Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content

Battista hits the open road

First production-specification Automobili Pininfarina Battista has made its dynamic debut on the roads of California

We already mentioned the Automobili Pininfarina Battista would be present at the upcoming Monterey Car Week in California, but it seems they just couldn’t wait and took this impressive all-electric hypercar onto the open road when it arrived in the United States, as a dynamic debut before the official unveiling this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The Automobili Pininfarina Battista is the first in the world of electric Hyper GT cars, and the car seen on the streets of California is actually the final production form, marking the Battista’s first road outing and the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Automobili Pininfarina and it will give US clients the chance to experience her 1,900 hp performance and admire the stunning ‘Black Exposed Signature Carbon’ bodywork, made at the Automobili Pininfarina’s manufacturing facility in Cambiano, Italy.

The exposed bodywork and precision polished Impulso forged aluminium alloy wheels are complemented by an exquisitely tailored interior featuring optional Pilota seats finished in sustainable black leather and quilted Iconica Blu Alcantara upholstery, with Iconica Blu contrast stitching, complemented by the Interior Jewellery Pack finished in brushed aluminium anodised in black.

Paolo Dellachà, Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The Battista will provide a thrilling all-round experience on road and track – in the city and on the open road. To see the first production-intent example of our pure-electric hyper GT on the highways of California signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its development. This is a significant landmark and hugely rewarding moment as we count down towards making the first client deliveries later this year.”

At the upcoming Monterey Car Week event, we will also see be able to admire the even more exclusive Battista Anniversario, a limited edition version of only five units for the entire world, a tribute model to the life and work of design icon Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, this version will come with bespoke aerodynamics and special details only available on this Anniversario edition, that will be limited to only 5 units worldwide, all in a unique Automobili Pininfarina-designed livery and bi-color tinted Furiosa Pack consisting of a front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser, with outer carbon parts finished in black exposed signature carbon while the inner parts will be made in exposed carbon fiber tinted in Iconica Blu.

Both vehicles’ presence at Monterey Car Week signals the first opportunity for clients to experience the 1,900 hp Battista, both on the roads and on the lawn of The Quail. At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance the pure-electric hyper GT will be displayed alongside an exclusively curated selection of classic Pininfarina designs from the company’s 91-year history.

THE SOUND OF BATTISTA

The arrival of the first production-specification vehicle also gives clients a chance to hear Battista for the first time, showcasing the unique soundscape that is currently in development for the world’s first pure-electric hyper GT. The individual sound is being tuned to create an emotional reaction for occupants and onlookers, ensuring Battista will deliver an intoxicating experience for all the senses.

Following Automobili Pininfarina’s ‘Pure Sound’ philosophy, the soundscape has a core frequency of 54 Hz, an organic frequency that is a multiple of 432 Hz – known as ‘Verdi’s A,’ conceived by famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. The distinctive aural signature is tailored for the most powerful road-legal Italian sports car ever produced.

René Wollmann, Product Platform Director Sports Cars, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Every driver has an emotional bond with a car and the sound of Battista will nurture this connection, not by replicating a familiar car sound, but with one that radiates the beauty of Battista’s design both inside and out. This way, the Battista will not only impress with its aesthetic appeal and performance, but also on a new emotional level enhanced through the sound. We look forward to the input we will receive from clients in the US as we fine-tune Battista’s sonic experience.”

According to music theory, 432 Hz is mathematically consistent with the universe. Music tuned to 432 Hz is said to be a pure sound – complementing the Battista’s pure design – while providing greater clarity, and is easier on the ears. As a multiple of 432 Hz, Automobili Pininfarina’s engineers have chosen 54 Hz as the core frequency for Battista, delivering a distinctive and recognisable aural signature that will generate the kind of emotional reaction clients expect from a 1,900 hp hyper GT.

From this starting point, the frequency will rise in multiples of 54Hz with new sound layers added as the speed of the vehicle increases. The seamlessly responsive acoustics will reflect the pure-electric performance of Battista combining rich bass tones to create a signature sound.

The Automobili Pininfarina Battista is named after Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, the founder of the Carrozzeria Pininfarina coachbuilding company, which he established in 1930. The hyper GT is the realisation of Battista’s dream to see a car produced wearing the Pininfarina name with the first vehicles due to be delivered to customers later this year.