Pambuffetti PJ-01: a handcrafted supercar with F1 cockpit and Lamborghini V10 engine

Unveiled at the Milan-Monza 2021 Motor Show (MIMO), the Pambuffetti PJ01 is an Italian supercar produced by the Umbrian brand of the same name, founded by Juri Pambuffetti, whose family works in the field of special bus fittings. You can't make this stuff up! Over the years, the group has diversified into bodywork and the production of the C205, an aerobatic microlight. Aviation is another passion for the family, who own the Delfina Aviosuperficie, one of Italy's finest airfields, with 850 meters of grass runway, a flying school, individual hangars for private aircraft and a restaurant.

The automotive project was launched in 2017, aiming to create a handcrafted supercar offering performance and driving sensations similar to those of Formula 1 single-seaters. The company announced the production of 25 examples at a unit price of 1.5 million euros, at a rate of 6 units per year. Another source of pride for the group is its intention to create a "100% made in Italy" supercar.

Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics

To maximize the performance of the Pambuffetti PJ-01 and keep its weight down (1,100 kg), the manufacturer opted for a steel and carbon chassis, with a body entirely in carbon, created in collaboration with Florentine Carbon Dream. The PJ-01's design, imagined by Marco Sforna, emphasizes forms favoring maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

It looks like a cross between a KTM-XBow, a Lotus Evora and a pinch of Ferrari F430. The front end is characterized by wide air intakes and slim, aggressive headlamps framing a plunging, raised F1-style snout. The same is true of the sides, which are hollowed out and supported by finely crafted aerodynamic skirts, while the rear is dominated by a full-width extractor and a high exhaust pipe.

Like in an F1 cockpit

Everything has been designed to optimize the car's aerodynamic downforce, capable of generating 500 kg of downforce at 280 km/h. The streamlined, F1-style cockpit and driver's station are accessed via gullwing doors. The driving position is also derived from that of single-seaters, with the pedals higher than the driver's pelvis, inducing a semi-recumbent posture for the driver.

In addition to reproducing the feel of a single-seater, this configuration frees up space under the body for aerodynamic flows, and thus eliminates the need for a large, sometimes unsightly spoiler.

A Lamborghini engine

The Pambuffetti PJ-01 is powered by a Lamborghini 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10, derived from the "Trofeo" version. The block is tuned to develop between 700 and 820 hp, depending on the preparation requested by the customer, combined with a six-speed sequential gearbox, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 1.3 kg/hp. Performance figures are based on a 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h.

The braking system, with 380 mm discs at the front and 365 mm at the rear (carbon-ceramic optional), brings the car to a halt. Double-wishbone suspension with aerodynamic control arms ensures dynamic performance. The ultra-light alloy wheels, produced by OZ, measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

The cockpit is also equipped with a Quick Release system that allows you to change steering wheel type in less than 10 seconds, depending on your needs. On the racetrack, the steering wheel must be fast, direct, with little rotation and always well maintained, offering an optimum view of the instruments and the track. On the road, on the other hand, it needs to offer great freedom of movement, be comfortable and have a shape that allows greater rotation. Two steering wheels are therefore customizable by the owner.