Zonda talk - Page 2

Morpheus XIII · 03-07-2002, 06:11 AM

There's not a thing about the Zonda C12/C12S I would like changed. It is flawless the way it is. From the greenhouse forward, you can see the Italian bloodlines through creative sculpting; from there aft, you can see the Pagani is all business, with the exhaust cluster, and the screenvent (important for mid-engined drivetrains) with mufflers peeking through. The essence of form and function's coexistance is further seen in the C12S's split rear spoiler, which not only looks foreign, exotic and original, but also provides better rearward visibility.

IF, and I say IF anything were to be changed, I'd say pick a different engine. A brutish German piece doesn't really fit in with the theme... Perhaps borrow a Murcielago powerplant? I have a feeling the engine growls nice and loud, but it doesn't 'sing' like a Ferrari. Oh well what do I know. I only get to hear it on GT3.

P.S. I think the CC looks like crap compared to the Zonda. The greenhouse on the CC looks like it came off a cockpit from a Boeing 737, while that of the Zonda from a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

Adam · 03-07-2002, 08:18 PM

bah, the f-4 is really ugly, how about the F/A-18a or F-16, maybe a bit of P51D?

Morpheus XIII · 03-09-2002, 03:45 AM

Oh, you see, it's not that I was comparing the Pagani to some aged aircraft with an uninspired shape; I also agree that the Phantom II isn't the looker of the bunch (although it was quite a respected fighter of its time). If I were to compare the car to a fighter, I would probably go with the F-22 or YF-23 (due to their radar reflecting sharp edge designs).

But what I was really stating was the similarity in cabin/cockpit design. In the comparison photo below, note how the cowl wraps around the rear of the canopy on the F-4, which is not unlike the way the the Zonda's mid-mounted engine forces the carbon-fiber skin to flow up the rear of the greenhouse:

Morpheus XIII · 03-09-2002, 03:48 AM

(forgot to add)

Also notice how the window sills of both vehicles slope downwards to the front.

Chris · 03-12-2002, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Morpheus XIII
The essence of form and function's coexistance is further seen in the C12S's split rear spoiler, which not only looks foreign, exotic and original, but also provides better rearward visibility.

Also, IF I'm right, the split wing serves an aerodynamic purpose. The air coming over the middle of the car is already fairly high-up, with now pressure near the surface of the car, with the air being very turbulent. Putting a wing there serves very little point, except to create drag (the wing can't 'organize' the air, so it wont make downforce, it will just drag along). But on the side, especially in the Zonda, the air is very uninterrupted, so it is fairly smooth-blowing. Putting a wing there will easily grab the air, funnel it, and create downforce.

See the picture below, you can see that the air around the sides would be relatively tranquil, but over the top would be rough.

Morpheus XIII · 03-13-2002, 04:23 AM

Very intricate observation. I must concur.

Adam · 03-15-2002, 06:21 PM

very good observations, both. morpheus xiii, I must agree about the F-4 and the Zonda, the Zonda does look inspired by the F-4. I know of at least one car which was inspired by the F-16, but I seem to have forgotten it. Do you remember? I am thinking McLaren F1, but it certainly doesn't look like it...

Morpheus XIII · 03-16-2002, 03:25 AM

Hmm.. Never heard anything of that, but I don't doubt that the F-16 contributed to some automotive design (it's got such a beautiful design). I'll get back to you if I find anything about this on the web. It would be a very interesting tidbit of information to know!

Just an observation...
If Ford had painted their concept GT90 matte black, don't you think it would have looked quite similar to the stealth F-117 Nighthawk?

Morpheus XIII · 03-16-2002, 03:26 AM

By the way, nice changes to your avatar and signature image.

Adam · 03-16-2002, 02:36 PM

thanx

ooh, you are right. In a way... even the blu-ish lighting inside reminds me of the F-117...

I think I'll go dig out my aircraft book and see what cars look the same design..

OH! I just remembered which car it was!!! i just looked over and saw my Car and Driver article about the new NSX. It is the first generation NSX, the cockpit has inspirations from the F-16. Or that is what I thought... I forgot when the F-16 came out though, I don't know much in years... But I do remember which article I saw that in. It was Road and Track, and the article was about the entire first gen NSX's, their value and soforth...

Shaitan · 05-23-2002, 01:33 PM

this car can be described with one word, unique. The styling is exquisite, overall performance is better then any lambo's.......

ZondaFreak02 · 05-23-2002, 02:18 PM

this is an odd question and ill prolly get beat down for it but neway

in that picture in Shaitan's signature...

what is that little triangle thing @ the bottom? it looks kinda out of place being so low??

Shaitan · 05-23-2002, 03:01 PM

i really don't see your triangle Zondafreak02......

ZondaFreak02 · 05-23-2002, 03:07 PM

its right under the liscence plate thing that says ZondaS

Shaitan · 05-23-2002, 03:11 PM

o THAT! well i really don't know what it is, prolly an air outlet of some sort.........

Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Zonda Cinque 5/5	OJ.	Zonda	1	10-26-2009 07:07 PM
Talking the Talk	kubiakco	COMPLETELY off-topic	7	03-25-2008 09:43 PM
Talk me in or talk me out...	Teensie	Focus \| C Max	5	04-14-2007 10:16 PM
Zonda Coupe with Zonda Roadster rims.	Shaitan	Zonda	5	11-23-2004 12:31 PM

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD