Automobili Pininfarina x YallaMotor Q&A

Pininfarina has some of the most timeless and iconic vehicle designs in the automotive industry. What was the inspiration behind the design of Battista and how does it stand out among other electric hypercars?

Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer:

The Battista hyper GT is the realisation of a dream. Iconic Designer Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina always wanted to create a luxury car wearing only the Pininfarina name, and now we have delivered the first in a series of incredible pure-electric cars from our new company, which was established in 2018.

Battista is the only electric car to win a Concorso award – the coveted Design award at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. We are very proud that Battista is not only a beautiful form that honours the unique Pininfarina design recipe – timeless, pure and harmonious in form and function, yet it also embraces the zero-emission electric power of the future.

Beautiful design, sustainable energy and a personalisation journey like no other are the core tenets of what we do – and what our clients love about Battista. The fact Battista wears the Pininfarina badge is also a mark of a great collector’s vehicle. You may view any high-end car auction in the world and you’ll see that Pininfarina designs always command a significant price premium.

How did the Battista project come to life? Do you think that having an electric powertrain made the process smoother?

Paolo Dellachà, Chief Product and Engineering Officer:

In Battista we have defined a new type of Gran Turismo driving experience – one that will evolve and become recognisable in all future Automobili Pininfarina luxury cars. Brilliant design and luxurious appointments are complemented by unprecedented electric performance and a unique vehicle dynamics package.

We design, develop and handcraft Battista in Italy. With a totally new concept, nothing is easy. Yet we assembled a team from the world’s top luxury and performance car brands to build something ground-breaking. We always wanted driving Battista to be as rewarding as it is to look at. We are now in series production of Battista at a new Atelier in the home of Pininfarina in Cambiano. Our clients can look forward to experiencing an artisan vehicle in a way that suits them. The driver can select powertrain, dynamics and sound settings according to their desires. I’m incredibly proud of our engineering team for what they have delivered.

We all know by now the insane performance figures of Batista, but what is the main thing that makes it special?

PD: We’re very proud of Battista’s performance figures, from 1,900 hp and maximum torque of 2,340 Nm, to five defined driving modes and, most importantly, zero CO2 emissions. However, one of the main things that make Battista special is its advanced torque vectoring technology. Battista is able to rapidly and precisely distribute torque to individual wheels up to 100 times per second, both in acceleration, deceleration and therefore regeneration. This leads to infinitely variable driving dynamics that ensure the driver can experience a range of drive characters, from focused and engaging, to comfortable touring, while high performance tyres deliver superior grip levels. Configuring the drive from Battista’s four electric motors via torque vectoring allowed us to tailor the power delivery and traction with more accuracy than is possible with an ICE vehicle, enabling a more defined and fun driving experience. In addition, this further increases the level of safety as the torque vectoring works as an active non-dissipative stability system before the electronic stability controlled by the brakes is activated.

DA: Aside from engineering, every Battista will be unique and individually tailored through our specially developed bespoke personalisation programme, where clients are invited to the Atelier to design their perfect vehicle with the team and I. With an infinite combination of bespoke enhancements, from 56 exterior paint colours to carbon fibre bodywork options and a choice of interior materials, the Battista’s design makes it a very special proposition within the hypercar segment in addition to its performance.

Tell us more about the engineering behind these figures. How did you manage to achieve them?

PD: All chassis tuning and development work has been carried out in-house by our experienced engineering team – a process that began in the virtual world and continued on road and track with an extensive development and testing programme. The engineering of Battista focused on giving the hyper GT a unique combination of driver engagement and comfort through a harmonised approach to development to ensure a fine blend of performance and luxury.

We also worked closely with Nick Heidfeld during testing, former Formula 1 and Formula E racing driver, whose unique experience from driving at the top level of motorsport played an important role in advising the team responsible for the development of Battista’s dynamic character. He drove the car at several stages throughout its development and his feedback as a racing driver, and serious car collector, was invaluable.

Will the Battista be the beginning of more Hyper EVs or other EV projects from Automobili Pininfarina?

PD: We’re on track to deliver the next generation of Italian, bespoke, electrified experiences by Automobili Pininfarina with an exciting product portfolio that will create a new era of Gran Turismo driving pleasure. Our next products will continue to forge a path in sustainable luxury that Battista has set in motion.

How many Battistas will be made and is there at least one booked for delivery to / sold in Dubai? Will we be seeing it on the road soon?

PD: No more than 150 vehicles will be commissioned and individually hand-crafted at the Atelier for clients worldwide. We are delighted to be working with Adamas in the region and I am sure that there will be happy Battista owners on their client list in future. We are excited to bring Battista to the Middle East later this year.