After a very conceptual sculpture unveiled at the end of last year, the legendary car manufacturer Lancia, put on hold by Stellantis for many years, presents a new concept car called PuRa HPE. Inspired by a sports coupe, it is supposed to prefigure the technologies, design and positioning of its vehicles of tomorrow.
700 km range
Of course, as with any concept car, we have little technical information, but the press release announces a range of 700 km. This figure puts us on the track of the future STLA Large platform of the Stellantis group, whose technologies Lancia will share. However, the rolling realization of the PuRa HPE relies for the moment on equipment that will be found on the future Lancia Ypsilon, in particular the engine, the battery, the suspensions and the brakes.
Indeed, in line with Stellantis’ electrification strategy, Lancia will launch the new Ypsilon in 2024, in hybrid and electric versions, and from 2026 in 100% electric only. The manufacturer also announces that from 2028, the new Delta should arrive on the roads and that from then on, the brand will sell exclusively electric models.
Premium positioning
In the meantime, Lancia’s press release recalls that “Pu+Ra refers to the brand’s pure and radical new design language, while HPE stands for High Performance Electric, for a car that is both eco-sustainable, exciting and advanced. The acronym HPE was first used in the 70s by the Lancia Beta, and stood for High Performance Estate, a symbol of sportiness and practicality.” Enthusiasts will indeed remember the Beta HPE and other Volumex compressors which allowed forced air induction at low rpm and considerably increased the torque from the lowest ranges of the tachometer.
It should also be noted that the PuRa HPE concept positions the Lancia on the road to BMW and Audi, with a premium interior based on nubuck, marble dust, M49 cellulose acetate and 70% recycled materials. Lancia plans to incorporate at least 50% recycled materials into its interiors.
Table-shaped infotainment
Note also a circular glass roof that pivots and is a reinterpretation of the classic Targa roof. The new infotainment system, seen here for the first time, is labeled SALA for Sound, Air, Light and Boost. This platform is controlled either by voice commands or using a (purely conceptual) circular touchscreen that unfolds from the dashboard. A smaller display for driving data is housed in the center of the steering wheel. Elements that unfortunately are unlikely to be kept on the production line.