Automobili Pininfarina, the luxury electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest concept car, the Pura Vision. This striking electric SUV is set to shape the company’s future lineup of “pure-electric luxury” vehicles. CEO Paolo Dellachà describes the Pura Vision as “the bridge from our present to an exciting new chapter,” suggesting that it will heavily inspire future production cars.
The Pura Vision concept was first reported by Autocar in 2020, with Pininfarina’s then design boss Luca Borgogno hinting that it would enter production as a rival to the Ferrari Purosangue, priced around £300,000. While plans for the concept to become a customer car have since gone quiet, it still provides a strong indication of what we can expect from the Italian brand in the near future.
When Autocar had the opportunity to see the concept up close in 2020, Borgogno described it as “extremely close to production.” The design features bladed headlights that will appear on future Pininfarina models, and according to the new chief design officer Dave Amantea, it “embraces the DNA of iconic vehicles from Pininfarina’s past, to shape the future.” The silhouette of the Pura Vision is sculpted mostly from lightweight materials, including carbon fiber, giving it a unique and sculptural appearance. The low front end and flared arches are inspired by the iconic Cisitalia 202 of 1947, the first vehicle to enter the Museum of Modern Art’s collection in New York.
The interior of the Pura Vision takes a radical new approach to design, with a strong focus on functionality and space. Unlike Pininfarina’s compact Battista, which prioritizes driver engagement, the Pura Vision aims for refinement and luxury. The cabin features “floating” front seats and a wave-shaped, raised rear bench, inspired by sailing vessels. The low roofline adds to the sports car feel. Pininfarina’s interior design director Francesco Cundari explains that this approach sets the blueprint for future models, with passengers “cocooned” in a “light, airy, and welcoming” cabin that combines the personality of a sports car with the space and comfort of a luxury vehicle.
One of the standout features of the Pura Vision is its large glass roof, inspired by the 1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 Superflow concept. This glass roof reflects sunlight to keep the interior temperature controlled in the summer. It is mounted over a tough aluminum frame that would protect occupants in the event of a rollover accident. Other notable features from the concept’s cabin that are expected to make it to production include a rising central touchscreen that can be stowed to minimize distraction, audio system speakers fitted into the headrests, and an integrated wine cooler reminiscent of ultra-luxury brands like Bentley Mulliner and Mercedes-Maybach.
While Pininfarina has not provided any details about the powertrain, the 2020 concept featured a 1000bhp electric powertrain developed in-house. With this powertrain, the Pura Vision is theoretically capable of a 0-62mph time of around 3.0 seconds, a top speed of 186mph, and a range of up to 340 miles. It will also offer “some degree” of off-road capability.
The Pura Vision will make its first public appearance at Monterey Car Week in California later this month. It will be joined by the first Pininfarina production car to take design inspiration from the concept. With its striking design, luxurious interior, and powerful electric powertrain, the Pura Vision sets the stage for Automobili Pininfarina’s future lineup of “pure-electric luxury” vehicles. Car enthusiasts and luxury electric vehicle enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting the production version of this exciting concept.