Pagani Provides a Masterclass on Innovating Around Laws

Sometimes demand for products is artificially low because regulations restrict consumer options. The supercar market in America provides a few example of this. One such example is the Pagani Zonda, a car manufactured on a small-scale (18 last year) with an enormous price tag (if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it). That model's sale has never been allowed in the US due to its inability to meet national safety and emissions standards. While some manufacturers faced with these restrictions merely choose to sell in more supercar-friendly markets, Pagani saw an opportunity; namely the opportunity to produce the Huayra, a street legal car that it can ship when future calls came in to its Modena, Italy plant from the US. Based on the specs and the slideshow, it also took the opportunity to do so in the sexiest possible way.

Has satisfying emission standards ever looked this good?