Automobili Pininfarina introduces a pioneering new era of electric luxury with the Pura Vision design concept. It represents a striking interpretation of an electric Luxury Utility Vehicle (LUV), with bold cab-rear proportions that combine timeless beauty with exquisite detailing to create a dynamic identity with a strong presence. Show-stopping features include its narrow glasshouse and tri-opening pillarless doors, which provide wide access to its sophisticated cabin.
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.
Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Pura Vision embraces the DNA of iconic vehicles from Pininfarina’s past, to shape the future with sharp lines and a modern aesthetic. It is distinctive from every angle and showcases our Pura design philosophy on a new kind of vehicle.”
Pura Vision features a distinctive face, defined by hidden headlights and ultra-slim L.E.S.S. nanofibre lighting technology with fibres measuring less than 1mm thick. 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 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. 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.
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. 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.
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 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 and an integrated wine cooler between the pair of rear seats ensures occupants enjoy contemporary luxury in every sense.
Each of the four individual seats features a crisp white finish, while charcoal leather on the dashboard and door tops provides a continuous 360-degree accent band around the interior.
Soft semi-aniline leather mixes with a signature textile fabric throughout, while exposed carbon fibre and anodised aluminium echo the finishes applied to the exterior. As part of its production, Automobili Pininfarina used waste aluminium from Pura Vision’s wheels to craft bespoke protective kickplates that adorn the door sills.
Sara Campagnolo, Colour and Materials Design Director, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Materials are more than just a cover – they represent the very fabric of our vehicles. In keeping with our Pura design philosophy, Pura Vision uses the fewest and highest quality materials possible, as efficiently as possible, to create a highly tailored, timeless and sustainable finish.”
The new signature textile on the centre console, upper seatbacks and headlining combines 30% Nativa wool and 70% recycled polyester. Its melange herringbone pattern provides a tactile finish and features electro-welded Pininfarina logos on the seat headrests. Despite Pura Vision’s status as a design concept, the innovative textile already meets Automobili Pininfarina durability standards for production vehicles.
Automobili Pininfarina now employs 116 people across its sites in Cambiano, Italy and Munich, Germany, in a team that comprises more than 20 different nationalities, harnessing global expertise and experience to shape a new era in electric mobility.
