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B95: World's first electric hyper Barchetta is first coachbuilt car by Automobili Pininfarina

posted on 23/08/2023
B95: World's first electric hyper Barchetta is first coachbuilt car by Automobili Pininfarina

Automobili Pininfarina opens an exciting new chapter in its history at Monterey Car Week with the introduction of the world's first pure-electric, open top hyper Barchetta - the breathtaking new B95.

The pure-electric hyper Barchetta is a design and technology masterpiece – the simplicity of its flowing open-topped bodywork contrasts with exquisite technical details to provide a dramatic interpretation of a classic racer, underpinned by pure-electric performance.

Automobili Pininfarina’s PURA design philosophy expresses an elegant silhouette and dramatic proportions, as demonstrated by the recently unveiled PURA Vision concept. The principles established here have been translated for B95, balancing inspiration from iconic classic race cars with futuristic elements, all while remaining true to the PURA philosophy.

B95 makes its world premiere at Monterey Car Week in August, presented alongside the Battista Edizione Nino Farina hyper GT, which debuted at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, as well as the recently launched PURA Vision design concept.

Handcrafting and deliveries of this limited-run masterpiece will begin in 2025, marking the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina SpA. The ‘B’ in its name stands for Barchetta, both elements combined creating the name Automobili Pininfarina B95.

Just ten examples will be made, each one meticulously curated between the Automobili Pininfarina design team in Cambiano and individual clients, ensuring complete exclusivity as no two will be the same. The beautiful example of B95 set for its first presentation during Monterey Car Week is designed by the Automobili Pininfarina Design team and brought to life in collaboration with Pininfarina SpA in Cambiano, developed and hand-crafted there by a team of artisans.

Paolo Dellachà said: “We will present the exceptional B95 showcar in Monterey. Our collaboration with Pininfarina SpA – a design house with decades of experience crafting one-off cars for the world’s most prestigious luxury brands - ensures exceptional quality in execution and we look forward to continuing our close strategic partnership in future.”

DESIGN INSPIRED BY PURA

The design of B95 is exemplified by full-width enveloping bodywork which wraps around into the front fenders. The high swage line gives the outer body a stunning muscular appearance. From within the cabin, it provides a feeling of safety and comfort while connecting occupants with their surroundings.

Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Our PURA design philosophy has purity at its heart, a hallmark of the timeless designs of iconic vehicles from Pininfarina’s past. The Barchetta silhouette is instantly recognisable, but it was our job to make it beautiful. The mixture of classic proportions and exquisite detailing have allowed us to create something truly special. We’re allowing customers to drive a dream with B95 – something that defines the brand moving forward.”

The Automobili Pininfarina B95 represents a striking interpretation of a Barchetta body shape. The sleek, timeless lines contrasts with technical detailing to create a pure, beautiful design. The footprint of B95 is accentuated by the elegant body with open access to the sophisticated cabin.

Pronounced wheel arches emphasise the shape and power of the vehicle, enabling the design team to add extra shape to the connection between the arches, and the bodyside. This allows control of the reflections from the bodywork, which adds depth and quality to the design. 

Viewed from above, the PURA design DNA is instantly recognisable. With no vehicle glasshouse, the Automobili Pininfarina design team has defined the cabin space with a surrounding loop, which incorporates the seats, adjustable aero screens and the domes behind each passenger. From this view, there are four clear lines that define the B95, showing a connection with the PURA Vision concept.

The open-top driving experience of B95 is enhanced by the world’s first electronically adjustable aero screens. Taking inspiration from vintage fighter planes, the clear polycarbonate designs feature intricately engineered and exposed aluminium supports and can be raised and lowered by the client to improve comfort while preserving design integrity.

Clients can order bespoke helmets, in a finish coordinated to match their chosen B95 specification. These accessories allow the driver to fully experience B95’s hyper car performance safely on road or track.

The interior is the epitome of a classic race car meeting futuristic design, with a concept car-inspired dashboard and cabin environment that leaves occupants feeling safe and cossetted.

From the driver’s seat, the expansive dashboard appears to merge with the exterior, extending the distinctive lines of the hood into the cabin, as seen on the PURA Vision design concept. 

Together with the sculptural carbon-fibre dashboard, a floating wing effect is created. The dashboard is upholstered in Tan Sustainable Luxury Leather with bespoke embossing, which contrasts with the brushed black aluminium anodised finish that features elsewhere.

The seats, also finished in the Tan Sustainable Luxury Leather, are inspired by those of a classic race car, designed to curve around the occupant. Both seats have been profiled to cosset the driver and passenger, ensuring comfort and protection, with a two-part design inspired by the seats found in PURA Vision, with unique aluminium inserts.

The headrests, featuring electro-welded Pininfarina logos, are finished in a Pied de Poule Houndstooth Luxury Textile while black and tan contrast stitching continues across the seats, door interiors and dash.

There are unlimited bespoke opportunities for collectors specifying B95, ensuring each one of the 10 examples will be unique.

One of the most noticeable bespoke opportunities is the laser-engraved aluminium door plate, located on the outer edges of both doors and easily visible when entering and exiting the car. Finished in anodised black with bespoke B95 engraving in white, they add a sense of theatre to entering the hyper Barchetta.

The B95 is powered by the same state-of-the-art powertrain that delivers breath-taking performance in the Battista hyper GT, but with a unique tune for such a unique vehicle. Accelerating from 0-60mph in less than 2 seconds, B95 has a top speed of more than 300km/h.

The world’s first pure-electric hyper Barchetta features a high-capacity 120 kWh lithium-ion battery generating peak power of 1400 kW (1900 PS). The T-shaped battery pack, which is liquid-cooled, is protected within a strong and lightweight carbon fibre housing and can be charged using DC fast chargers up to 270kW – for a 20-80% top up in as little as 25 mins.

This power is delivered to the road via four independent high-performance electric motors – one driving each wheel.  Five distinct drive modes leverage Full Torque Vectoring technology to enable the driver to tailor power delivery and handling to suit their preference and driving conditions.

There is a choice of five driving modes to tailor the driving dynamics: Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere, which are activated via a tactile, sporty rotary selector, located next to the steering wheel.

*Article Source https://www.automobili-pininfarina.com/

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