F1 racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi unveiled his dream track car - the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina - at the Geneva Motor Show.
The ultra-light, all carbon fibre supercar fuses a vision of Fittipaldi’s with Italian design house Pininfarina and race-bred German engineering firm HWA AG. The result is 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.
The supercar’s design theme – that of a shark – finds its aerodynamic expression in the vehicle’s 'flowing, aggressive lines'. Power comes from a V8 naturally aspirated engine, with the integrated gearbox, suspension and braking system all developed by HWA AG. The ultra-lightweight, all carbon fibre chassis construction with a low centre of gravity is a specially designed safety capsule for both driver and passenger.
“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 will have a limited production run with ever owner getting 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, also led by Fittipaldi and other racing professionals.
Bespoke customisation options will also be available - complete with interior and exterior options, multiple wheel options and personal Pantone colour and racing numbers.
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 PlayStation4 video game, Gran Turismo Sport.
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 honoured to be a part of.”
Fittipaldi added: “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.”