The Battista: Quicker than a F1 car, zero emissions...$2 million!

Only 50 Battistas are expected to be handed over to cover the Middle East and Asia markets.

Being situated out in Dubai, when it comes to the finer things in life, we're in prime position to have first dibs. It just goes with the territory. Along with the tallest buildings, malls and hotels bigger than some European towns, and a roster of high-net-worth individuals capable of making a Davos party-planner blush, it is no wonder the more five-star end of the automobile spectrum loves us. Unique brand offerings have been known to sell-out their limited UAE run of vehicles before the first has made it off the production line. We remember attending a McLaren MP4- 12C (what a name) launch many years ago and the desire was palpable. Even our police force can boast a more prestigious car collection than Jay Leno, for crying out loud! With this in mind, it takes a vehicle unveiling rather special to take our breath away. In a town where Bentleys and Rolls Royces double up as hotel shuttles, Dubai's petrol heads (possibly the wrong term to use in this case) almost demand automotive fantasy. This month, we received such a dream made reality.
The night was balmy out in the Bulgari Resort Dubai grounds and the atmosphere was frenetic. The usual pleasantries were exchanged, but every soul, twitching in anticipation, was waiting for the cover to be pulled back on the reason we had all gathered. The time finally arrived. An Italian spokesman, suitably suited and booted, came out and said a few words before revealing this: the zero-emissions, 1900hp Battista electric hypercar. Have you ever seen the like? Reverence swept over the congregation. The Automobili Pininfarina creation is simply a masterpiece. This is why.
Better acceleration than a F1 car
The fact the hand-built hyper GT vehicle is electric hands the Battista the title of the most powerful car to be designed and built in Italy, with its 120-kWh battery providing juice to four electric motors - one at each wheel - which combine to produce 1900hp and 2300Nm of torque. This means the car can do 0-100km/h in under two seconds. Count them: "one Mississippi, two Missis..." gone. The figures are mind blowing. Oh, and in case we didn't mention, because it runs on a cell, it produces zero, nada, zilch, absolutely no emissions. So not only will you be the quickest on the road, you'll also be one of the greenest.
Only a few being made
A maximum of 150 Battistas are scheduled to begin production at the Pininfarina S.p.A. automotive atelier in Cambiano, Italy, in the second half of 2020. Only 50 are expected to be handed over to cover the Middle East and Asia markets and specialist luxury car retailer Adamas Motors has partnered with Automobili Pininfarina for Dubai sales, so that ticks our exclusivity box. Munich-headquartered Automobili Pininfarina is fully owned by the Mahindra Group, the parent company of car makers Mahindra & Mahindra and SsangYong, as well as Tech Mahindra and Mahindra Aerospace, among other companies.  
Just look at it!
The example on display for us was painted in a beautifully understated yet striking Grigio Luserna satin-grey carbon with Blu Iconica design accents. This combined with a symphony of delicious lines and modern yet classically crafted interior materials perfectly melded to form one of the most stunning cars we have ever witnessed. Luca Borgogno, Design Director, Automobili Pininfarina, said: "The Battista's classic hypercar proportions combined with cutting-edge technology will be a new experience for its owners in the UAE, and we believe will make them fall in love with ultra-high-performance electric vehicles." We think its looks alone will have people head-over-heels.
How much will it cost?
Here's the snag for most of us. The Battista's targeted price point of between $2m and $2.5m, with each car expected to be bespoke to its customer, means we'll have to save for a while. It's nice to daydream, though.
Specs
Power: 1900hp
0-100km/h: Under 2secs
Price: $2 to 2.5million
david@khaleejtimes.com