The world of ultra-luxury automobiles has witnessed a resurgence in coachbuilding, where clients commission bespoke, one-off vehicles tailored to their tastes. This year, during Monterey Car Week, Automobili Pininfarina made headlines by debuting the world’s first coachbuilt electric vehicle (EV), the Battista Targamerica.
A Unique Masterpiece for a Renowned Collector
The Battista Targamerica was commissioned by a well-known car collector who already owns a standard Battista. Pininfarina describes the Targamerica as a “complete expression of its owner’s personality,” reflecting the individual’s unique tastes, interests, and life story. The project began during last year’s Car Week and took nearly a year to complete. As the name suggests, the Targamerica is a variation of the Battista hypercar, but with a striking difference—it has no roof.
Design Inspired by Automotive Legends
The design of the Targamerica draws inspiration from the iconic 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spider, which was created to celebrate Gianni Agnelli’s 20th year as Chairman of Fiat. The Targamerica features a stunning Argento Liquido Gloss paint, complemented by Iconica Blu Gloss stripes along the lower body. The underside of the rear wing is adorned with hand-painted blue pinstripes, adding a unique touch. The wheels, polished to a ceramic finish, are exclusive to the Targamerica. The most significant design change is the absence of a roof, with the car featuring a unique rear deck with horizontal louvers, reminiscent of the Testarossa.
A Luxurious and Thoughtfully Crafted Interior
Inside, the Targamerica boasts an interior swathed in supple tan leather, contrasted by a black steering wheel and dashboard. The headrests are embossed with Pininfarina’s brand logo, adding a touch of elegance. One of the most unique features is a custom aluminum and glass cigar humidor, cleverly integrated into the bulkhead between the seats. This humidor, back-lit to match the car’s drive modes, can hold up to three cigars. To complete the luxurious experience, the Targamerica comes with a set of bespoke matching luggage, embossed with the car’s silhouette.
Performance That Matches Its Exquisite Design
While Pininfarina has kept many performance details under wraps, the Targamerica is powered by the same 120-kWh battery pack and four electric motors found in the standard Battista. This setup delivers a staggering 1,900 horsepower and 1,726 pound-feet of torque. The Targamerica is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds, with a top speed exceeding 186 mph. The standard Battista, in comparison, can reach speeds over 220 mph.
A New Era for Coachbuilt Electric Vehicles
The Battista Targamerica is a significant milestone, marking the first coachbuilt electric car in history. However, it’s unlikely to be the last. Pininfarina is already pushing the boundaries of custom electric vehicles, as seen with the reveal of the B95, a limited-run speedster based on the Battista. With luxury brands like Rolls-Royce also entering the EV space, the modern coachbuilding era is entering an exciting new chapter, blending bespoke craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric technology.
The Targamerica is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of the future, where individuality and sustainability come together to create unparalleled automotive art.
