Videos: A supercar is born - Pagani Huayra vs Ferrari F12berlinetta vs Lamborghini Aventador J

In the past few days, three videos have been released from the finest supercar makers in the business – Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani. All Italian (although Horacio Pagani originates from Argentina), all based near Modena, yet somehow each offers a very different take on the supercar theme.

What better way to demonstrate these differences, than look at how each car maker has chosen to showcase their 700+ bhp flagship models?

The Pagani Huayra Story

The latest video from Pagani tells the story behind the Huayra (pron. Wai-y-ra), its design, engineering and philosophy (how it differs from the Zonda). In fact, one of the biggest differences between Zonda and Huayra is in the engine. Both hand-made by a single talented AMG engineer in Affalterbach, Germany, but whist the Zonda used a 7.3-litre naturally-aspirated V12, the Huayra comes with a smaller bi-turbo 6.0-litre V12.

Whilst the most powerful road-going Zonda (Cinque) unleashed close to 700 bhp (678 bhp) and 780 Nm of torque, the Huayra trumps this with 720 bhp and 1,000 Nm. According to Horacio Pagani, the Huayra does not replace the Zonda, carrying over its race-car character, but instead is a new breed of car, born from a new inspiration.

It’s a fascinating insight into the 5-year design journey of Pagani’s latest model, the contribution of its key suppliers and the sheer attention to detail that goes into the build of each car.

The overriding message conveyed by the 15-minute video is that of tailor-made perfection – a blend of art and science. The 1 million Euro Huayra is clearly far more than the sum of its parts. We’re impressed, which is precisely how you’ll feel after watching the video.

Lamborghini Aventador J

Lamborghini’s new Aventador Jota, may be a concept (at the moment), but I’ve little doubt they will make more than the ‘single car’ being promised this week at Geneva. Why wouldn’t they?

Unlike Pagani’s 15-minute film, Lamborghini’s video, “Aventador J – The making of”, is more of an adrenaline-fest of carbon fibre, ceramic discs and jaw-dropping power. You can’t fail to be drawn by its startling metallic red paint, hi-tech componentry and the kind of extrovert look that’s guaranteed to stop traffic wherever it goes.

It’s awesome, but obviously far less of an artefact than the Huayra.

As a one-off, the 690 bhp Aventador J is rumoured to wear a €2.1million price tag, but if I was spending that kind of money it would be very difficult to choose it over the Pagani. Whilst the Lamborghini looks like being a lot of fun, the Huayra is the kind of car that’s likely to appeal long after its performance has become familiar.

Ferrari F12berlinetta – The official video

Ferrari’s launch video for the new 730 bhp F12berlinetta treads a completely different line to the others we’ve mentioned. It waits all of 37 seconds, before it all hell kicks off and message conveyed is, “Never mind about the technology, materials and attention to detail. You know we’ve got that covered. Now sit back and watch what this baby can do!”

Who would have thought Ferrari would the one most willing to play?

It’s a measure of a newer, more modern Ferrari – eager to please, and keener to cultivate a younger audience who can dream of, and (perhaps) one day afford to buy.

Take your pick..

At around 320,000 Euros, the F12berlinetta is by far the cheapest of our trio, but loses very little to either in terms of build quality, visual drama or use of the latest high-tech materials.

If I’m buying a supercar then I first and foremost want it to be ‘super’ to drive, so I’ll take a F12berlinetta – even more so after seeing its propensity to play. But since my expectations have been irreversibly lifted to consider the 2 million Euro Aventador J, why don’t we add a Huayra to our fantasy garage, leaving just over 600,000 Euros to blow on a near-limitless supply of fuel and tyres.