New concept is powered by two race-specification electric motors, fed by a lightweight hydrogen fuel cell.
02 Mar 2016 | 6895 Views | By Danni Bagnall, Autocar UK
Three weeks after it released a teaser image of its show car, the Mahindra Group-owned Pininfarina has revealed its H2 Speed hydrogen-powered sports car concept at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new concept, described as being “halfway between a competition prototype and a production supercar,” is powered by two race-specification electric motors, fed by a lightweight hydrogen fuel cell. The concept also features a brake energy recuperation system.
Pininfarina says the powertrain has taken two years to develop and test, and claims that the H2 Speed is “the first hydrogen high-performance track car in the world.”
Along with its efficiency-focussed powertrain, the H2 Speed features bodywork styled to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Designed specifically around the hydrogen technology, Pininfarina took inspiration from racing cars, aiming to produce something that displayed beauty, as well as extreme performance.
Design cues include a racy roof design, joining the top of the car to the large rear spoiler just like an LMP racer, with sporty touches such as the sleek front splitter and angular rear diffuser.
According to the company, the sound of the vehicle is completely unique and has a different tone from that of current conventional electric cars. The unique sound has been put down to the use of its compressor technology, creating an almost silent drive, with futuristic-sounding whistles.
The company behind the hydrogen power unit, GreenGT, has specialised in the design, production and development of sustainable propulsion systems and high power performances since 2008.
Pininfarina says the concept “will appeal to customers who love speed, performance and innovation and who are, at the same time, attracted by the typical exclusivity of a Pininfarina-designed vehicle produced in limited series”.
Pininfarina’s recent work includes the curvaceous Ferarri 458-based Sergio Pininfarina, and the V12-engined BMW Grand Lusso Coupe concept. India’s Mahindra Group, which bought a controlling stake in Pininfarina last year, has announced it intends to reduce the Italian firm’s 52 million euro (Rs 397 crore) debt, and this new model is the first under the new ownership.
More from Geneva:
- Rolls Royce reveals Black Badge Ghost and Wraith models
- Seat reveals its first SUV, the Ateca
- DS E-Tense electric concept car revealed
- China’s Techrules showcases turbine-recharging electric
- Skoda reveals VisionS concept SUV
- Audi reveals India-bound Q2 SUV
- Mercedes-Benz unveils C-Class Cabriolet