Pagani Founder Horacio Pagani Reveals Decision to Forego Electrification
Pagani founder Horacio Pagani recently revealed that the company had considered integrating electrification into its vehicles but ultimately decided against it due to technical challenges and a lack of demand from their target audience. The decision was highlighted with the unveiling of the Pagani Utopia in 2022, which was initially planned to feature a V8-electric hybrid system but instead was equipped with a twin-turbo V12 engine. In an interview with The Drive, Pagani explained the reasoning behind this decision and the future plans for the brand.
Expanding on the Decision to Forego Electrification
Pagani collaborated with partner Mercedes-AMG to explore various powertrain options for the Utopia, including a hybrid drivetrain centered around a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, despite offering an impressive output of 831 horsepower and 1,033 pound-feet of torque, the hybrid system did not appeal to Pagani’s clientele. Horacio Pagani mentioned that the demand for hybrid cars among their customers was significantly low, citing concerns over the complexity and higher costs associated with hybrid technology. This lack of interest, coupled with the additional weight of the hybrid motors and batteries, led Pagani to abandon the idea of electrifying their vehicles.
Staying True to V12 Power
Despite the shift away from electrification, Pagani remains committed to producing V12-powered cars for the foreseeable future. The V12 engine that currently powers the Utopia is homologated until 2031, with plans for further evolutions beyond that date. Pagani emphasized the importance of meeting customer demands and stated that they are dedicated to offering vehicles that align with their clients’ preferences. Additionally, Pagani continues to prioritize manual transmissions, with both the Utopia and the Utopia Spider available with a seven-speed stick shift.
Exploring Electric Vehicle Technology
Although Pagani opted not to pursue electric vehicle (EV) technology due to limited customer interest, the brand had previously invested in battery-electric technology in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG and Lucid in 2017. However, the lack of demand for EV hypercars, as noted by Mate Rimac, indicated that customers were not keen on this technology. Pagani’s decision to focus on V12 powertrains aligns with their commitment to meeting customer preferences and delivering vehicles that resonate with their audience.
Future Plans and Vision
Pagani’s strategic decision to forego electrification in favor of V12 powertrains reflects the brand’s dedication to providing high-performance vehicles tailored to the desires of their clientele. By prioritizing customer feedback and staying true to their heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, Pagani aims to continue producing exclusive and exceptional supercars that exceed expectations. As the automotive industry evolves, Pagani’s unwavering commitment to V12 engines and manual transmissions sets them apart in a market increasingly focused on electrification.