WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOS: PININFARINA
The next generation of cars offered by Automobili Pininfarina is being previewed by the striking Pura Vision concept, an all-electric luxury car that blurs the line between an SUV and sports coupé.
There are no plans to put the Pura Vision into production, but its technology and styling are likely to find their way into Pininfarina models in the future. It will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week later this month.
Visual drama is added by the vast panoramic glass roof, which was inspired by the 1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 Superflow concept
The juxtaposition of the Pura Vision’s cab-rear proportions, narrow glasshouse and raised ride height means that Pininfarina calls it an electric-Luxury Utility Vehicle or ‘e-LUV’, rather than an SUV.
Fittingly, there are a host of design details that set the car apart. A narrow slash in the front facia houses the headlights, which are manufactured using ultra-slim LESS nanofibre lighting technology. Pininfarina says these lightweight, 1mm-thick nanofibres improve aerodynamic efficiency and can be shaped into virtually any type of headlight.
The majority of the bodywork is finished in Bianco Siestre Gloss paint, which contrasts with the exposed carbon front air intakes, sills and diffuser. Filling the arches are huge 23-inch matte-black wheels wrapped in whitewall tyres.
Further visual drama is added by the vast panoramic glass roof, which was inspired by the 1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 Superflow concept and features what Pininfarina calls a ‘biscotto’ centre section of LEDs that link the wraparound windscreen to the rear tailgate. The B-pillarless glasshouse is met by a simple aluminium beltline along each side of the car, and tiny cameras are used in place of traditional wing mirrors.
The tri-opening Lounge Doors are another attention-grabbing design feature. They were inspired by the Lancia Florida saloon of the 1950s and open in three directions: forward, backward and upward, allowing easier access to the futuristic interior.
Inside, there’s a central display that rises from the centre console when needed, while speakers in the headrests allow each passenger to independently listen to audio. According to Pininfarina, the low driving position is closer to a two-seater than an SUV, and vital information is displayed to the driver via a digital dash and head-up display. The finishing touch is an integrated wine cooler found between the rear seats.
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