Pininfarina Enigma GT, the forward-thinking Design Study at GIMS 2024

The Pininfarina Enigma GT is conceived as a bold statement at the Geneva International Motor Show 2024.

It is a fully virtual Design Study exploring the intersection of beauty and technology, symbolizing the initiation of a thought process that will be further developed by Pininfarina, in view of its 95th anniversary in 2025.

HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT THE DESIGN STUDY

In its approach to a visionary Design Study, Pininfarina opted for a contemporary GT capable of blending unique characteristics:

• a 2+2 seater configuration, coupled with a high performance mid-rear engine layout. The overall dimensions are inspired by the search for compactness, for the benefit of efficiency and coherently with the GT character, with a relatively long wheelbase enabling the 2+2 interior roominess.

• a powertrain technology aimed at a very efficient combination of weight containment, driving fun, and sustainability. Pininfarina’s technology neutral approach led its designers and engineers to adopt a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels, coupled with an electric motor at the front axle. This configures an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) setup, very consistent with a high performance GT car.

• The mid-rear engine layout has allowed for the optimization of the aerodynamic study of the front part of the vehicle and the minimization of the frontal area. Along with the extensive use of active aerodynamic elements and a careful study of the underbody fairing of the vehicle, Pininfarina has achieved an extremely efficient aerodynamic configuration, combining minimal drag with significant downforce.

• a desirable, exotic look – done the Italian way - the Pininfarina way - exuding purity of design, elegance, and Italian flair.

EXTERIOR DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS

The highly emotional exterior design starts with a dynamic silhouette and a generously glazed greenhouse admitting plenty of natural light. The large uninterrupted windscreen wraps around the passengers and provides seamless panoramic visibility. The main volume of the car is naturally aerodynamic. Air-sculpted front wings connect to the low, smooth and extremely reduced front end, incorporating all lighting functions into a radically modern central light bar instead of traditional headlights.

The mid-rear engine layout, unusual for a 2+2, is central to the Enigma GT’s uncompromising characteristics. The engine’s central position allows for the vehicle’s aerodynamically optimized front end and small frontal area (1.96 m2), all while maintaining ample room for occupants. Through the extensive use of active aerodynamic devices, the vehicle’s aerodynamic configuration can be adapted to a variety of conditions: from high performance driving to low consumption cruising.

In its lowest drag setting, the vehicle’s slim profile, optimized underbody and drag reduction devices allow it to maintain adequate downforce while achieving a drag coefficient of 0,24. The Enigma GT’s drag coefficient, combined with its small frontal area, results in a Cd x A value below 0.48. That means that Enigma GT generates a total drag at the cutting edge of the segment.

Main active aerodynamic elements

• Active grill shutters: Based on the vehicle’s cooling requirements, the shutters reduce airflow across the heat exchangers to minimize the drag produced by the cooling system

• Active front wheel deflectors: When deployed, the wheel deflectors reduce wheel-induced drag by managing the flow around them.

• Active Aero-Tail:  The Active Aero-Tail controls the vehicle’s personality. By modifying the positions of the delta wing and diffuser, Enigma GT can switch from performance to efficiency in an instant

• Active base bleeding: by connecting the high-pressure zone at the front of the vehicle to the rear end, the active base bleeding system increases the pressure downstream of the vehicle, thus reducing the aerodynamic resistance generated.

Back to the combination of styling with aerodynamics, the linear tail lamp is integrated into the actuated wing, sitting atop an aerodynamic sculpture, celebrating airflow and providing cooling around the rear-mounted engine. And note stunning Pininfarina design hallmarks like the flying buttresses and a roofline shaped by the wind.

UX/UI AND INTERIOR DESIGN

Moving into the car, the canopy lifts dramatically to receive you in a mindfully prepared interior. The spectacular opening solution is inspired by Pininfarina’s past concept cars, such as the Abarth 2000 Coupe Pininfarina, the Modulo, the Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale, the Maserati Birdcage 75th, the Teorema. The Enigma GT in fact introduces a unique canopy that lifts together with dashboard and windshield. Floating in the canopy, an almost invisible transparent OLED screen acts as a digital centerpiece.

The interior design follows suit, blending emotional soul with technical elements, creating a friendly, sporty, and light environment. Life onboard becomes a grand touring experience, akin to flying, enjoying vigorous thrust but wrapping you in a welcoming cocoon. An aeronautically inspired dashboard integrates laminar airflow for ventilation. Lightness in the design is celebrated by making the parts of the powerful hydrogen powertrain visible.

The approach focused on ingenious, advanced and sustainable materials finds expression in the light-sculpted seating in the front, suggesting comfort. An uninterrupted band of high-touch material creates an intimate and sporty atmosphere within and integrates the rear seats.

Pininfarina's design humanizes technology, evident in the holistic UX/UI design. Even the AR windscreen becomes part of an immersive and intuitive UI. Augmented Reality Driving Assistance enhances the driving experience with an innovative augmented reality layer powered by the vehicle’s Artificial Intelligence designed to assist drivers in real-time. This feature goes beyond conventional navigation, offering a comprehensive set of functional tools. It provides Points of Interest (POIs) for seamless navigation, identifies and alerts drivers about blind spots, and integrates Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functionalities for enhanced safety. This cutting-edge technology overlays relevant information directly onto the driver's field of vision, ensuring a more informed and secure driving experience.

An interior loop with a clear glass display provides essential information to the driver while also catering to the entertainment needs of passengers. The transparent glass display offers a minimalist and distraction-free design, allowing the driver to focus on crucial driving details, while passengers can enjoy interactive and engaging content. This seamless integration of information and entertainment creates a harmonious in-car experience for everyone on board.

A uniquely shaped, multi-functional steering wheel with touch displays is the key tangible element through which the driver feels the connection to the car, like the handshake of an intelligent, friendly machine. These touch displays facilitate personalized control, allowing the driver to customize commands based on individual preferences. Whether adjusting vehicle settings, controlling entertainment options, or managing communication features, the touch displays on the steering wheel provide intuitive and easily accessible controls. This level of personalization ensures that the driver can interact with the vehicle in a way that best suits their preferences, enhancing overall comfort and convenience.

An Autonomous Driving Mode for long distances transforms travel time into an opportunity for family bonding and relaxation. During extended drives, the system takes over the driving responsibilities, allowing the driver to shift attention to the interior and enjoy quality time with the passengers. This mode prioritizes the well-being of the occupants, creating a relaxing atmosphere for rest and leisure.

In conclusion, the Enigma GT represents not just a design study, but the inception of a journey that will unfold over time. The very name, 'Enigma GT,' encapsulates this essence. On one hand, it nods to a reimagined kind of a car we want to rediscover – the GT. On the other hand, it deliberately withholds the complete revelation of its design, keeping it shrouded in mystery and reserving the full unveiling for the future. This marks the beginning of an evolving narrative, a design expedition destined to reveal its intricacies gradually, inviting anticipation for the chapters yet to be written.