Lancia is one of those names that evoke nostalgia and admiration among car enthusiasts. The Italian brand has a rich history of producing elegant, innovative, and sporty cars, from the rally-winning Delta Integrale to the stylish Stratos. But in recent years, Lancia has been reduced to a shadow of its former glory, selling only one model (the Lancia Ypsilon) in one market (Italy).
That's about to change, thanks to the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE, a concept car that previews the brand's comeback in Europe. The Pu-Ra HPE is not just a new model but a new vision for Lancia: an electric car that combines heritage, design, and technology in a modern and sustainable way.
What Is the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE?
The Lancia Pu-Ra HPE (which stands for High-Performance Electric) is a four-door coupe that was unveiled in September 2021 at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. It is based on the Stellantis eCMP platform, which underpins Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Fiat models.
The Pu-Ra HPE is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver a combined output of 400 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack has a capacity of 100 kWh, which provides a range of up to 310 miles on the WLTP cycle. The car can also recharge up to 80 percent in 20 minutes using a 150-kW fast charger.
The exterior design of the Pu-Ra HPE is inspired by some of Lancia's most iconic models, such as the Fulvia Coupe and the Beta Montecarlo. The front end features a slim grille with LED headlights that form the letter L. The side profile is sleek and aerodynamic, with flush door handles and 21-inch wheels. The rear end has a distinctive light bar that connects the taillights and spells out Lancia.
The interior of the Pu-Ra HPE is equally elegant and futuristic, with a minimalist dashboard that houses a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The center console has a rotary knob for selecting the driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, with contrast stitching and Lancia logos.
The Pu-Ra HPE also boasts some advanced features, such as Level 2 autonomous driving assistance, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering, regenerative braking, and biometric recognition.