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Not to put too fine a point on it, Horacio’s 7.3-liter time machine blasts from 0 – 60mph in 3.6 seconds, and on to an astonishing (if estimated) 210mph. At the same time, it can trundle around town like a top-spec Mercedes luxobarge. But why walk when you can fly? With 553ft.-lbs. of torque underfoot, all six gears offer an open invitation to low earth orbit. Resisting the need for speed requires the kind of monumental self-control best known to banned drivers.

Unlike its supercar predecessors, the Zonda isn’t merely a straight-line speed queen. It’s also a blindingly quick and competent corner craver. No matter how you approach a bend, no matter what you do with the pedals or steering wheel in the curved bit, the Zonda C12S just goes ‘round. Too fast in? Brake, turn, go. Slow in, full blast out? And away we go. Reverse camber 180-degree uphill switchback on broken pavement? This way sir. If you can imagine driving a 555hp go-cart with all the poise and self-assurance of a Porsche Carrera 4, you can imagine caning a Zonda.

Mechanically, there's nothing revolutionary on offer; the Zonda is a super-wide rear-wheel-driver with a double wishbone suspension, a big engine and Brembo brakes. The car’s faultless handling is down to balance, thrust and weight-- or lack thereof. Credit the carbon fiber construction. From its monocoque chassis to the windshield wiper mounts, the Zonda is the material’s meisterwerk: a fantastically rigid car that’s a full thousand pounds lighter than the similarly explosive Lamborghini Murcielago. Flinging the featherweight Zonda around feels like jogging in a Zegna suit.

If the Zonda’s exterior lacks the Enzo’s sex appeal, the Carrera GT’s restrained minimalism or the SLR’s resemblance to a normal road car, at least its pod-like interior is the most comfortable. The Zonda’s cabin cossets the driver with hand-stitched leather, perfectly woven carbon fiber and faultless ergonomics. Again, there are slightly jarring design elements: the toggle switches are out of proportion to the rest of the switchgear, and the dash-mounted ventilation periscopes are more practical than attractive. But it’s still a fine place to while away the hours.

Curb Weight: 2976 lbs
Engine: Mercedes AMG V12
Engine Type: 7.3-liter
Horsepower: 550 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 553.2 ft lbs @ 4100 rpm
Drive type: RWD
0 to 60: 3.6 secs.
60 to 0: NA
1/4 Mile: 12 secs.