Pininfarina

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 19, 2022

Pininfarina Expands North American Retailer Network to 9 ...

There are now 9 places in North America where you can get your hands on the Battista. Known for penning many of the world’s most beautiful cars across many brands, Pininfarina announced in 2019 that they would be creating their own electric hypercar, the Battista. Almost three years later, deliveries are set to commence soon, with the first of 150 Battistas to be commissioned said to be delivered in the first half of 2022, and the question of how to get one in North America became somewhat easier to answer, with Pininfarina announcing that two new dealerships, Newport Beach Automotive Group in California, and Lake Forest Sportscars in Chicago will become Pininfarina retailers. Along with seven other dealers across the United States and in Canada, there are now 9 North American Pininfarina retailers. Along with over-the-air software updates, Pininfarina customers in North America will enjoy a purchase experience as well as service that reflects the luxury of the incredible Battista. MUST READ: Pininfarina Battista Gets Tested On the Track by Race Car Driver Nick Heidfield Pininfarina says that production of the Battista will commence this spring at the Pininfarina SpA atelier in Cambiano, Italy, and when it does, it will be the most powerful car to ever be designed and built in Italy, with 1,900 horsepower and a sub-two-second 0-60 time. Only 150 will be made, so wherever you get it, get your Battista soon.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2022

Pininfarina Shanghai Designs The New DeepWay Autonomous H...

Pininfarina takes the semi-truck into the future with help from DeepWay. With EV technology at an all-time high, it’s time to start focusing efforts on improving the efficiency of other forms of transportation like heavy-duty trucking. The Chinese technology specialists at DeepWay are partnering with the designers at Pininfarina Shanghai to present Xingtu, a smart new energy truck fit with advanced self-driving technology. DeepWay defines Xingtu into four core advantages that include deep intelligence, deep performance, deep design, and deep space. At the core of Xingtu lies DeepWay’s Highway Intelligence System (HIS), which is based on the vision of autonomous driving and features 11 onboard cameras, 1 infrared detector, 5-millimeter wave radars, and a LIDAR sensor. The performance capabilities of Xingtu effectively reduce overall energy consumption, while operating at a full load of 49-tons. MUST-READ: The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Is Now A Guinness World Record Holder The developers of Xingtu’s powertrain also implemented a quick-swap solution for its 450kWh battery pack, allowing truck drivers to swap out the battery in only 6-minutes. The body design behind DeepWay’s Xingtu embodies an integrated battery and chassis, reducing wind resistance for a more stable and safe operation. Pininfarina incorporated its unique Italian design DNA into the shape of this futuristic heavy truck creating elegant and pure lines with a strong focus on aerodynamics, leveraging the experience gained in this field along with 50-years as its Wind Tunnel was introduced in 1972. As a space meant for long-distance overnight travel, DeepWay x Pininfarina incorporates modern and intelligent amenities into the interior space of Xingtu. Equipped with an intelligent voice assistant, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and ultra-comfortable seats and beds, drivers will experience a much more comfortable working and living environment while on the road. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming information and news on the all-new DeepWay Xingtu autonomous truck designed by Pininfarina. Source: Pininfarina

By Edward Jones – December 01, 2021

Pininfarina Battista Gets Tested On the Track by Race Car...

Just before deliveries start in 2022. Ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans 24-Hour winner Nick Heidfield is no stranger to the Pininfarina Battista. In fact, he's the Automobili Pininfarina Test and Development Driver and was filmed " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> earlier this year. He's back again to test out the Battista, but this time he's behind the wheel of a "production-intent" version of the Italian hypercar. He had a lot to say regarding the Battista, but that's expected considering it's the most powerful Italian sports car that has ever been created. In regards to his recent time behind the wheel of the Battista, Nick Heidfeld said: “In this test I was able to drive Battista with full power available. The effect under acceleration is completely mindbending – drivers will never bore of the experience, no matter how many times they feel it. This road car sprints faster than a Formula 1 car, and in Furiosa mode, I was left with a huge grin on my face every time. Every client that experienced Battista with me was positively overwhelmed by the experience – there is simply nothing like it.” That Furiosa Mode that he mentioned is the mode where all 1,900 horsepower is available from the four independent electric motors. This incredible amount of power results in a 0 to 60 mph time of less than two seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. It's important that a highly-skilled driver such as Heidfield gives input on this mode as he is well-versed in the world of 200+ mph vehicles and knows how they should handle. Hypercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2021

Pininfarina Battista Wins Coveted Design Award at Villa d...

The Pininfarina Battista made its production-ready European debut in stunning fashion. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy, just a few hours from Automobili Pininfarina's production facility, a bespoke spec of the Battista made its debut. Donning a Verde Paradiso metallic paint with a Tan leather interior, this unique Pininfarina Battista wowed the crowd and actually took home the prestigious Design Award at the event. The combination of the paintwork with the Black Exposed Signature Carbon bodywork and the luxurious cabin was clearly a winning combination. "We took a unique Battista to Villa d’Este to showcase the diverse color and material choices that our discerning clients can choose from when personalizing their vehicle," said Luca Borgogno, Automobili Pininfarina Chief Design Officer. "To win the Design Award is a fantastic way for us to begin the countdown to making our first customer deliveries later this year." This news is certainly exciting, what's even more exciting is Automobili Pininfarina noting that the first Battista customers will be taking delivery of their electric hypercars from the end of this year. Having seen a pre-production example of the Battista myself, I can say that while the pictures are amazing, it's breathtaking to see in person. Source: Automobili Pininfarina

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 04, 2021

Pininfarina's First-Production Batista Prepared For World...

