Automobili Pininfarina has reached a landmark moment in the development of its new Battista, as the pure electric hyper GT completed its first high-speed test program at the Nardò Technical Center in Italy.
The successful test marks the beginning of the next chapter in the development program of the most powerful Italian sports car ever produced. When the first vehicles are delivered to clients in 2021, Battista will accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in sub-two-seconds – faster than a current Formula 1 car. It will also sprint from 0-300 km/h (0-186mph) in less than 12 seconds and have a top speed of 350 km/h (217mph).
This will see nine test and validation versions of the pure- electric Battista driven on public roads and in private test facilities to fine-tune, validate and homologate its bespoke chassis settings, advanced torque vectoring system and unique sound experience.
Test Driver and Vehicle Dynamics Manager Georgios Syropoulos concluded a series of dynamic tests at the world-famous proving ground, including sprints around the circular banking of the 12.6 km Nardò- ring and laps of the twisting 6.2 km handling track. Automobili Pininfarina chief product and engineering officer, Paolo Dellachà, said: “This test is an exciting moment for our clients and the team at Automobili Pininfarina as we complete another phase. In the development of the most powerful Italian sports car ever made. We have undertaken extensive development using advanced simulation technology, and we can now fine-tune the calibration of Battista’s bespoke chassis and pioneering four-motor torque vectoring system on road and track.”
The Battista’s 120 kWh battery provides power to four electric motors – one at each wheel – for a combined power output of 1,900 hp and maximum torque of 2,300 Nm. Its advanced powertrain is able to intelligently distribute power between all four wheels for optimized traction in all conditions and allows customers to tailor the driving experience to suit their personal tastes using five unique driving modes (Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere).
Automobili Pininfarina test driver and vehicle dynamics manager Georgios Syropoulos, said: “The phenomenal performance potential of the Battista is clear. Our clients will never have experienced acceleration like this before, yet giving them the opportunity to tailor their experience using a range of drive modes means this hypercar offers much more than just speed thrills. With a zero-emissions range of 500kms and sophisticated all-wheel drive technology, every drive in Battista will be a pleasure.”
The prototype Battista testing at the Nardò Technical Centre is not a stripped-out development mule. Beneath its elegant carbon fiber skin, a fully finished interior complete with luxuriously executed detailing, gave engineers the opportunity to assess every element of the new hyper GT.
Testing will include brake tuning, torque vectoring, tailored chassis settings, tire validation, and high-speed aerodynamics.
