Italian design house Pininfarina has expanded its brand to include a new line of electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s first model is the 1,874-horsepower Battista hypercar. However, Pininfarina is now shifting its focus to higher volume models, with the unveiling of the Pura Vision concept, a preview of its upcoming SUV.
The Pura Vision concept was first revealed to potential buyers and the media during the 2019 Monterey Car Week in California. Its design language, known as Pura, reflects Pininfarina’s commitment to design purity, where form and function are seamlessly integrated.
The front end of the Pura Vision is sleek and low for an SUV, featuring hidden headlights and thin daytime running lights that utilize nanofiber technology. The actual headlights are concealed within a wide air intake on the hood. One of the standout features of the Pura Vision is its unique glasshouse design, inspired by the 1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 Superflow concept. Instead of a traditional frame, the Pura Vision’s roof features a fixed center section called the Biscotto, which connects with the windscreen at the front and the tailgate at the rear. The Biscotto also supports large curved glass windows that form the cabin, allowing for pillarless doors and a wide opening for easy entry and exit.
Inside, the Pura Vision boasts a minimalist cabin design. Digital screens serve as the instrument cluster and infotainment hub, with many vehicle controls integrated into the latter. The seats are inspired by yacht design, resembling the foils of a sailboat, and the center console mimics the boom of a sail.
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In terms of size, the Pura Vision is a substantial vehicle, measuring 205 inches in length, which is about six inches longer than a Range Rover. Its width, including the side mirrors, is 84.5 inches. Rather than traditional side mirrors, the Pura Vision utilizes tiny cameras mounted on aluminum rails along the edge of the roof.
While Pininfarina has not yet revealed details about the powertrain, they did mention during the 2019 showing that the production version would offer up to 1,000 horsepower and utilize an off-the-shelf modular platform. This approach is similar to their previous model, the Battista, which sourced its platform from Rimac.
Pininfarina will showcase the Pura Vision concept at the upcoming Monterey Car Week in August. Additionally, the brand will use the event to unveil the Battista Edizione Nino Farina special edition and another production-bound model designed under the principles of the Pura design language. Pininfarina teased a lineup of five models, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, SUV, and the Battista hypercar, suggesting that the new model to be unveiled at Monterey Car Week may not be an SUV. This underscores Pininfarina’s commitment to expanding their lineup and delivering a diverse range of high-performance EVs.
Pininfarina’s foray into the EV market signifies a shift in the automotive industry toward sustainable mobility solutions. With their renowned design expertise and rich heritage, Pininfarina is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the future of electric vehicles. The Pura Vision concept, in particular, showcases their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating vehicles that are both technologically advanced and aesthetically stunning.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Pininfarina is sure to play a vital role in shaping the future of automotive design and electrification. With their focus on design purity and high-performance capabilities, Pininfarina is poised to become a major player in the EV market.
