Top Gear takes an in-depth look at the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, an exceptionally limited open-top hypercar that represents the Italian marque’s most elaborate approach to bespoke engineering. Developed through Pagani’s Grande Complicazione division, the Speedster is limited to just 10 examples, with the factory prototype serving as a detailed showcase of the model’s extensive revisions.
At its core is an entirely new carbon-fiber and titanium chassis engineered specifically for the roofless configuration. The bodywork remains constructed from exposed carbon fiber, but virtually every exterior component has been redesigned. A smaller windscreen, bespoke asymmetric wheels, elongated engine intakes, revised lighting, and an expansive 3.7-square-meter rear body section give the Codalunga its distinctive long-tail profile. Its exposed rear treatment incorporates Pagani’s signature quad ceramic exhaust outlets alongside additional exhaust channels that direct hot gases toward the diffuser.
Power comes from a bespoke 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged AMG V12 producing 852 horsepower, making the Speedster the most powerful road-going Pagani at the time of the review. Rather than relying on an automated manual transmission, the car employs a seven-speed open-gate manual gearbox, giving the driver direct control over the engine’s substantial torque and adding another layer of mechanical involvement.
The interior receives equally meticulous attention. A wooden steering wheel and matching gearshift surround reference Pagani’s earlier creations, while specially crafted upholstery incorporates millions of stitches. Even seemingly minor elements, such as the dedicated storage space for the elongated key, demonstrate the company’s obsessive attention to detail.
Beyond its extravagant appearance and rarity, the Codalunga Speedster retains the underlying qualities of a properly engineered sports car, combining responsive steering and a composed ride with extraordinary power. It is an exercise in craftsmanship, mechanical intensity, and individualized design rarely seen in modern hypercar production.
Source: Top Gear
