Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ardalan Farboud’s Pagani Sei Concept: Better than the Huayra?


You may be surprised to learn that the Pagani Huayra isn’t my cup of tea (that’s Anglo-speak for “ I don’t like it”). Conversely, I have a great amount of affection for the Zonda and its limited-run sister, the Zonda F. The Huayra seems more Spyker-lookalike than Enzo-killer, which many would agree was the first generation Z’s raison d’ĂȘtre.

I also like Ardalan Farboud’s Pagani Sei design study. It has the sort of unfussy slickness that the Zonda had and the Huayra lacks, while staying true to the brand’s tenets of being lithe, fast and using gratuitous amounts of carbon fibre. Farboud, a recent graduate from Coventry University’s Master of Design course, produced the Sei as part of his final year project.

Let’s take a moment to ignore the irrationality of studying the vital statistics of a car that does not nor will ever exist and dive right into it.

The Sei features two stainless steel subframes fore and aft of a carbon fibre tub, the former housing the axles and engine whilst the latter holds the interior and fuel storage. An aluminium alloy, AMG-sourced twin turbo 4.8 L V8 is good for a theoretical 1,200 hp (895 kW) coupled to a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox. With up-shifts accomplished in an favorable fast 80 miliseconds, the Sei can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a quick 2.9 seconds.

The car’s 1100 kg (2646 lb) kerb weight is supported by an F1-inspired carbon fibre, stainless steel and aluminium double wishbone suspension setup. The rear suspension is adjustable. 19 x 9.5 inch front and 20 x 12.5 inch rear carbon fibre wheels are wrapped in 265/35ZR19 front and 335/30ZR20 rear rubber.

Add to that a ceramic powder coated stainless steel exhaust, carbon ceramic disk brakes and E85 compatibility and you have one impressive (if completely imaginary) hypercar. There’s even a video that you can check out along with our comprehensive image gallery. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.