When Pagani announced the track-only Huayra R in March 2021—mirroring its earlier move with the Zonda R—it signalled the end of the Huayra's production run. Expectations pointed to a final evolution of the model’s signature tech: a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V-12 from Mercedes-AMG. Instead, freed from the constraints of road legality, Pagani partnered with race specialist HWA AG to create something far more radical for the 30 Huayra Rs built: a naturally aspirated V-12 that screams to 9,000 rpm.

Dubbed the Pagani V12-R, the engine draws inspiration from the high-revving Formula 1 powerplants Horacio Pagani admired in the 1980s. Weighing just under 200 kilograms, it sends 850 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox developed and built by HWA exclusively for the Huayra R. That output becomes even more staggering when paired with the car’s ultralight dry weight of 1,050 kilograms. Thanks to a totally reconfigured carbon-titanium monocoque developed in partnership with HWA, this figure is around 160 kilograms lighter than the Huayra BC Coupé, underscoring the R’s singular focus on track performance.

At 320 km/h, the Huayra R reportedly generates 1,000 kilograms of downforce—nearly equal to its own weight. With such remarkable aerodynamic properties, the car is, in effect, glued to the ground at high speeds. The interior retains Pagani's unmistakable artistry, though with a distinct, spartan edge which underscores this model’s pure purpose. A pair of FIA GT-certified carbon fibre racing seats are clothed in flame-retardant material and fitted with six-point harnesses, while a full roll cage has been cleverly integrated into the carbon monocoque. A digital motorsport display and full suite of custom switch gear clearly indicate that they have been crafted with the same attention to detail as a luxury timepiece.

This car was completed with a bespoke specification that added a remarkable €306,490 (approx. 280,000 CHF) to the original list price. This included three finishes for the bodywork, with the roof, rear diffuser, front splitter, rear wing, mirrors, and side sills all presented in gloss carbon fibre while the remainder of the car gained a Crystal Clear Carbon finish. Black forged aluminium 19-inch wheels sit over Olympus bronze six-piston callipers for the Brembo ceramic brakes.

The pared-back interior, meanwhile, is presented in matte carbon fibre, with the bespoke configuration adding the Huayra R logo to the racing seat headrests. Plus, the aluminium components are finished in anodised glossy black while dark grey Alcantara was chosen for the panels beneath the windscreen. Retained by The Tailored For Speed Collection since new, the car is supplied with an extensive factory spares package, which includes a spare set of wheels and tyres. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer read just 470 kilometres.

A showstopping entry into any collection and ideally suited thereafter for private track day events and demonstration runs, this Huayra R should not be overlooked as it offers one of the most remarkable naturally aspirated V-12 engines of its time.