Lancia Pu+Ra HPE

Rédaction : Albert Lallement

A new phase inspired by the past

In April 2023, Lancia presented an amazing concept car called Pu+Ra HPE, marking a new era for this manufacturer, now part of the Stellantis Group.

In November 2022, Lancia will unveil the design of the Pu+Ra Zero, with sleek, flowing lines that should serve as inspiration for the brand's future models. This lifeless work of art, which seems inspired by the creations of sculptor Brancusi, embodies both Lancia's past and its future image. Six months later, it becomes reality in the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE concept car, which, with its radical shapes, ushers in a new era for Lancia. This is the true ‘renaissance’ of the Italian brand, announced by Luca Napolitano, Lancia's Managing Director since January 2021.

With the Pu+Ra HPE, Lancia takes a big step towards Stellantis' desired “renaissance” of the Italian manufacturer, that was somewhat sidelined by Fiat over the past two decades. Lancia represents stylish Italian cars, official cars of heads of state and victorious rally cars from the 1970s to 1990s. But now it is time to restore it to its former glory The Pu+Ra HPE is the embodiment of Lancia's long-awaited revival and also the Italian manufacturer's first electric car. Inside and out, it is a Lancia in the brand's tradition. The model features all the elements that have made Lancia world-famous for more than a century: purity, elegance and advanced technology. This concept car paints a clear picture of what the new Lancias will look like in terms of design, innovation and technology.

A SCULPTURE AS A STARTING POINT

The foundation of Lancia's styling revival under the auspices of Stellantis will be presented on 28 November 2022 by Lancia's new Managing Director, Luca Napolitano, and the brand's Styling Director, Jean-Pierre Ploué. The event, called the ‘Design Day’, will be held at an Italian Baroque palace, the Reggia di Venaria. The Pu+Ra Zero project is a design study that announces the broad outlines of the brand's new models for the next decade, under the banner Pu+Ra Design.

The meaning of Pu+Ra is Pura e Radicale (Pure and Radical in English). The following year, on April the 28th, the logical realisation of this study was presented under the name Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, which stands for ‘High Performance Electric’ and refers to the 1974 Lancia Beta HPE (High Performance Estate), the inspiration for the Fast Back hatchback. With this concept car, Lancia begins its journey into the future, drawing inspiration from the past. The trade press described the Pu+Ra HPE as stratospheric, given its unmistakable reference to the prestigious 1970s rally Stratos.

The highly futuristic dashboard features a large, round, tilting central console that extends visually towards the rear thanks to a design trick. © IXO Collections SAS - Tous droits réservés. Crédits photo © © Lancia D.R.

A LESSON IN STYLE

In his speech, Jean-Pierre Ploué summed up the new Lancia line-up as follows: ‘We have taken the essence of the DNA, the values, the codes and above all, no retro design. Lancia will always remain modern. To this end, we use elements typical of the brand, such as the round lights that will be present on the Ypsilon, while the front end unmistakably recalls Lancia's historic chalice.’ The dialogue between past and future is reflected in the flowing lines on the side that slope towards the rear of the car, recalling those of the Aurelia and Flaminia, with a sleek design based on aerodynamics and flowing volumes. At the front, Lancia's historic radiator grille has been reinterpreted, now represented by rays of light reflected on several elements of the bodywork: tail lights, indicators and wheel rims. Large areas of glass provide the interior with natural light. The result is a space that feels like a warm nest, and makes you feel at home in this car. Moreover, the innovative rounded roof offers expansive views. The tradition of Italian furniture design has been applied to the car's interior, reminiscent of the interior of a house. In particular, the multifunctional round central element can be compared to a coffee table. This is also reflected in the round carpet and front seat seats, which are inspired by the Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Together with the Lancia brand, this Italian luxury furniture manufacturer embarked on an original design collaboration.

The layout of the passenger compartment reflects Italian furniture, particularly the front seats, which are inspired by the Cassina armchairs with which Lancia is collaborating on this model. © IXO Collections SAS - Tous droits réservés. Crédits photo © Lancia D.R.

THE NEW YPSILON

For Lancia, the third generation of the Ypsilon is the first push for innovation since its integration into Stellantis. The model was presented to the press on 14 February 2024 and a week later at the 90th Geneva Motor Show. Already at first glance, it is easy to see how the elegant Pu+Ra HPE concept car influenced the lines of Lancia's entry-level model. Lancia is back in the limelight with its small city car, the first generation of which dates back to 2003, presenting this model as its first electric car.

The Ypsilon III, which is part of the manufacturing grouping initiated by Stellantis, is based on the same chassis as that of the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa, but is distinguished by innovative and refined design. A limited edition of 1,906 numbered units was launched especially for the occasion under the name Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Limita Cassina, extending the collaboration with the Italian luxury furniture designer. Lancia plans to launch two more 100% electric models after the Ypsilon: the Gamma in 2026 and the Delta in 2028. After this, Lancia plans to launch only electric cars, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy sources.

DATASHEET

Lancia Ypsilon III (L21) de 2024

• Engine: Type Synchrone e-156, electric, front, transversal

• Power: 156 hp / 115 kW

• Max. torque: 260 Nm

• Power supply: Lithium-ion polymer battery, 51 kWh

• Transmission: front wheels, automatic + M.A.

• Tires: 205/55 R17 (front and rear)

• Brakes: front and rear discs, ABS

• Length: 4075 mm

• Width: 1755 mm

• Height: 1435 mm

• Wheelbase: 2537 mm

• Weight (empty): 1,584 kg

• Maximum speed: 150 km/h

• Range: 403 km

FRENCH DESIGNERS IN THE STYLING DEPARTMENT

When Lancia joined the Stellantis Group in 2021, the Italian brand's ‘Centro Stile’ had been at a standstill for several years. At the time, Frenchman Jean-Pierre Ploué was appointed Lancia's styling director, while at the same time being responsible for the design of all Stellantis' European brands. A Stellantis design centre was set up in Turin covering the Italian brands of the new group: Lancia, of course, but also Fiat, Alfa Romeo Abarth and Maserati.

Jean-Pierre Ploué was previously Director of Styling at PSA as of 2009, and it was from Citroën that he recruited Frédéric Duvernier, who was in charge of concept cars for the brand with the chevrons. As soon as Duvernier arrived, Ploué entrusted him with the exterior styling of the Pu+Ra HPE, with the assistance of another French designer, Frank Saint Joanis, in charge of 3D modelling, and Laura Brunet, responsible for colours and materials. Interior design is the responsibility of Gianni Colonello, collaborating with the stylists at Italian top-of-the-range furniture manufacturer Cassina.