since you are the Zonda expert in what way is the Zonda an iconic car and deserve the second place?

Pagani produces amazing cars, to die for i'd say (except the design ), but their cars are everything except ICONS (not the ones from your desktop)! It takes a lot for a car to become an icon...

The Zonda deserves..to be on this list as an icon for many reasons. The first being it's numerous collection of awards since it's release, like AutoCar's 2002 Specialist manufacturer award and CAR's 2002 performance car award. Among many others, the Zonda's most important award was given to the Zonda in 2004 when it received second place in EVO's Car of the year decade.

Aside from this, magazines from around the world have praised the Zonda for it's polished driving dynamics and superb performance. I do not need to tell you about the performance of the Zonda, you've seen the Sport Auto tests for both the Zonda F and Zonda S, among AutoCar's 2002 performance test where the Zonda S achieved 0-100 mph in 7.4 seconds.

What's amazing is that no car since the McLaren F1, from a small manufacturer has every gotten this much praise, or achieved so much.

AutoCar quoted "no car since the 1966 Lamborghini Miura has made such an impact on the supercar world"

The people voted, and the Zonda is there. Might I mention, the votes were not only collected for Great Britian, everybody was able to vote on EVO's web site....I did

-CAR magazine compared the F40 to the Zonda S, proving how highly regarded the Zonda really is

EVO magazine


-Has there ever been a supercar which rocked the establishment quite like the Pagani Zonda

-To decide between to such sensational cars (the Zonda and CGT) almost seems churlish; for in the end it comes down to personal taste. The Zonda F, like all of its forebears, is an extrovert’s delight; famed for its extreme aesthetics as much as it’s unrivalled quality; exclusivity and finely wrought dynamics. Unique amongst its rivals; it embodies the stylistic showmanship of Italian supercars of yore while achieving a level of dynamic polish that sets the supercar standard for all-around ability

Sports Car International:

- The Zonda retains tremendous stability that so impressed us in previous iterations. Flick the steering left and right really quickly at 60 mph and the car responds instantaneously, changing direction out and back with no overshoot.

-The power assisted TRW rack and pinion steering is spot on in weight and relays more information in a clearer way than you would think possible with such wide tyres

-The Zonda F’s ride quality is remarkable for a supercar, and proves the point that the key to good ride and handling is perfectly matched springs and dampers, rather than soft suspension.

EVO - Gordon Murray


There are some very intriguing details. The clamshell front and rear sections with their leather retaining straps are a throw back of racing cars from the 50’s and 60’s.

-Climbing aboard the Zonda is a relativity easy task, even when the doors are hinged conventionally. It’s much easier than the F1’s gymnastics entry

-The primary controls are very well placed with plenty of steering column adjustment and very little pedal off set

-The interior matches the exterior drama, constantly reminding the driving of the cars individuality, there’s a very hand made look, much more so than in an SLR or a Veyron.

-The real success of the interior is the feeling of openness. The glass house is actually very small and the seats are quite close coupled, but the cabin manages to feel light and airy from the behind the steering wheel

-The steering system and its feedback are the heart of a sports cars dynamic character, and the best thing about driving the Zonda is the steering. The feedback from the steering wheel is very good and the weighing near perfect, with a very well selected ratio – not go kart quick, but just the right balance between delivering quick reactions and retaining real world drivability

-The clutch in, blip the throttle test produces a surprising rapid response from the crankshaft and a very satisfying noise in Goodwoods tunnel

-The AMG V12 was bespoke designed by one of the greatest engine designers in the world has known and hand built for job

-My usual 3,000 rpm, third gear full throttle test produces an instant response and a very impressive rush towards the horizon. Not quite F1, but probably the next quickest response I have ever experienced, Bugatti Veyron included.


-The Zonda is quite wide, but it doesn’t feel intimidating on roads thanks to the excellent visibility afforded by the low scuttle height, helping drivers to accurately place the car in the corners.

-The Zonda F is a true supercar, well engineered and well built enough to lift it’s self above all other sports car being produced by small companies. A very good power train, well resolved dynamics and progressive brakes add up to a great drive.
There are many more quotes that could be added, Murray also praises the chassis for being super complaint and well damper and springs keep away crashes from the suspension. [/font]

Great post, Bruce, but the question remains: Icon? Is the Zonda an Icon? Gullwing is an Icon, the BMW 507, the old Ferraris... IMO of course...

Lol bruce.. way to go.. OWNED em..
if anyone still does not understand why the zonda deserves this 3rd place more than any other modern super car..
well then we cant help them further

It is unusual for something relatively new for something to be named as a icon, but It would appear many people seem to think so because it picks up where vehicles like the F40 and F1 left off, so I can see why those two are ahead of the Zonda.

I respect those who don't feel It should be list on this list, perhaps as the Zonda approaches it's 10th anniversary (7 years now) they will feel it should be on the list.

Anyways

no question Zonda is a good car but question remain, is it an iconic car?
maybe it is but not on second place, there are other cars. Like Porsche 911.

you couldnt answer the question yourself, you had to wait for Bruce reply. You are no longer the Zonda expert, Bruce is.

Ps noone got owned, everyone know zonda is a good car which Bruce showed us with his post, but an iconic car on second place, no way josé

Bruce, i've never said that Zonda shouldn't be on that list, i just say that IMHO, Zonda still ain't an Icon... It will become onhe, for sure, but not yet...

That is fine, I respect that