Roofless hypercar: Pininfarina B95 redefines electric luxury

author: FutureCar Staff    

Is this the sexiest electric car we've seen yet? The new Automobili Pininfarina B95 is a roofless hypercar that can almost-silently accelerate to 60mph in under 2 seconds. Here's what we know about the ultra-exclusive model so far.

The Munich-based EV manufacturer, a result of a merger with the iconic Italian design house and coachbuilder Pininfarina SpA since 2021, says the B95's 'flowing open-topped bodywork contrasts with exquisite technical details to provide a dramatic interpretation of a classic racer, underpinned by pure-electric performance'.

Just 10 examples will be produced, each costing from €4.4 million without options - that's £3.75 million to us Britons and around half a million pounds more than Bugatti's W16 Chiron. The hand-built hypercars will be delivered from 2025, which is also the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina SpA. This explains the EV's name, with 'B' standing for barchetta, which is the Italian reference for a small open-topped car.

At the heart of its 'state-of-the-art' electric powertrain is a high-capacity, T-shaped, liquid-cooled 120kWh lithium-ion battery generating peak power of 1,400kW (1,878bhp). That's almost 400bhp - the equivalent of a Mercedes A45 AMG hot hatch - more than Bugatti's quad-turbocharged combustion-engine hypercar. The battery sits within a lightweight carbon fibre housing and can be charged using DC fast chargers up to speeds of 270kW – meaning the fastest of all ultra-rapid devices could theoretically boost capacity from 20 to 80% in just 25 minutes.

Power is delivered to the road via four independent electric motors – one driving each wheel, which are forged aluminium rims - 20 inches at the front, 21 inches at the rear. And five different driving modes - tempered by full torque vectoring technology - will enable users to tailor power delivery and handling to suit their preference and the road conditions.

As startling as the performance figures are, the design of the B95 is what is likely to trigger jaws to hit the tarmac. Its swooping bodywork, which wraps around into the front bumpers and rolls over the wheel arches to create a muscular appearance, is arguably the most beautiful penwork we've seen on an EV yet.

The barchetta design means there's no enclosed cabin, with the cockpit having a surrounding loop that incorporates the seats and the domes behind each passenger. As well as there being no roof, there's also no windscreen. In fact, it has no glass at all. However, the open-top driving experience will be moderately enhanced by a world's first electronically adjustable aero screen setup. One for the driver and separately-operated fly screen for the passenger, Pininfarina says they take inspiration from vintage fighter planes and motorcycles.

The interior is described as 'the epitome of a classic race car meeting futuristic design'. Once seated in the snug cabin, the driver is faced with a central portrait digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel that's flanked by a pair of screens. The cockpit design - including the seats and carbon-fibre dashboard - are shaped to look as if they merge with the exterior so that the bonnet almost flows into the cabin. Where elements of the interior are upholstered, the show model is wrapped in tan 'sustainable luxury leather' to replicate that of a classic race car.

Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of Pininfarina SpA, said: 'The B95 is elegant, bold, beautiful, and innovative. Everything that defines a true Pininfarina design. It will be the perfect celebration of the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina, which has an unrivalled history creating rare icons that are now the most revered and sought-after collectors' cars in the world. B95 will undoubtedly continue this legacy and also deliver a statement of intent for Automobili Pininfarina as it develops an incredible portfolio of new luxury electric cars.'

Dave Amantea, the chief design officer, adds: 'Our 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.' He added: '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.'

FutureCar Staff