Pininfarina Teases “Pure” EV Design

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s new Automobili Pininfarina unit has released images of its upcoming electric hypercar that features Pininfarina’s new “Pura” design language.

Codenamed PF0, the sleek two-seater features a short nose and a long rear deck with twin spoilers. Pininfarina describes the Pura (Italian for pure) styling as elegant but simple, integrating form and function.

An interior mock-up (bottom) shows twin display screens mounted on both sides of the steering wheel.

The program is led by Automobili Pininfarina chief designer Luca Borgogno, who previously headed Lamborghini’s Turin design studio. Benchmarks for the EV include the Bugatti’s Chiron and upcoming McLaren Speedtail supercars.

Pininfarina plans to unveil a production version of the PF0 at the Geneva auto show next March. Sales of the hypercar are due to begin in 2020, followed by three SUV/crossover vehicles over the next five years.

Automobili Pininfarina, which was formed earlier this year as a stand-alone subsidiary, also announced that it is investing €20 million ($23 million) in its sister company Pininfarina SpA to further develop the PFO and the SUVs. Mahindra acquired the famed Italian design house in 2015. Pininfarina SpA Chairman Paolo Pininfarina is shown (above) with the PF0.

The PF0 is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque with separate battery packs located between the front seats and behind the rear bulkhead. Croatian specialty builder Rimac Automobili will supply the car’s battery and electric drive systems.

Powered by four Rimac electric motors, the PF0 is expected to generate 1,900 hp and nearly 1,700 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 62 mph acceleration is said to be less than two seconds. The car is expects to have a top speed of more than 250 mph.

Pininfarina estimates the PF0 will have a driving range of about 450 km (280 miles). The battery can be recharged to 80% capacity in less than 40 minutes, according to the carmaker.