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The PURA Vision: after the Battista hypercar, Automobili Pininfarina presents the hyperSUV

As imposing as it is elegant, the Pura Vision will inspire Pininfarina's signature production models of the coming years

Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled a new concept called the Pura Vision, which is described by the brand as the beginning of a “pioneering new era of electric luxury.”

Described as an electric Luxury Utility Vehicle (e-LUV), the Pura Vision will inspire the brand’s next generation of purely electric luxury vehicles and will be showcased at Monterey Car Week Aug. 17-20.

Massive and futuristic

The Pura Vision is among the largest creations ever signed by Pininfarina. 5.22 m long, 2.15 m wide and 1.64 m high, the concept is vaguely reminiscent in style of the 1947 Cisitalia 202, the first vehicle ever to enter the collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Arts.

The SUV’s design is striking for its extremely curvaceous and clean lines characterized by the absence of pillars, “hidden” headlights in the front, and a very dynamic and muscular flank.

The Bianco Sestriere Gloss hue contrasts with the carbon fiber elements and gloss black floating roof, while the 23-inch alloy wheels add to the concept’s grandeur.

The prototype also features an innovative panoramic roof with a fixed center section illuminated by a ring of LED lights. This section connects the large windshield with the tailgate and also “supports” the large side windows in one piece.

The front doors are hinged upward, while the rear doors are hinged at the rear and, in combination with the pillarless opening, offer unrestricted access to the spacious passenger compartment with 2+2 configuration.

A luxurious and high-tech interior

The Pininfarina welcomes occupants into a spacious, light-filled cabin with a design inspired by the world of luxury sailboats. Indeed, the suspended “floating” front seats recall the style of the hull, while the center console reminiscent of a sail boom.

The large dashboard houses a central touchscreen that lifts off the console at certain stages of driving, advanced digital instrumentation and a head-up display, all of which can be configured by the driver. In addition, speakers in the headrests offer individual sound zones for each occupant.

The material mix includes charcoal-colored leather, semi-aniline leather, fabric, carbon fiber, and anodized aluminum.

Unfortunately, Pininfarina did not reveal details about the powertrain. Therefore, we do not know whether the Pura Vision will be powered by four electric motors with a total of 1,900 hp like the Battista. The company merely said that models inspired by the Pura Vision will be conceived, designed and developed in Italy and will be equipped with advanced technologies pioneered at the company’s Digital Innovation Hub in Germany.

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Photo courtesy of Auto Storica

The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB), produced from 1973 to 1984, stands as one of Ferrari’s most radical shifts in design and engineering, thanks to the collaborative work with Pininfarina. The BB was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car, marking a significant departure from Enzo Ferrari’s long-standing preference for front-engine designs. Its introduction signified a new chapter for Ferrari, aligning more closely with the trends set by other supercar manufacturers at the time.

Origins and Design Inspiration

Designed under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti, the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (the first iteration of the BB series) debuted at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, and production began in 1973. One fascinating anecdote about the car is that its “BB” initials reportedly stood for Brigitte Bardot, the famous French actress, which was a codename used during development and remained with the model​.

The BB’s design was sleek and revolutionary. It featured a wedge-shaped, low-profile body, which became a staple of 1970s supercar aesthetics. One of its unique design elements was the bicolored bodywork, with a black lower section that visually slimmed the car while emphasizing its elongated shape. Its pop-up headlights and minimalist, flowing lines were indicative of Pininfarina’s ability to combine functionality with elegance, helping the car stand out from its competitors​.

Mid-Engine Innovation

Before the BB series, Ferrari had always adhered to front-engine layouts for its road cars, famously stating, “Never put the cart before the horse.” However, the mid-engine layout, which Ferrari had already used in its Dino models, became necessary as rivals like Lamborghini began popularizing the mid-engine format in supercars.

The 512 BB (introduced in 1976) featured a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, mounted in the middle of the car, right behind the driver, delivering 360 horsepower. While this engine was commonly referred to as a “Boxer,” it was technically a 180-degree V12, not a true Boxer engine. In a true Boxer engine, opposing pistons move in opposite directions, but in the 512 BB, they moved simultaneously in the same direction​ This flat configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity, which significantly improved the car’s handling.

Performance and Engineering Marvels

The 512 BB was more than just a stylish car—it was a high-performance machine capable of a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The car’s engineering wasn’t just limited to its engine. It featured independent suspension on all four wheels and a sophisticated five-speed manual transmission mounted below the engine, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to performance.

Over the years, the BB saw several iterations. The BB 512i, introduced in the early 1980s, swapped the carburetors for Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, which lowered emissions and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power. Although the power dropped slightly to 340 hp, it remained one of the fastest road cars of its era​.

Legacy and Influence

The BB series laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s later mid-engine supercars, such as the Ferrari Testarossa, which succeeded the BB 512i in 1984. It also marked a significant shift for Ferrari, transitioning from the era of front-engine grand tourers to mid-engine supercars.

Today, the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer remains a prized collector’s item. Its combination of cutting-edge design by Pininfarina, revolutionary mid-engine layout, and Ferrari’s racing heritage makes it one of the most iconic cars in the brand’s history. With only 387 units produced of the original 365 GT4 BB, and slightly more of the later 512 BB and BB 512i models, its rarity further solidifies its place in the pantheon of classic supercars.

The Ferrari BB, both for its groundbreaking design and engineering, represents one of Ferrari’s most influential models. Its innovations in the mid-engine supercar market, coupled with Pininfarina’s masterful styling, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors to this day.

Which Ferrari model is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!