by Vijay Pattni

Pagani has delivered a supercar-shaped shock to Switzerland with this – the sensational new Pagani Zonda R.

The Zonda R is a racing version of the ‘standard’ Zonda F and is built for the race track for use in “private sessions”.

And keeping drivers entertained in these “private sessions” is a 6-litre Mercedes-Benz V12 engine developing 750bhp and 524lb/ft of pulling power.

This means the Zonda R accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds – just 0.2 seconds slower than a 1,001bhp Bugatti Veyron – and hits a top speed of 215mph.

But while the headline performance stats elicit respect, it is the Zonda R’s stunning style which is wowing the Geneva showgoers.

The Zonda R is built using carbon fibre and titanium, and that massive Mercedes V12 engine is bolted directly onto the car’s chassis.

Lucky owners will be able to customise the fully adjustable suspension and even the monstrous rear wing. The “complex new front bonnet” also helps keep the Zonda’s aerodynamics at peak performance – as well as looking fantastic.

The Zonda R gets bespoke racing-spec ‘Toora’ seats, five point safety harnesses and a roll-cage.

And the extensive use of lightweight materials means the Zonda R weighs less than a new Ford Fiesta at just 1,070kg.

Prices for the Zonda R start at £1.27 million and just 16 will be built.