The Battista hypercar embodies the essence of modern automotive design; yet, its creator has chosen to pay homage to a 1950s classic that held a special place in the heart of Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina by unveiling a new bespoke edition. Dubbed Cinquantacinque, this name pays homage to its roots in Italian, literally translating to “55” – a nod to the iconic 1955 Lancia Florida that inspired it. Known for its sleek design, the Lancia Florida served as the everyday car of Carrozzeria Pininfarina’s founder throughout his career, boasting a futuristic aesthetic that was well ahead of its time. The 1950s sedan features rear-hinged doors and an absence of a B-pillar, indicating the presence of lounge-style doors. The doors, in fact, swing upwards at the pillarless openings and are also rear-hinged once more.
The design’s similarity to its unique basis allows for a seamless completion in a Blu Savoia Gloss paint finish, which is harmoniously contrasted by the Bianco Sestriere Gloss roof and complemented by a refined Brushed Anodised jewellery pack. The interior is luxuriously appointed with custom Mahagoni leather by Poltrona Frau, while the exterior features a striking livery and title that translates to “Cinquantacinque”, or “55”. The Cinquantacinque offers multiple inscription options, featuring the ‘Cinquentacinque 55’ signature on both the passenger door plate and the underside of the rear wing, showcasing its distinct identity.
With its 120-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Battista Cinquantacinque boasts an impressive 1,900 horsepower and a substantial 3,340 Newton-meters of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 1.86 seconds and reach 0-200 km/h in 4.75 seconds.
According to Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, “Designing this car was a unique opportunity to pay tribute to Pininfarina SpA’s rich legacy while creating something entirely new and distinct.” The color palette of the Battista Cinquantacinque is an astonishing manifestation of the innovative vision that guided the design of the Lancia Florida in the early 1950s, showcasing a harmonious blend of hues that defy convention. This identical model played a crucial role in guiding me when crafting the PURA Vision design concept, a uniquely pioneering automobile that sets the benchmark for forthcoming models from Automobili Pininfarina.
In the realm of supercars, it’s not uncommon to be impressed by humble beginnings, but what truly sets apart the latest Pininfarina hypercar is its stunning blue detailing – a unique touch that elevates its visual appeal and makes it truly unforgettable. Battista’s entry into the Japanese market is marked by a strategic partnership with the Sky group, leveraging their retail expertise.