Bugatti and Koenigsegg may be battling for dominance over mainstream media. Each sports a big engine with jaw-dropping 4-figure power numbers.
But a new contender emerges from the shadows of the legendary Italian design firm – Pininfarina SpA. Over the last 80 years, Pininfarina has designed hundreds of sports cars for major Italian brands like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia and more.
Pininfarina Battista, named after the company’s founder, is an all-electric hypercar that’s about to shatter all perceptions of speed and performance. The EV was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
The Battista develops 1,900 horsepower and 1,700 lbs/ft of torque, courtesy of four electric motors – one for each wheel. It accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 1.9 seconds – faster than a Formula One car. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 218mph and has a range up to 250 miles thanks to its 120 kWh battery.
The four motors allow the system to issue precise torque vectoring to each wheel, offering a new level of dynamic stability and traction control. Stopping power is provided by a set of massive, 15.35-inch, carbon-ceramic rotors and 6-piston brake calipers.
The carbon-fiber body is an exercise in Italian design – curvaceous with smooth forms and blending lines. The blue accents underline the silhouette beautifully.
Pininfarina designed the glass cabin in the typical teardrop shape, found in many of their vehicles. The nose and splitter form a hidden wing providing downforce for the front axle. Deep channels are carved into the sides, sending air towards either half of the delicate rear wing. Under braking, the wing folds out to act as an air brake.
Battista is the first car launching under the new Automobili Pininfarina brand. It’s an international effort involving numerous experts previously responsible for cars like Lamborghini Urus, McLaren P1, Mercedes-AMG One, Pagani Zonda, Bugatti Veyron, Chiron and many more.
- The powertrain and battery pack are developed by renowned hybrid specialist Rimac.
- Pininfarina SpA is responsible for the design and will build all 150 units at its manufacturing facility in Cambiano, Italy.
- Ex-Formula 1 driver – Nick Heidfeld – will be the Test and Development Driver for the Automobili Pininfarina brand. He will be instrumental in the development of the Battista and any following successors.
- Rene Wollmann, previously responsible for the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, has recently joined the company as Programme Director.
