's climate but as long as these kings keep on fighting, this battle will keep going on until they gave up their cylinders as a sign of the times in the automotive industry, unless they find many ways to preserve it like what the LaFerrari did.

A new front splitter on the Huayra?

Pagani Huayra Gets New Front Splitter?!

Those who followed Jason Plato's twitter site may have noticed that the Pagani Huayra that Jason Plato's testing for next episode of Fifth Gear is wearing a front splitter. Huh?

Yes, with the addition of front splitter provides more downforce but it is unclear if Pagani's going to fit the front splitter on their new Huayra hypercar. We'll have to wait until Jason Plato's Huayra review on Fifth Gear...

Scoop: http://www.gtspirit.com/2012/10/13/pagani-huayra-gets-new-front-splitter/

Dear my friend, the Huayra...

When the all new 2012 Pagani Huayra included on Forza Motorsport 4's January Jalopnik Pack, it sparked fury on our hearts and we are now very confused but happy to try out the successor of the legendary Zonda. At first, I thought that this car was an EA exclusive, just like, well you know. Thanks to some research, the Pagani Huayra was included at some game titled "Asphalt: Injection" and therefore stripped off its EA exclusivity, making this exotic had a mind of its own. Hey, if it weren't for that Asphalt game, Forza Motorsport 4 never thrown everything they had to include the Huayra. Heh, heh.

As speculated at a News portion at some episode of Top Gear, presenters like Jeremy Clarkson and James May find it very hard to pronounce the Huayra name. They go like roaring and pretty soon if a new series comes this year, they will end up the same fate as the Koenigsegg CCX.

A peek through the Huayra's interior

Enough chitter-chatter, now I am very happy to meet up with the Huayra again on a different game. As a fact, the Pagani Huayra was named after the South American god of wind. One look at the Huayra and I'm sure your mind will be blown away. If I had to choose between the Ferrari FF, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Pagani Huayra, what would it be? The Ferrari FF was my choice because of its 4WD drivetrain mixed with classic Ferrari handling but nope, it wasn't powerful enough for my tastes. On the Huayra, it used the teachings from the Pagani Zonda R but it wasn't easy to handle than the Pagani Zonda Cinque and the flaps are too hideous. I was fine about the twin flaps at the back that raises when I corner or brake hard but the Huayra not only have those but it has flaps at the front! Flaps at the front? What the heck, Mr. Pagani? But still, it was worth the power thanks to its Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 engine that doesn't know its real power and torque figures but it is said it is greater than 700PS and 1,000Nm.

The Stig spends some hard time listening to Chihaya Kisaragi's
character song while driving the Huayra at the Top Gear Test Track!

What so fun is the font on the speedometer because the font was so similar from the speedometer of the car most Koreans used to have...A DAEWOO STATESMAN!

The 2012 Pagani Huayra may have lost just a few teachings from the Zonda R when it comes to handling but the speed is just fantastic. This one is part beast, part beauty, an epic grand tourer that embodies the passion for excellence. However, it wasn't worth it for the Huayra and in fact, I'm back to where it all started. I still prefer the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 because it was perfect in terms of handling and acceleration. The Huayra, on the other hand, only focused on top speed and acceleration, leaving handling as its low priority. Can the Huayra need to be get it right in order to become a street fighting machine? I'm afraid I can't ask.

The Run of Pagani Huayra

Pagani Huayra

Name: Pagani Huayra

Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 227 MPH (365kph)

0 - 60 time: 3.4 seconds

BHP: 700 @ 6,000 rpm

Performance: Tier 5

Handling: Normal

Class: Supercar

Drivetrain: RWD

Manufacture Year: 2011

Description:

The Pagani Huayra is the Zonda replacement that ushered in the new age of the Italian supercar brand and this was named after Huayra-Tata, the god of wind from the Aymara legends. It made a world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Auto Salon in March.

The Pagani Huayra is powered by a 6.0L Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-Turbo engine that produces over 700BHP of power and over 1,000Nm of torque. It can go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and flat-out, the Huayra blows away in 227 MPH (365kph). It is mated with a transverse sequential seven speed gearbox with AMT robotized system. The Huayra weighs 1.350 kg and it has a 44:56 weight distribution.

According to the founder of Pagani, this car is made of more than 4,000 components that requires creativity, patience, and passion that Pagani shared with a fantastic young team and with the most competent partner in various sectors.

When we last saw this car as a Limited Edition bonus of Need For Speed Shift 2 Unleashed, this car is now a Need For Speed exclusive and now it carries on to Need For Speed The Run. NFS fans should be familiar about the Huayra but for first-timers, it takes mastery to control the Huayra in order for players to get through New York, fast! I mean, can I explain the rear spitting fire as I hit nitrous on it? Pretty cool huh? I never know that the Huayra is the next best thing for Pagani! I am really amazed the raw ferocity of the Huayra and this car's just like the Zonda. It looks scary to drive but they don't.