Fittipaldi's upcoming racer will have a 600bhp V8

Two Formula One world championships, two Indy 500 wins and soon, a supercar: racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi will, at the Geneva Motor Show, add the 'EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina' to his name.

It's being built for the Gran Turismo gaming series, but will also spawn a real-life, road-going version. A version that will offer a naturally-aspirated V8 pumping out more than 600bhp, packaged inside a carbon fibre monocoque and body.

Sounds fruity. The EF7 will be constructed by Pininfarina in association with HWA, targeting that "super lightweight" carbon fibre body at around 1,000kg. The engine and gearbox are said to be positioned as such to keep the centre of gravity nice and low. In Pininfarina's terms, this means its ability to enter and exit corners, and its speed on the straights, will be "extraordinary".

But not extraordinarily difficult to drive. "What was important to me in creating the EF7," explains Fittipaldi, "is that the car not only provides pure passion and adrenaline, but will also be forgiving and safe for drivers of all skill levels." 

The EF7 will be built in limited numbers, and, Fittipaldi adds, "owner-drivers can expect reliability, lower maintenance cost and minimal mechanic and tech teams". Hardly the most exciting sales pitch (especially considering it's got a naturally aspirated 600bhp V8), but Fittipaldi's reasoning is thus: it means "more time and elation on the track". Good.

You'll see it proper on 7 March at the Geneva show, though expect a few more teasers before then...