Jay Leno, the iconic former TV show host and avid car enthusiast, recently had the privilege of getting up close and personal with Automobili Pininfarina’s electrifying hypercars. The renowned Italian automaker opened the doors of its exclusive garage to Leno, showcasing not one but two remarkable creations – the recently-unveiled Pininfarina B95 and the record-breaking Battista.
Leno’s focus was squarely on the Battista, a hypercar renowned as one of the fastest-accelerating production vehicles on the market today. He was captivated by the Battista’s authentic Italian charm, commending its aerodynamic design, which he described as a “beautiful automobile” characterized by its absence of straight lines, a testament to Pininfarina’s storied design legacy.
See also: Automobili Pininfarina’s Battista Hyper GT Sets More World Records During Debut Trip to India
In the company of Paolo Dellacha, the CEO of the Italian brand, Leno delved into the essence of Pininfarina. Dellacha emphasized that, despite being a full-fledged automaker, Pininfarina remains steadfastly rooted in design as its foremost priority. He explained that engineers align their efforts with the vision of designers, a principle that defines the Battista’s distinctive appearance.
Under the hood, the Battista boasts a staggering 1,877 horsepower and an impressive 1,726 lb-ft of torque – truly mind-boggling figures, particularly considering the vehicle’s size. Dellacha revealed that meticulous attention was given to the car’s suspension for exceptional handling, while the body is entirely crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, enhancing both agility and performance. Prospective buyers can even opt for exposed carbon fiber, underscoring the vehicle’s bespoke nature, where nearly limitless customization options are on offer.
See also: Pininfarina Battista specifications : Everything you should know
Leno also explored the Pininfarina PURA Vision, a captivating crossover concept first unveiled at Monterey Car Week. Additionally, he had a glance at the B95 “Barchetta,” an open-top vehicle inspired by the Battista, slated for launch in 2025 to coincide with Pininfarina SpA’s 95th anniversary.
During his exhilarating test drive of the Battista, Leno couldn’t help but marvel at its astonishing torque delivery, quipping that it was “hilariously” powerful. He also noted the ease of control despite the vehicle’s substantial weight, remarking that it could be managed with just one finger.
While most of the drive was accompanied by Leno’s contemplative silence, he did experiment with the car’s various drive modes. As the drive concluded, Leno expressed his awe at the remarkable achievement of creating an almost 1,900-horsepower vehicle, a feat previously reserved for dragsters, underscoring the rapid evolution of automotive technology.
See also: Pininfarina Battista sets new record from zero to 62 mph in just 1.79 seconds
Though Leno refrained from pushing the Battista to its limits on public roads, it remains one of the swiftest accelerating vehicles ever produced, achieving a jaw-dropping 0-60 mph time of 1.79 seconds. This remarkable feat outpaced the Tesla Model S Plaid’s record from the previous year, securing the Battista’s position as a formidable contender in the realm of hypercars, even if it claimed the second spot, with the Rimac Nevera taking the top honours this year.
