Automobili Pininfarina introduces a pioneering new era of electric luxury with the PURA Vision design concept. The design study’s elegant silhouette and dramatic proportions express Automobili Pininfarina’s PURA design philosophy, effortlessly transforming the DNA of iconic models from Pininfarina SpA’s past to define the future – envisioned here as a beautiful electric Luxury Utility Vehicle (e-LUV).
The new design concept will inspire the next generation of Automobili Pininfarina’s pure electric luxury vehicles and will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week in August, where it will appear alongside the recently-revealed Battista Edizione Nino Farina hyper GT and another new production vehicle of an equally exquisite, yet different proposition, itself defining a new genre of driving pleasure.
PURA Vision represents a striking interpretation of an electric Luxury Utility Vehicle, with bold cab-rear proportions that combine timeless beauty with exquisite detailing to create a dynamic identity with unmistakable presence. Show-stopping features include its narrow glasshouse and tri-opening pillarless doors, which provide supreme access to its sophisticated cabin.
PURA Vision features a distinctive face, defined by hidden headlights and ultra-slim L.E.S.S. nanofibre lighting technology that creates a statement daytime running light signature. With fibres measuring less than 1mm thick, the advanced lighting technology can be tailored to suit almost any design, while its lightweight construction and superior energy efficiency is perfectly suited to a visionary electric LUV. The headlights are housed within a full-width multi-functional technical design element that defines the lower sections of body, and aids cooling and aerodynamic performance.
The choice of exterior materials and colour finishes accentuates PURA Vision’s athletic presence, with the sophisticated surfaces of the Bianco Sestriere Gloss body contrasting with the exposed carbon fibre lower elements, the narrow glasshouse and gloss black floating roof above. In profile, PURA Vision’s dramatic cab-rear proportions and short overhangs provide a powerful stance, while 23-inch alloy wheels add to its purposeful presence. Its tyres feature a white stripe, unifying the exterior and adding definition to the matt black wheels.
An innovative panoramic roof adds to the sense of sophisticated luxury. Its fixed ‘biscotto’ centre section is illuminated by a ring of gentle LED lighting and links the expansive windscreen at the front with the tailgate at the rear. The central ‘biscotto’ supports the large curved single-piece side windows, which form part of the Lounge Door openings on each side, while also ensuring PURA Vision is instantly recognisable from above. They hinge dramatically upwards and, in combination with the pillarless opening and rear-hinged back doors, provide unrestricted access to spacious 2+2 seating. The Lounge Doors were inspired by the pillarless design of the Lancia Florida saloon, which was penned by Battista Farina in the Fifties and was a favourite of Pininfarina’s founder.
Exterior jewellery showcases the attention to detail for which Automobili Pininfarina is renowned. These elements include a precisely engineered anodised aluminium beltline around the glasshouse, which begins at the windscreen and traces an elegant unbroken arc around PURA Vision. The roofline is defined by an aluminium element on each side. It incorporates the rear-facing cameras that replace conventional door mirrors, at the front, and bears the PURA Vision signature at the rear.
The rear features ultra-slim horizontal LED lights and the glasshouse tapers in plan view, accentuating PURA Vision’s crisply defined haunches, where the body rises sharply from the wheelarches – this vertical muscle has more in common with a sports car and contributes to PURA Vision’s unique stance. In combination with the innovative biscotto roof, it creates a distinctive appearance when viewed from above – just like the Battista hyper GT.
Lower down, the technical appearance of the exposed carbon fibre bumper echoes the front end, and contrasts with the pure surfaces and sculptural forms of the upper body.
On the outside, PURA Vision blends the road presence of an SUV with the purposeful character of a low-slung sports car, and its luxurious interior follows the same ethos. The driving position has more in common with a two-seater, yet the overall impression is of a light, airy and welcoming cabin. Its electric powertrain allows for generous cabin dimensions with a flat floor creating an expansive interior space – a sensation heightened by the panoramic glass roof.
The world of luxury sailing yachts inspired the design of the sophisticated upper body on the exterior and this influence is also evident inside. PURA Vision’s ‘floating’ front seats are suspended like the foil of a sailing craft, while the centre console resembles the boom of a sail. From behind the wheel, the expansive dashboard appears to merge with the exterior, extending the distinctive lines of the hood into the cabin.
Francesco Cundari, Interior Design Director, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “PURA Vision showcases a future generation of elegant Automobili Pininfarina interiors where clients are cocooned in tailored comfort, with elevated visibility and exquisite material choices. It combines the personality of a sports car with the space and comfort of a luxury vehicle.”
The next generation of Automobili Pininfarina vehicles promises to deliver connected convenience at every turn and PURA Vision reflects this ambition. Its technology-rich cabin has been designed to serve occupants with the information they need, when they need it, using an intuitive central touchscreen, advanced digital instrumentation and a head-up display, which can all be personalised by the driver.
The attention to detail evident in the visual design is also showcased by the application of advanced technologies. The central display rises from the console when required but can be stowed to minimise distractions, while speakers in the headrests provide individual sound zones for each occupant, for a truly bespoke travelling experience. The large glass area ensures all passengers feel connected to their surroundings, enhancing every trip, and an integrated wine cooler between the pair of rear seats ensures occupants enjoy contemporary luxury in every sense.
AutoBrief Snippets
- New Automobili Pininfarina PURA Vision design concept previews a new era of pure-electric luxury
- Elegant silhouette, dramatic proportions and clean surfaces showcase the company’s PURA design philosophy, envisioned as a dramatic electric Luxury Utility Vehicle (e-LUV)
- Sharp lines and modern aesthetic mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Automobili Pininfarina, embracing the DNA of 94 years of design heritage to shape the future
- PURA Vision will make its public world premiere during Monterey Car Week and inspires a new generation of Automobili Pininfarina vehicles
- Design study was conceived, designed and developed in Italy by Automobili Pininfarina’s family of in-house experts, at the same facility where the Battista hyper GT is assembled