It was at the 2016 edition of Geneva Motor Show that Italian car design firm Pininfarina showcased the hydrogen powered H2 Speed concept. Now fast forward to the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Mahindra controlled Pininfarina has finally showcased the production version of the first high performance hydrogen racing car, H2 Speed and it will be only limited to 12 units. Partnering Pininfarina is GreenGT, a Franco-Swiss company that has been designing, developing and manufacturing clean and sustainable propulsion systems since 2008. GreenGT has developed the hydrogen fuel cell technology that propels the Pininfarina H2 Speed with an insane power output of 644 BHP.
(The front end has two large laterally-located radiators, which cool the entire fuel cell block)
Also Read: Geneva 2018: Pininfarina Showcases The HK GT Concept
In terms of the design, the front end has two large laterally-located radiators, which cool the entire fuel cell block has been retained from the concept along with everything else in the central part. The lateral intakes are extended though on the rear engine bonnet which opens in two by a vertical partition. This separates the centre flow aimed at cooling the electric motors from the lateral flow that cools the rear brakes. On the side panel too, the air intakes had to be extended so as to cool the compressors, integrated in the hydrogen cylinder cover. On the roof, an air scoop has been carved out to ventilate the engine compartment, similar to the concept. The bonnet gets a vertical fin whose function is to direct flows towards the rear along with a large spoiler that anchors all the power generated by the electric motor downwards. The fin has been modified, compared to 2016, because in the production version the link between the two parts must allow the spoiler to be adjusted for performance purposes. The entire H2 Speed is designed on a carbon frame base, which makes it really light in weight.
(The Pininfarina H2 Speed can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.4 seconds)
On the inside, all the elements are made of carbon fiber, except the design of the dashboard, which is divided into three elements. The central one houses the instrumentation on board and is connected to two 'ears' saddled on the door panels that integrate the handles. The dashboard is covered with black alcantara with red stitching that reproduces the color of the livery. The seats, designed by Sabelt, have two super light monocoque seats with innovative pad cushions. All fabric covers are made by materials such as leather and alcantara. The seat belts too are same as the one that Sabelt provides to the Formula 1 teams.
(At the heart are 4 250 kW electric synchronous motors that can produce maximum power of 645 bhp)
As mentioned earlier, at the heart of Pininfarina H2 Speed are 4 250 kW electric synchronous motors that can produce maximum power of 645 bhp and can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.4 seconds. Moreover, a full tank of hydrogen can be done in only 3 minutes. This technology allows the Pininfarina H2 Speed to be a complete zero emissions vehicle and has a top speed of 300kmph.
