Pininfarina to Design New Mahindra Formula E Race Car

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Formula E race team will work with fellow M&M group companies Pininfarina and Tech Mahindra to develop its next-generation electric race car.​​​

The partnership will give Mahindra Racing access to Pininfarina’s wind tunnel in Italy and overall design expertise. Opened in 1972, Pininfarina’s wind tunnel has been used to improve the aerodynamics of various race cars and production models over the years.

Pininfarina also will sponsor the Mahindra team, while Tech Mahindra will provide unspecified engineering and digital assistance. The partners will team up on the new M5Electro car being developed in accordance with rule changes set to take effect for the 2018/2019 Formula E season, which starts in December.

Mahindra is leading the 10-team field through the first three races of the 2017/2018 season. The Indian carmaker finished third in 2016/2017.

M&M and other carmakers are using Formula E to test and refine technologies for hybrid and pure-electric street cars. The company currently offers four EVs in India and last month announced plans to add three more by 2020.

M&M, which purchased Pininfarina two years ago, previously has hinted that it may use the brand to develop and market a high-end EV.