Pagani’s V12-powered Huayra Roadster looks ready to play in the big kids’ court

By Ronan Glon Published January 4, 2017

Italian supercar manufacturer Pagani is preparing to launch a convertible version of the Huayra, the only model it currently produces. The Roadster isn’t scheduled to make its debut until this year’s Geneva Auto Show, but it has been prematurely revealed online by a leaked sales catalog.

Published by GT Spirit, the brochure reveals the Roadster isn’t merely a Huayra coupe without a roof. The rear end receives a new air diffuser and model-specific tail light bezels with eyelash-like extensions, while a pair of vented buttresses create a sporty, stylish silhouette reminiscent of classic Italian and British sports cars. An official teaser image suggests that the front end has received a few minor tweaks, too.

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Fitting the Huayra with a folding top would be a packaging nightmare because it’s mid-engined. Instead, the latches above the windshield reveal the Roadster model receives a pair of removable roof panels, a setup similar to the one used by the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. The panels will likely be crafted out of a lightweight material like carbon fiber in order to make the topless conversion as weight-neutral as possible.

We don’t know whether the Huayra built for sun-worshipers will benefit from mechanical upgrades. The stock Huayra coupe is powered by a Mercedes-Benz-sourced, 6.0-liter V12 engine that uses a pair of turbochargers to generate a staggering 720 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 738 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. If that’s not enough, a more hardcore model with a 789-horsepower evolution of the V12 is also available.

Pagani Huayra Roadster

Pagani Huayra Roadster

Pagani will likely introduce the Huayra Roadster online in the weeks leading up to the Geneva Auto Show, which opens its doors in early March. Pricing information hasn’t been released yet; for what it’s worth, the Roadster is expected to cost more than the standard Huayra, which carries a base price of over $1 million.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Buy Now, Upgrade Later: Slate’s $25K Truck Flips the Script on EVs

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But Slate truly seems to approach EVs in a very different way than most: It isn’t debuting with a six-figure spaceship-on-wheels. Instead, it's targeting the holy grail of EV dreams: a two-seat electric pickup truck for just $25,000. Yep, twenty-five grand. That’s less than a tricked-out golf cart in some neighborhoods. Slate is flipping the Tesla model on its head. Tesla, but also the likes of Lucid, BMW, and to a certain degree, Rivian, all started with high-end vehicles to build brand and bankroll future affordable car. But Slate wants to start with the people’s pickup—and letting it grow with you.
This isn’t just a cheap car. It’s a modular, upgradeable EV that’s meant to be personalized over time. Buy the basic model now, then add performance, tech, or lifestyle upgrades later—kind of like building your own dream ride one paycheck at a time. It’s a DIY car for a generation raised on customization and subscriptions. The company even trademarked the phrase: “We built it. You make it.”
Backing up this idea is an equally bold strategy: selling accessories, apparel, and utility add-ons à la Harley-Davidson and Jeep’s MoPar division. You’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re buying into a lifestyle. Think affordable EV meets open-source car culture.
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Cars

Kia EV9 and EV6 now fully qualify for the $7,500 tax credit – except for one trim

Kia EV 9

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Android

AR driving at last – this Android Auto feature could mean navigation on smart glass

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A heads-up display while driving has always been the dream use of AR glasses and now it looks like that could soon become a reality.

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