Watch ‘Quick Nick’ test the Battista hypercar

EFFORTS to produce the pure-electric Battista hyper GT are moving forward rapidly – thanks to former F1 and Formula E racer Nick Heidfeld.

The highly experienced German driver has taken to the track in a prototype of the Automobili Pininfarina mega machine at the Nardo test centre in Italy.

And Heidfeld, who has been helping with the car’s development over the last few years, says he is already very impressed by its capabilities.

He said: “It has been really special to experience the Battista on the track for the first time. With the prototype at an advanced stage of development, we are testing the Battista with about 80 per cent of its potential power.

“The performance and acceleration is already beyond anything I could imagine. What really surprised me was how natural the Battista feels on the track.

“We are creating a hyper GT to be enjoyed at all speeds, yet here in Nardo the cornering control and speed we achieved were exceptional.”

Limited to a run of just 150 models, the 1900PS all-wheel-drive hypercar is due to enter production in Turin this summer, with the first customer deliveries later in the year.

Costing up to £2million each, the Battista should be capable of a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds and a top speed of about 217mph once it has been fine tuned.

Heidfeld added: “I have to say that, very honestly, driving the Battista prototype far exceeded my expectations. It’s like nothing I have experienced ever before.

“I can’t wait to try the Battista away from the track, chasing corners on mountain roads.”