“Pininfarina has an unprecedented heritage of delivering cars that are both beautiful to look at and technically innovative. Creating this combination in the first Pininfarina-branded Hypercar is a dream come true,” says Luca Borgogno, the Design Director of Automobili Pininfarina, a subsidiary of the legendary design house that is getting set to launch its first vehicle; and what a vehicle it promises to be; the most powerful Italian sports car ever.
Named the PF0 (pronounced PF-Zero), it will be a sustainably-developed, fully electric hypercar churning out 1,900 hp while producing zero emissions. Its four electric engines, one per wheel, will deliver 0-100 kmph acceleration in less than 2 seconds, and 0-300 kmph in less than 12 seconds.
It is expected to have a range of more than 500 km with 80 per cent charging in 25 to 40 mins through the Ionity charging network. The car is 100% handcrafted in Cambiano, Turin, Italy. It is set to make its debut at the next Geneva Motor Show, and only 150 pieces will be produced; 50 for the USA, 50 for Europe, and 50 for the Middle East and Asia.
A prototype that is about “80 per cent” similar to the final design was unveiled to a select group of media personnel in late November. One of the distinguishing highlights of the design that were revealed were the two segregated wings at the back of the car, which are an integral part of the car’s aerodynamics. The model presented also featured an led strip on the front and rear end, electric blue details on the wheels and the car was finished in distinct blue paint.
The design of the PF0 draws inspiration from some of Pininfarina’s most beautiful and iconic cars such as the Lancia Astura “Bocca” from 1936, Cisitalia from 1947, Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto from 1966, Dino Berlinetta special from 1965, Ferrari F40 from 1987, Maserati Birdcage 75th from 2005 and Ferrari Modulo from 1970.
The interior, we are told, will be driver-focused. The display had two touch screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel. The owners will have a wide range of interior customization options in terms of materials and colours.
Nick Heidfeld has been recruited as the PF0’s development driver, given his experience in Formula 1 and Formula E, to help fine-tune the car’s performance and handling. The brand has been very secretive and has released very selective information thus far about the PF0. But whatever has come to light has caused some severe ripples in the automotive pond and has automotive journalists wringing their hands in anticipation.
