BMW has linked with one of the most famous and longest-established Italian design houses, Pininfarina, to produce a new large coupe concept – the Gran Lusso Coupe. The car is being presented at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013.
The companies say they have “created a new automotive persona brimming with character and ready to join the high-end luxury class”.
Although Pininfarina has undoubtedly put its stamp on the car, it still retains typical features that mark it out as a BMW – in particular, the kidney-shaped grille, a long wheelbase, a stretched bonnet and a set-back “greenhouse” glass area.
Pininfarina’s Head of Design, Fabio Filippini, said “The result of this co-operative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts. When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company.”
Although BMW appears keen to emphasise that the Gran Lusso Coupe is a one-off, it’s easy to see how the design could have wider significance, with the German car manufacturer perhaps looking for its next design direction after a decade in which its “look” has been heavily influenced by the distinctive work of its former styling chief, Chris Bangle.
