Everything you need to know about the stunning Lancia Pu+Ra HPE concept

This is the new Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, one of the wildest electric vehicle concepts launched in recent years.

The fantastic-looking four-seat coupe doesn't actually preview a future production model: instead it's intended to showcase how the storied Italian brand will be reinvented for the electric era – both in terms of design and technology.

The Pu-Ra HPE is very much a design concept, and Lancia hasn't revealed any information about the powertrain. It did say that it 'intends' the range to be more than 434 miles.

Still, while there isn't much to say about the electric technology that powers the concept, there's plenty of interest elsewhere. So here's everything you need to know about the new machine.

Lancia: a quick history lesson

Lancia can trace its history back to 1906, but is best known for its success in rallying with classic cars such as the Stratos (above), Delta and 037. But the Italian firm didn't just enjoy success on the special stages: the road-going versions of its machines were hugely popular in the 1980s and it introduced a string of new technologies.

But the brand's fortunes have faded in recent years, and currently Lancia offers just a single model in its home country of Italy: the Ypsilon city car. 

But Lancia is part of the Stellantis car giant (along with the likes of Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Peugeot), and company bosses have revealed grand plans to revive its fortunes as an electric-only premium brand offering a line-up of city cars, saloons and flagship models. 

The front 'calice'

The front-end of the new concept is clearly inspired by previous Lancia models such as the Delta, but the front 'calice' has been reworked as a three-pronged LED light. The Lancia name is spelt out on the front of the bonnet and across the rear of the car.

While the Pu+Ra HPE isn't intended for production in its current form, the front end will be seen on future Lancia models, starting with the next-generation Ypsilon that is due next year.

The side profile

The Pu+Ra HPE is a classic sports coupe machine, and the side profile of the car takes clear inspiration from the Lancia Stratos and 037. 

Another interesting feature is that the new Lancia badge features on the side of the car: this is another design trait that will be seen on future production models.

The circular roof

One of the most unusual elements of the concept is the circular roof design, which is built around a large panoramic sunroof designed to let the most light possible into the cockpit.

In case you were wondering, Pu+Ra stands for 'pure and radical', which is Lancia's name for its new design language. The HPE stands for High-Performance Electric, and is a nod to the 1970s Beta HPE (although in that case it stood for High-Performance Estate).

The rear-end design

The rear design of the car features some of the most recognisable Lancia design traits. The round rear lights are inspired by the wedge-shaped Stratos, while the horizontal 'sun blind' elements across the rear window are similar to those seen on the Beta HPE.

The interior: inspired by furniture

Lancia says that its new design language takes inspiration from Italian furniture, and it actually worked with design house Cassina on some of the elements.

The interior is intended to feel as much like a home as the inside of a car, and makes extensive use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

The spacious interior and lounge-style seats

The brightly coloured seats are finished in a soft fabric, and are intended to feel like armchairs as much as car seats. 

There's also the extensive use of geometric shapes for elements such as the centre console, while the dashboard is built on a single piece of round glass.

The SALA infotainment

The Pu+Ra HPE doesn't just showcase a new design language: it also previews new technology that will feature on future Lancia models.

That includes the new SALA infotainment – that stands for Sound Air Light Augmentation, since you were wondering. It basically means the controls for the audio, climate control and lighting are all in one place, and can be controlled through a variety of ways, including by voice control (you can still press a button if you prefer).

Lancia's grand reinvention plan

While we won't see a production version of the Pu+Ra HPE, key elements of that design will be seen in the future Lancia models that will be rolled out in the coming years.

The brand's reinvention will start next year, when it launches a replacement for the ageing Ypsilon city car (pictured above). The new machine will feature the front-end design seen on the Pu+Ra HPE, and a production version of the Sala infotainment system. It will be offered with a choice of hybrid and electric powertrains, and will use a Stellantis group platform shared with models such as the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e.

From 2026 onwards, the brand will only launch full electric cars, and from 2028 it will only sell electric cars. In 2028 the firm will also launch a new version of the classic Delta hatch, which we're already very excited about.