Finally, one of the most anticipated concepts is revealed. The Italians want to be reborn at the hands of electricity with more than 700 kilometers of range. Lancia has written some of the most glorious pages in the automotive history book. Italians have always had a very special way of looking at the industry and have been able to create glorious cars in the past. Even though the brand has been about to disappear, the arrival of electric mobility will allow a glorious return. The Stellantis Group has given the go-ahead for its recovery and the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept is the first creative sketch they show. A prototype that anticipates some of the most spectacular figures that have been heard in a long time.
The presentation has been in style and has had the presence of the highest representatives of the house. “Today Lancia presents Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, the brand’s vision for the next 10 years, which ushers the firm into the era of electric mobility and sums up our way of conceiving and living the automobile. Starting with the new Ypsilon, our cars of the future will be inspired by the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE”, said Luca Napolitano, CEO of the Lancia brand. The creative role is extremely important, although more is what it hides under its body.
Half prototype, half creative project, the definitive design of the Pu+Ra HPE arises from a close collaboration between Lancia and Cassina, an Italian company of international renown for its designer furniture. From the inside out, we wanted to create not only a futuristic three-dimensional effect but also a space to feel at home. Mats turned into carpets, seats turned into armchairs, and a large glass surface amplifies the feeling of interior space.
As we have already seen throughout several advances presented by Lancia in recent months, the Pu+Ra HPE has a clear influence from the Lancia Stratos, one of the many classic models that will inspire the future. The small Italian sports car is easily recognizable from the rear. The rear cover and the round headlights take us back to one of the most iconic models of the house. The initials HPE (High-Performance Electric), come from the models of the house that combined sportiness and functionality, although at that time the acronym HPE meant High-Performance Estate.
Lancia has a 10-year project and, during this decade, it must once again surprise the world. The first scheduled launch is that of the Lancia Ypsilon for 2024 in hybrid and electric format. From 2026, only 100% electric models will be presented and, in 2028, coinciding with the launch of the new Lancia Delta, only EV units will be sold. The preliminary data presented by the Italians cannot be better. Officially, they ensure a range of more than 700 kilometers, an average consumption of fewer than 10 kWh per 100 kilometers, and a charging time of just 10 minutes.
If these figures are confirmed, we would have before us one of the most efficient electric vehicles in the world. Now, it remains to be seen on which commercial ladder Lancia wants to position itself and we will soon find out. By history, concept, and, from what is seen, benefits, the legendary Italian house will return to a level close to premium brands, occupying a position that is now occupied by the DS brand. Stellantis has 14 different brands to its credit. An immense warehouse of creativity and parts that guarantees the return of Lancia.