Battista Anniversario will make its US premiere at The Quail and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Pininfarina Battista continues to excite car enthusiasts as we all wait for any news of its intended release. Automobili Pininfarina is taking the most significant step yet in delivering its pioneering pure-electric Battista hyper GT, with the first production-spec example making its debut on Californian roads as part of a series of exciting experiences curated for its clients during the upcoming Monterey Car Week (12-15 August 2021). The Pininfarina Batista making its way to Pebble Beach, CA will be presented in a black exposed carbon fiber exterior with black gloss precision polished Impulso wheels. Inside the first-production Batista, Pininfarina features a luxury black sustainable leather with Iconic Blu contrast stitching, and quilted Pilota seats in Iconic Blu Alcantara. As part of an extensive program prepared for Automobili Pininfarina’s clients in North America, the exclusive hyper GT will be joined at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by a fleet of iconic Pininfarina-designed vehicles to celebrate more than 90 years of design excellence. Check back in for more news on the unveiling of the Pininfarina Batista. Media/Info Source: Automobili Pininfarina

By Edward Jones – July 21, 2021

New York City-Inspired Pininfarina Battista Hypercar Reve...

An homage to the Big Apple. The first bespoke example of the Pininfarina Battista has been revealed and it's a commission that was inspired by New York City. Its Exposed Signature Carbon bodywork with world-first Iconica Blu thread is the main star of this spec, while hand-finished Bianco Sestreiere Metallic stripes and a red Exterior Jewellery Pack finish the red, white and blue livery. Other bespoke touches include the white seatbelts, brushed and polished anodized aluminum front badge with backlight, and black sustainable leather with Navy inserts, Iconica Blu stitching and red/white cross-stitching. This is the first of many bespoke Battistas that will be created. In fact, Automobili Pininfarina notes that each Battista will be individually tailored. The automaker touts that there are a total of 128 million interior combinations and 13.9 quintillion exterior combinations possible for the Battista. Stay with us for more Pininfarina Battista news as it's released. Being an electric hypercar capable of producing 1,900 horsepower and 1,696 lb-ft of torque, it will surely be making waves in the automotive world. Source: Automobili Pininfarina

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

Pininfarina Battista Shakedown Runs At Nardò

Let's stop for a minute and consider how many electric hypercars are coming our way. As the Pininfarina Battista shakedown runs at Nardò were filmed, the Rimac C_Two, Tesla Roadster, and other worthy competitors are on the verge of production. In order to be worthy of such a historic brand name, Automobili Pininfarina have tapped F1 star Nick Heidfeld to be their Test & Development Driver. Nardò is a massive facility that is easily seen from the International Space Station. Therefore it is a perfect spot to unleash 1,900 horsepower. He said in the press release: “What really surprised me was how natural the Battista feels on the track. We are creating a hyper GT to be enjoyed at all speeds, yet here in Nardò the cornering control and speed we achieved were exceptional. Minimal traction control and torque vectoring are active at this stage of prototype development, yet there is so much grip to exploit.” From concept to production, 150 examples will comprise an All-Italian attack on every other hypercar. As testing concludes and assembly nears, you will see the Battista here first. Images (C) Automobili Pininfarina S.p.A.

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

Pininfarina Battista Anniversario Keeps You Connected Aro...

Traveling across borders without interruption was once science fiction. But thanks to incredible advancements in mobile data, the Pininfarina Battista Anniversario will you connected around the world. In their latest press release, we've learned the details of a partnership with Deutsche Telekom. Each of the 150 cars will have the latest in WiFi and cellular transceivers to offer Over-The-Air updates. The factory will monitor 26 electronic control modules to ensure you have the ride of your life. Should your car encounter a hardware problem, a Pininfarina technician will be on the next flight to you. Their bespoke smartphone app includes control of the locks and telemetry from anywhere on the globe. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2020

Italy Issues 90th Anniversary Pininfarina Stamp

Postage has been a hot topic as we lead up to the election, leaving stamp collectors caught in the middle. Although American mail might be on the decline, such is not the case in Europe. That is why Italy has issued a 90th Anniversary Pininfarina stamp. Celebrating one of their most popular concepts, the Modulo was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970. At less than 37" tall, it won 22 international awards for the esteemed designers. Pininfarina Introduces Battista Anniversario To quote CEO Silvio Angori “The symbol of this journey is the Modulo, still considered, half a century later to be an icon of motor racing due to a revolutionary design that makes it look like a car from the future. As designers we are always called on to anticipate tomorrow on the basis of our dreams and to interpret technology in an emotional way. This will continue to be our mission, even when we reach 100”. Congratulations to everyone for 9 decades of designing the world's best cars, so stay with us for all your Pininfarina updates.

By Edward Jones – May 15, 2020

Pininfarina Unveils the Driving Experience of the Future

For the most part, driving today involves the steering wheel and pedals, with some minor adjustments made on the infotainment center. There are some cars with autonomous tech that takes driving to another level, but what Pininfarina is up to may be a complete game-changer. The Turin-based company has unveiled AutonoMIA, a new "highly responsive, multi-sensorial on-board experience demonstrator." This new tech demo includes a wide range of technology, including AI, 5g, haptic feedback, sensors and natural interfaces. The goal of AutonoMIA is to act as a tool to help designers rethink the future of driving. Pininfarina has created a new experience that will adjust and respond to not only the context of its use, but those using it. With the various interface elements, it will create a new driving experience that Pininfarina says will create "magic, strong meaning and positive impact in and around the car." Source: PRNewswire/Pininfarina

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