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Automobili Pininfarina reveals the first electric Barchetta, the B95

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.

Paolo Dellachà, Chief Executive Officer, Automobili Pininfarina: “This is the most exciting chapter of the Automobili Pininfarina story so far – we’re taking another big step forward. The introduction of the B95 is the third of three essential building blocks this summer for our brand. First, we introduced the Battista Edizione Nino Farina, an exclusive celebration of Pininfarina’s racing son – also the first Formula 1 World Champion. 

“The launch of the PURA Vision design concept then unlocked a new design philosophy for all future models from our brand, across a spectrum of different segments. Now, our new Barchetta shows how these design principles can be applied – with a retro-futuristic vision fusing classic motorsport themes with the latest technological innovations, materials and processes.

“B95 delivers the power of Battista and yet creates a new dimension of driving experience, redefining the very joy of driving. It is the first of a new kind, an object of desire that introduces the thrill of exceptional, electrified performance in stunning open-top form.”

Handcrafting and deliveries of this limited run of just 10 masterpieces will begin in 2025, marking the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina SpA. The ‘B’ in its name stands for Barchetta, both elements combined create 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: “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.”

The Automobili Pininfarina B95 represents a striking interpretation of a Barchetta body shape. The sleek, timeless lines contrast 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 emphasize 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.

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 aluminum 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 hypercar performance safely on the road or track.

The main body of the unique B95 making its world debut in Monterey this year is finished in metallic Bronzo Superga, providing a dramatic contrast to the distinctive Giallo Arneis gloss section at the front and atop the driver’s dome, itself featuring Black Gloss ‘95’ lettering. Extensive use of Black Exposed Signature Carbon delivers a technical 3D sculptural effect that contrasts with the elegant paintwork of the body. This same detailing of contrast can also be viewed around the carbon fiber splitter at the front and around the rear aero outlet.

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 cosseted. 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-fiber 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 aluminum anodized 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 aluminum inserts.

Andrea Crespi, Chief Technical Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The Automobili Pininfarina B95 could have been created simply as an all-electric hyper Barchetta, however we wanted to make it so much more than that. We’ve selected the latest technology to make it a vehicle people desire to own, as well as a thrilling place to be. The application of technology to create our adjustable aero screens is inspired by two-wheel motor racing – ensuring this is a pioneering road car. This patented new technology enables the pure thrill of open-top driving, yet in comfort even at the high speed that the B95 is capable to reach.”

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 a peak power of 1400 kW (1900 PS). The T-shaped battery pack, which is liquid-cooled, is protected within a strong and lightweight carbon fiber 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.