It combines a V8 at the front and an electric motor at its back.
Puritalia, a Naples-based sports car specialist, is possibly still well-known to those who have seen the Puritalia427 since 2012. The car was a modern interpretation of the 427 Shelby Cobra and produced 605 horsepower (or 451 kilowatts) using its supercharged, 5.0-liter V8. The brand will be back at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with the Berlinetta hardtop. However, the V8 is given an electric boost to nearly 1,000 hp. A teaser was shown back in February and now we know the full story.
Contrary to what was initially announced, the drive will be a plug-in hybrid and not a regular hybrid. The Purhydrive system is a combination of a 5.0-liter V8 that is mounted longitudinally in the front. It produces 750 horsepower (559 kW) by itself. The rear axle houses an electric motor that boosts the system’s output to 965 horsepower and 920 pound-feet (1.248 Newton meters). The aluminum block can be personalized with the name of the buyer. The power is managed by an automated seven speed manual transmission that shifts with steering wheel paddles. It can sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h), and takes just 2.7 seconds. Maximum speed is 208 mph (335 km/h).
The 25-kg motor comes from Yasa, a British specialist. It generates 370 Nm twist and a maximum output of 215 horsepower. They are made with lithium ironphosphate chemistry, and have a voltage of 700 V. The batteries are located under and behind the seats in two separate packages and can store 5.2 kWh of electricity. Although the electric-only range of these hybrids is less than those with plug-in hybrids that can reach 12.4 miles (20 km), most don’t have nearly 1,000 horsepower. The charger comes with three hours of charging time.
Special software that uses artificial intelligence controls the hybrid system. The driver’s driving style is used to determine the best hybrid strategy. You can also access real-time information about traffic, weather and road conditions. Calculating the most efficient use for energy from large amounts of data stored on the cloud and then transferring the results back to the car is how it works.
You can choose from Sport, Corsa or e-Power modes. Corsa mode should have a particularly loud exhaust sound. The eMozione switch allows you to increase the torque of your electric motor by up to 273 lb-ft (370Nm) in 45 seconds. Brembo fixed brakes are used for braking, with six piston units at the front and four piston at the back.
This two-door car is reminiscent of the classic Jaguar models. This GT’s chassis is made from carbon and aluminum with a carbon body. To help achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, the V8 is located at the front and the gearbox at rear. The car’s interior features plenty of leather and a 12.3-inch display rather than conventional instruments. Additionally, the center stack has a vertical Tesla-style touchscreen.
Each car is made by hand to customer specifications. There are only 150 units being built and they will not be sold to everyone. Puritalia states that the Berlinetta will only be given to “ambassadors”, who are able to appreciate it. Many luxury brands with limited production models operate in the same manner. The Berlinetta’s initial price of EUR553,350 reduces the buyer pool.