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How Pininfarina’s Bespoke Vision Brought the Track-only Fittipaldi EF7 to Life

How Pininfarina’s Bespoke Vision Brought the Track-only Fittipaldi EF7 to Life

Italian design mastery and German race car engineering helped shape Emerson Fittipaldi’s 600 horsepower track-only hypercar

The PACE Car Museum in Dortmund, Germany, is currently showcasing the Fittipaldi EF7 GT, a one-off track-only hypercar envisioned by none other than two-time Formula 1 and two-time IndyCar champion Emerson Fittipaldi. The wraps originally came off at the Geneva International Motorshow in March 2017, when Fittipaldi himself unveiled it alongside the late Paolo Pininfarina. 

Engineered by HWA AG, the German DTM race car specialists, the EF7 began life within the Vision Gran Turismo program. With Pininfarina's involvement, the renowned Italian coachbuilder known for styling some of the most beautiful cars in the world, Fittipaldi was able to realize something far more significant for the realworld after two years.

He insisted on low weight, high structural integrity, and predictable handling at the limit with a 48:52 front/rear weight distribution. The car features a full carbon fiber monocoque and body panels, resulting in a curb weight of just 1000 kg or 2,205 pounds.  Power comes from a  90-degree 4.8-liter mid-engine naturally aspirated V8 that puts out 600 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque, with power going to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. 60 mph takes under three seconds, and top speed is rated at 200 mph. 

The styling is one of the main highlights, showcasing Pininfarina’s mastery of bespoke automotive design. The design phase on its own lasted six months, during which Fittipaldi insisted on shark-inspired surfacing, resulting in a form that was also functional and further accentuated by a striking shade of yellow with subtle green and black accents, a nod to Fittipaldi’s home country of Brazil.

The nose integrates aggressive aero elements within a low-profile, low-slung body, including a unique integrated DRL setup upfront. A unique adjustable front wing and splitter manage underbody airflow, while a large adjustable rear wing and diffuser setup stabilizes the car at speed. At 155 mph, the aerodynamic package generates approximately 1,433 pounds of downforce.

Inside, the carbon fiber safety cell provides high-strength occupant protection. Owners were offered interior and exterior customization, along with driver coaching from Fittipaldi himself.

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Originally limited to just 39 units, marking Fittipaldi’s 39 Grand Prix victories, the EF7 never made it to production. However, it remains an excellent example of how stunning Italian design was able to come together in a highly exclusive, credible track-focused machine. We most recently saw this with the Vittori Turbio unveiled in Miami last October.

This collaboration also reflects a broader relationship between the design house and the luxury automotive world. Recently, duPont REGISTRY Group and Pininfarina unveiled an exclusive award honoring the “Best of the Best” at U.S. exotic and luxury car shows, further reinforcing Pininfarina’s continued influence across both bespoke hypercars and high-level concours culture.

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Images: pininfarina_official

Khris Bharath