Automobili Pininfarina has reached a landmark moment in the development of its new Battista, as the pure electric hyper GT completed its first high speed test programme at the Nardo Technical Centre in Italy.

The successful test marks the beginning of the next chapter in the development programme of the most powerful Italian sports car ever produced. This will see nine test and validation versions of the pure-electric Battista driven on public roads and in private test facilities to fine-tune, validate and homologate its bespoke chassis settings, advanced torque vectoring system and unique sound experience.

Test Driver and Vehicle Dynamics Manager Georgios Syropoulos concluded a series of dynamic tests at the world-famous proving ground, including sprints around the circular banking of the 12.6km Nardo Ring and laps of the twisting 6.2km handling track.

The Battista's 120kWh battery provides power to four electric motors - one at each wheel - for a combined power output of 1,874bhp and 2,300Nm of torque. Its advanced powertrain is able to intelligently distribute power between all four wheels for optimised traction in all conditions and allows customers to tailor the driving experience using five unique driving modes, which are Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere.

The prototype Battista testing at the Nardo Technical Centre is not a stripped-out development mule. Beneath its elegant carbon fibre skin, a fully finished interior complete with luxuriously executed detailing, gave engineers the opportunity to assess every element of the new hyper GT.

Bespoke chassis settings will ensure the Battista hyper GT delivers a unique dynamic experience that can be tailored to suit every trip. This test phase has allowed Automobili Pininfarina's engineers to develop and fine-tune a range of technologies to optimise the driving dynamics.

The Battista is the first electric hypercar to feature advanced racing-inspired Brembo CCMR carbon-ceramic brake technology. Work will focus on blending their operation with the high speed aerobrake and energy recuperation system, for optimum performance and driver confidence.

Four-motor torque vectoring will be uniquely tuned to suit the bespoke hyper GT characteristics of the Battista, delivering incredible traction and driver confidence in all conditions. Energy-neutral torque vectoring will be optimised to recuperate and shift electrical energy seamlessly for enhanced range and efficiency.

After around 1,000 of hours of virtual dynamic testing, double-wishbone suspension components, forged aluminium wheels, torsion bars and elastokinematics will be evaluated and fine-tuned, taking maximum advantage of the Battista's ultra-stiff carbon fibre monocoque to perfect the driving experience.

Customers will have a choice of 20-inch forged aluminium front and rear 'Prezioso' wheels and 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminium 'Impulso' wheels, with a saving of 8.9kg in unsprung mass across all wheels, with corresponding high performance tyres, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R or Pirelli P Zero. Engineers will optimise the chassis settings to suit each application during the dynamic test phase.

Following simulation and wind tunnel testing, the unique exterior design and active aerodynamics of the Battista will be fine tuned during track testing to ensure the sculpted bodyworks delivers the refinement, aerodynamic stability and performance expected from a luxurious hyper GT.

The Battista will deliver a unique driving experience in every sense, and dynamic development will enable technicians to evolve in-car and external soundscape to suit the hyper GT's DNA in all driving environments. When the first vehicles are delivered to clients in 2021, the Battista will accelerate from 0-100km/h in sub 2.0 seconds, 0-300km/h in less than 12 seconds and have a top speed of 350km/h.

The luxurious hyper GT will combine blistering performance with seamless global roaming thanks to a partnership with integrated communications leader, Deutsche Telekom. The agreement ensures Battista customers will enjoy online connectivity worldwide without interruption or incurring additional charges.