Production-spec Pininfarina PF-Zero electric hypercar to launch in 2020

Automobili Pininfarina is set to take the wraps off its new electric hypercar concept at next week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Currently codenamed PF-Zero, it will be the first production car branded as Pininfarina from the renowned Italian design house. A total of 150 examples will be produced and sold globally after the production-spec model launches in 2020. The model will be the brand’s halo product. It will be followed by several all-electric models that are a part of Automobili Pininfarina's product plan.

Along with confirming the model’s Pebble Beach debut, the company has also released sketches of the PF-Zero's interior, which show a minimalist and driver-focused layout for the two-seat hypercar. While more details have yet to be revealed, the production car is expected to compete with others of its ilk like the Bugatti Chiron.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, which owns Pininfarina, previously said that the hypercar will draw “upon the pedigree and design vocabulary of the Pininfarina aesthetic heritage" to "develop a rare collector’s item that only a handful of connoisseurs will ever own".

He said that the PF-Zero will "be an innovative and pioneering product powered by high technology" and combine "power, beauty and high-end EV technology".

More details about the production version are still unavailable. However, a scoop from sister concern Autocar UK earlier this year revealed that it will use modular underpinnings co-developed by Croatian electric supercar maker Rimac and the Mahindra Racing Formula E team. The PF-Zero is expected to have power figures to rival the Chiron’s 1500hp.

Previously referred to as Project Montana, Automobili Pininfarina will follow this range-topping model (which could take influence from the H2 Speed) with three SUVs that are set to arrive five years after. The largest model, codenamed PF-One, will be the company’s rival to the Lamborghini Urus. The other two SUVs will compete against the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Macan, respectively. All will use their own version of the same modular underpinnings.

The fastest SUV will offer around 950hp from a 140kWh battery pack, enabling a 0-100kph time of less than three seconds. Its smaller siblings are likely to use lower-output versions of the same powertrain but their performance will still be at the higher-end of their respective segments.

A source said that the Pininfarina brand will be given an initial investment of $100 million (about Rs 703 crore) from Mahindra to fund the creation of its model range.

Automobili Pininfarina's CEO, Michael Perschke, has more than 25 years of industry experience. He is joined at the helm by chief operating officer Per Svantesson, who has previously worked at Volvo.

“Establishing Automobili Pininfarina as a leading sustainable luxury brand is our strategic vision and will be a dream come true," said Perschke. "It will combine 88 years of iconic design heritage with leading-edge electric vehicle competence of the Mahindra group and Mahindra Formula E racing. It’s a powerful combination."

Mahindra intends to invest a total of about £358m (about Rs 3,205 crore) into Automobili Pininfarina over five years. The new brand will work independently of its parent’s EV division, Mahindra Electric, with operations based in Europe.

“Pininfarina has always made very special cars, but usually for other people,” an insider told Autocar UK. “When we have sold cars ourselves, like the Pininfarina Sergio [of which six were built in 2015 and sold for a reputed $3m (approx. Rs 21 crore) each], we have always done very well. It is not difficult to see what the next step should be. The cars will be exclusive and very beautiful.”

Lawrence Allan

Also see:

In conversation with Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina

Pininfarina PF0 electric hypercar: more details revealed

More sketches of Automobili Pininfarina's electric hypercar revealed