It almost looks like an electric Stratos.
Lancia just dropped a new concept car called the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, proving that the Italian automaker still has some life left in it. The car is meant to preview the next 10 years of Lancia vehicles, which will be 100% electric. Though the Pu+Ra HPE is clearly a concept, it looks far more production-ready than Lancia's last concept called the Pu+Ra Zero, which looked like a floating pod. Lancia says the Pu+Ra part of the name stands for Pure and Radical, two traits that are absolutely mirrored on the new HPE.
Fans of the brand may recognize the HPE designation, which stands for High-Performance Estate (or wagon), from the Lancia Beta. Though the shape is a two-door shooting brake style, Lancia says the new HPE stands for High-Performance Electric. This is clearly a larger car, but we see plenty of elements from the Stratos, the most iconic car Lancia ever produced and the winner of three World Rally Championship titles. It's no wonder why the Stratos sells for nearly seven digits at auction these days.
The car is finished in Progressive Green, a gorgeous blue-ish color that was designed to look classic while also embracing a sustainable future. Lancia says that the streamlined design is inspired by past models like the Aurelia and Flaminia, and of course, the Stratos as well. You can see the iconic round Stratos lights at the back, contrasted by three rays of light up front that combine to create a new Lancia lighting signature called the chalice. To encapsulate the blend of modern and classic design, the Lancia logo was redesigned, keeping its historical details.
Up top, the Pu+Ra HPE features an innovative circular glass roof that lets in a ton of sunlight. The interior was designed in collaboration with Italian furniture company Cassina to create a welcoming and eclectic environment. The front seats are inspired by Maralunga armchairs while the rear seats look more like lounge chairs. Both front and rear occupants even get their own coffee tables. 70% of interior materials are sustainable.
Much to our surprise, Lancia actually published some specs for the Pu+Ra HPE. Lancia quotes a 700 kilometer range (434 miles), which is likely rated on the WLTP test meaning roughly 308 miles on the EPA cycle. No specific charge speed is mentioned, but Lancia says the car will charge in just over 10 minutes, which seems pretty unrealistic (but hey, this is a concept car). The car will also be very efficient, burning only 10 kWh per 100 kilometers. Goodyear even manufactured special tires for the Pu+Ra HPE with low rolling resistance.
The Pu+Ra HPE may never reach production but Lancia will launch a new Ypsilon in 2024, in both hybrid and electric form. This model will likely share a platform with the Fiat 500. From 2026 onward, Lancia will only launch 100% electric cars that may include a revived Delta in 2028. Lancia has been dormant for years but it finally feels like the Italian brand is ready to excite us once again.
Keyword: Lancia Shows It Still Has Life With Gorgeous Pu+Ra HPE Concept