Zonda

Zonda is a term with multiple uses. In meteorology, the zonda is a dry, warm, downslope wind that affects the eastern slopes of the Andes in Argentina and Chile, particularly in the Mendoza and San Juan regions. It is a type of foehn wind and can raise temperatures quickly, lower humidity, and carry dust, sometimes reducing visibility and causing property damage.

In automotive contexts, Zonda is the name of a line of high-performance sports cars produced by Pagani Automobili of Modena, Italy. The model name is drawn from the same wind, underscoring the car’s dramatic character. The Zonda was introduced in 1999 and produced through 2019. It generally uses a mid-mounted V12 engine supplied by Mercedes-Benz AMG and features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, with a range of variants built over the years.

Notable models include the C12, Zonda S, Zonda F, Zonda R, Zonda Cinque, and Zonda Revolación. The line is recognized for extreme performance, distinctive exterior styling, and limited production, contributing to Pagani’s reputation in the supercar sector. The Zonda lineage has remained influential in automotive design and is frequently cited alongside other landmark Italian supercars.