The new $1.35 million Pagani Huayra.

With most cars you can simply get in, start the engine, and drive off. But with the new $1.35 million Pagani Huayra, you’d better add checking the flap positions to your pre-drive checklist.

While the Huayra looks superficially similar to Pagani’s well known Zonda, this new machine ramps up the famous Pagani craziness to a whole new level. The 6-liter AMG-Mercedes derived V-12 engine now has a couple of turbochargers slapped onto it boosting power to around 700-hp, and the torque to a tire shredding 735-lb/ft. This monumental power gets the Huayra up to 60-mph in around 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 230-mph. Okay, so it’s not quite Veyron Super Sport territory, but then again this thing is a relative bargain.

 [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqWKWJ7jiCw[/youtube]

Sure it’s fast, but the Huayra’s real party trick is its active aerodynamic systems. Four moveable flaps, (two in the nose and two at the rear), are adjusted automatically as you drive by a computer that analyzes things like speed, acceleration, lateral g forces, braking, and throttle position. This system can also vary the car’s front ride height on the fly, adding pressure to stop the nose from dropping under hard braking. (Pics and video)

Whether this means the Huayra can beat the Veyron on a dynamic level remains to be seen. Deliveries are set to start this spring.

Via Dvice