Pininfarina's 'super-SUV' to pinch EV tech from Rivian

Automobili Pininfarina will partner up with new US start-up, Rivian, to develop a family of SUVs including the pure-electric, 745kW FP1 super-crossover that will rival the Lamborghini Urus.

According to Autocar India, which broke the story less than two weeks after Rivian unveiled its RT1 ute and R1S SUV, Pininfarina has switched technology suppliers from Rimac to Rivian for its next SUV.

Pininfarina is believed to be well under way into the development of its PF0 -- the company's wilder pure-electric hypercar -- with Croation hypercar maker Rimac supplying electric motors, battery technology and control modules.

But for its PF1 SUV, Pininfarina will take a different approach, says the Indian mag. Instead of purchasing just the powertrain, the famous Italian stylist-turned-car-maker will source the 'skateboard' platform direct from Rivian.

It's not known how advanced the partnership between Rivian and Pininfarina is, but the fledgling US car-maker has been developing an EV platform for several years before the surprise launch of its near production-ready R1S SUV and R1T pick-up -- both of which are slated for Australian release.

Rivian has not confirmed the alliance with Pininfarna but has announced that the company is in talks with Mahindra, its parent company.

Using Rivian's skateboard architecture will not only speed up the PF1's development but help the famous Italian design house quickly create a battery-powered Lamborghini Urus rival.

At LA, the US start-up said its platform would produce up to 560kW thanks to its four electric motors driving each wheel, resulting in four-wheel drive and a range of up to 640km between charges.

Both the Rivian R1S SUV and R1T ute are said to be capable of hitting 100km/h in less than three seconds.

Rivian claims it has also developed semi-autonomous driving aids and a trick air suspension that varies ride height to reduce body roll.

It's thought the Pininfarina super-SUV will also benefit from Rivian's 800V fast-charging system.

It's not known when the Pininfarina FP1 will be launched, but it's likely to be after the release of both Rivian models in late 2020.

Another element to the Rivian-Pininfarina partnership is that the US car-maker could build the both the R1S, R1T and the FP1 at its former Mitsubishi factory in Illinois.