While some automobiles aspire to greatness; Paganis, however, are created with greatness in their DNA.
The exclusive unveiling of the Pagani Utopia Roadster to the media in Singapore was more than just the debut of a hypercar—it was the presentation of a meticulously engineered masterpiece. Of which, all Paganis are.
Ironically though, the place of ideal perfection (for cars), as the name Utopia suggests, is not exactly the one we’re in. Singapore is no place for hypercars. Not on the roads at least. Buy for investment? Sure. Buy to drive? You must be nuts.
With a starting price of 3.1 million euros (excluding taxes), the car we see in front of us would probably cost an owner in excess of SGD 20 million to have the right to stick a registration plate on it. Price tag aside, we all know there will always be someone with that kind of disposable income, the Utopia’s very existence is a victory for purists—an affirmation that, even in an age of digital transformation, there remains a place for true, emotion-driven engineering.
A Personal Connection to Pagani
My relationship with Pagani extends beyond mere admiration. In 2012, I had the privilege of meeting Horacio Pagani himself, when Lamborghini dealer Eurosports Auto established EuroAutomobile to manage the brand’s presence in Singapore. Since then, the dealership has changed hands and the brand is now represented by Eurokars Supersports, who also front McLaren here.
Fun fact: Every new Pagani model was unveiled by a different dealership. Back then, the first model, the Zonda, was brought in my Automobil Manufaktur.
Even then, Pagani’s philosophy was unwavering—his belief in blending artistry with engineering was evident in every word he spoke. Standing before the Utopia Roadster today, it is clear that his vision has not only endured but evolved, manifesting in a hypercar that exemplifies everything his marque stands for.
A Study in Mechanical Artistry
Encountering the Utopia Roadster in person is a reminder that some machines transcend mere function to become true works of art. The exposed carbon fibre finish—this particular example presented in Habanero Red—shimmers and shifts under changing light, revealing the intricacy of its weave. Every surface, every sculpted panel, every mechanical component is a testament to Pagani’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
Unlike many contemporary hypercars that lean into electrification, the Utopia Roadster remains fiercely analogue. Beneath its exquisitely crafted body lies a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, developed exclusively for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG. Devoid of hybrid assistance, the engine delivers its power in an unfiltered, visceral manner through a seven-speed automated manual gearbox—ensuring that the experience remains as tactile and engaging as its predecessors.
While I did not have the opportunity to drive it, simply standing near the car and absorbing its presence affirmed one thing: the Utopia Roadster is a machine built not just for speed, but for emotion.
Bespoke Beyond Limits
The philosophy of personalisation is at the heart of Pagani, a fact further exemplified by the other showpiece at the event—a breathtaking right-hand drive Utopia Coupé, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, owned by a local collector (remember I mentioned about Singaporeans having that kind of income earlier?). Inspired by the Zonda Cinque, it was finished in Bianco Benny with exposed carbon elements and a bold Rosso Scuro centre stripe. From the intricately milled aluminium components to the precision of the exposed gear linkage, it is evident that every detail has been deliberately and meticulously crafted to align with its owner’s vision.
A Rare Public Showcase
On March 2nd, in partnership with our friends at Cars N Kopi, the hypercar will be on public display at Dempsey Hill from 7:00 to 11:30 AM. Given the extreme rarity of Paganis in this region, this will likely be one of the few occasions that enthusiasts can witness its breathtaking presence outside of private collections.
The Last of a Dying Breed?
As the automotive landscape increasingly embraces hybridisation and electrification, the Utopia Roadster stands as a defiant celebration of analogue engagement. It prioritises sensation over sheer statistics, craftsmanship over computational precision.
For those fortunate enough to experience it firsthand, the Utopia Roadster really isn’t just a car. It is an automotive opus, a mechanical symphony composed with unparalleled passion and precision. Even as a stationary object, it exudes soul, reminding us all why Pagani, truly, remains in a league of its own.
