GENEVA 2017 - Fittipaldi EF7 unveiled! - specs & mega gallery [w/Video]

FITTIPALDI EF7 VISION GRAN TURISMO BY PININFARINA UNVEILED

F1 racing legend and Indy 500 champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, unveiled his dream track car, the much-anticipated Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina, at the Geneva Motor Show today.

The ultra-light, all carbon fiber supercar fuses the vision of F1 and Indy Car racing champion Fittipaldi, iconic Italian design company Pininfarina and race-bred German engineering firm HWA AG, and fulfills Fittipaldi’s dream to produce a car with fierce track-racing capabilities, for drivers of all skill levels.

“I have tried for years to explain to others what it truly feels like to be behind the steering wheel of a championship racecar. There is adrenaline and elation all rolled into an awe-inspiring inner fulfillment that leaves you craving for more. This is what our dream team created in the EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina,” said Fittipaldi of the first car to be released under the Fittipaldi Motors marque.

Revealing a commandingly sleek design underscored by an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio, the supercar’s design theme – that of a shark, inspired by Emerson – finds astounding aerodynamic expression in the vehicle’s flowing, aggressive lines; assertive yet incredibly beautiful and pure; and a balance between emotion and efficiency typical of Pininfarina’s design work.

“The EF7 is an exciting car that embodies Pininfarina’s DNA in terms of style and innovation, Emerson’s championship race experience and HWA AG’s flawless engineering skills. Our collective team was able to turn a dream into a driving machine,” enthused Pininfarina Chairman PaoloPininfarina.

The EF7’s exceptional yet forgiving handling and performance, will be achieved through a powerful V8 naturally aspirated engine, integrated gearbox, suspension and braking system developed by HWA AG, and an with ultra-lightweight, all carbon fiber chassis construction with an exceptionally low center of gravity.

Added Hans Werner Aufrecht, Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HWA AG:

“In realizing the dream of a champion, the result is a car that combines racing technology and breathtaking design with drivability and the highest safety requirements.”

The carbon fiber monocoque is a specially designed safety capsule for both driver and passenger, enabling drivers to feel comfortable in the car, even while at its limits.

“I have had the privilege to work with many great teams in my life on and off the track, but this project took me to new heights, co-creating with the masters of legendary car design and race-winning engineering,” said Fittipaldi, who began his journey to create a supercar three years ago. “Combined they have over 140 years delivering on the elite cars of the world and this is now the same brilliance in the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina.”

The EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina will have a limited production with every EF7 owner having the opportunity to benefit from personal coaching by Emerson Fittipaldi himself and move up a driver-training ladder designed by the racing champion. In addition, owners will be able to join the Fittipaldi Racing Club which will provide exclusive VIP high-performance driving and racing experiences at some of the world’s premier racing circuits, led by Fittipaldi and other racing professionals.

Owners will also have bespoke customization options to personalize their EF7 complete with car interior and exterior options, multiple wheel options and personal Pantone color and racing numbers, along with Emerson Fittipaldi signature branding placement selections.

Meanwhile, supercar fans and video game enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the EF7 in the virtual world where it will be exclusively available in the upcoming PlayStation®4 videogame, Gran Turismo Sport™. The highly anticipated title from Polyphony Digital Inc. will bring a new era to racing games through its accessible single player and online game modes, including the brand new FIA Gran Turismo Championships, created in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The FIA Gran Turismo Championships will create an exciting new platform for motorsports, and the virtual EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina will be a part of this, featuring exactly the same characteristics as the real track car.

Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc. and creator of Gran Turismo, added: “The Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina boasts a collective of some of the automotive world’s best partners and it is a project we’re honored to be a part of.”

Said Fittipaldi: “I won my first Formula 1 Championship at 25 years old, in a time when driving skill, team effort and technology played critical roles. In 2017, we are on a new horizon where real world and virtual world motorsports are merging and this is truly remarkable. Our partners, Gran Turismo, are the leaders in virtual racing field worldwide and we are truly excited to be working with them.”

What’s certain is that in both the real and virtual worlds, the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina will provide an unparalleled racing experience for drivers of all skills levels.

“Together we have built the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina enabling lady and gentlemen drivers around the world to truly experience a new level of racing euphoria and passion and push beyond their limits on the most prestigious race circuits worldwide,” added Emerson.

“It has been three years since I started this journey and today, 7th March 2017, thanking God for His kindness and grace on this journey of my life, I present to you the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Turismo by Pininfarina.”

Specs

Vehicle description

The FITTIPALDI EF7 VISION GRAN TURISMO BY PININFARINA is an exclusive track car aimed at drivers with-out the need for a racing team in the background. It is designed as a racecar with an easy to use approach, which can also be operated by non-professional drivers. Still, the EF7 incorporates all the experience from multititle-winning racecar developers HWA who signify the German engineering of this car. All this is enveloped by a bodywork of timeless elegance designed by Pininfarina. Multi title-winning racecar champion Emerson Fittipaldi not only gives his name tothe project but also ensures the drivability and handling of the car.

Safety is a prerequisite for customers to fully enjoy this race car experience. Therefore the EF7 even exceeds the FIA safety standards. The main safety features include the carbon monocoque with tailor made racing seats and integrated roll structure as well as state of the art, race grade crash elements in the front, the rear and the sides of the car.

The interior is also designed by Pininfarina to combine the desired racecar impression,accompanied by the elegance Pininfarina is famous for. It offers two seats with six point racing harnesses. The seats are not adjustable in order to ensure the optimal positioning of the driver by individually fitted seat pads, but the steering column and the pedal box can be adjusted. The racing steering wheel with shift paddles has a quick release coupling to enable entering and exiting of the car. The EF7 is equipped with an easy to read racing display unit ensuring that all relevant information is always easily accessible for the driver. Instead of an interior rearview mirror, the EF7 uses a rearview camera with a corresponding display. Polycarbonate windows help to reduce the weight.

The racing chassis features double wishbones, adjustable anti-roll bars, race brakes and race suspension. Together with the adjustable traction control and ABS these measures make sure that the car can be handled by both professional and non-professional drivers. Specifically designed rims emphasize the exclusivity of the car.

The carbon bodywork includes aerodynamic features such as diffusers and an integrated adjustable rear wing as part of the overall Pininfarina design to guarantee full scale racing fun on the track.

Powertrain description (by HWA)

The mid-engine powertrain was specifically designed by HWA for the EF7. It consists of a unique engine and a fully integrated six-speed gearbox.

The 4,8l naturally aspirated V8 racing engine runs up to 9000 rpm and then achieves about 600 hp. The torque of 420 Nm is reached at 6000 rpm. The dry sump lubrication of the engine ensures performance on track and the eight-in-one exhaust system combines a pure emotional racing sound with performance and design. The sequential gearbox itself is an integral part of the vehicle structure and helps accomplish a minimum car weight.

Car Specifications:

Vehicle Dimension: 4600mm length I 1980mm width I 1125 height

Wheelbase: 2700mm

Track: 1670mm front I 1625mm rear

Ground Clearance: 60mm

Weight: 1000 ± 50kg

Weight distribution: 48% front I 52% rear

Drivetrain Type: MR

Transmission: 6-speed sequential

Type of differential gear: 2-way mechanical LSD

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 4800cc