At the revived Geneva International Motor Show today, Pininfarina unveiled the Enigma GT fully virtual design study intended to “explore the intersection of beauty and technology.” It symbolizes the initiation of a thought process that will be further developed for the company’s 95th anniversary in 2025.

“We set out to offer a fresh perspective on what everyday driving pleasure might mean for a new generation,” said Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer Pininfarina. “We decided to start by exploring one of the best automotive canvasses around a contemporary GT, a 2+2 with desirable, exotic looks, done the Italian way—the Pininfarina way—exuding purity of design, elegance, and Italian flair. It is an ongoing study, an optimistic work in progress that speaks of our confidence in the future and the charm of the automobile. It is an open invitation to re-invent the future together.”

 

Adaptable aerodynamics

The exterior design features Pininfarina design hallmarks including flying buttresses and a roofline shaped by the wind, with a “dynamic silhouette” that “is naturally aerodynamic.” Its mid-rear engine layout is unusual for a 2+2, but the engine’s central position allows for the vehicle’s aerodynamically optimized front end and small, 1.96-m2 (21.1-ft²) frontal area while maintaining ample room for occupants.

The car is 4580 mm (180.3 in) long, 1950 mm (76.8 in) wide, and 1230 mm (48.4 in) tall on a 2880-mm (113.4-in) wheelbase. Its carbon monocoque is finished in carbon panels for a mass of 1690 kg (3725 lb).

The “air-sculpted” front wings connect to a low, smooth, and extremely reduced front end incorporating all lighting functions into a modern central light bar instead of traditional headlights. The car’s generously glazed greenhouse admits plenty of natural light, the large uninterrupted windscreen wrapping around the passengers for panoramic visibility.

Extensive use of active aerodynamic devices enables the vehicle’s aerodynamic configuration to 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. Combined with its small frontal area, the resulting Cd x A value is below 0.48 m²—for total drag said to be at the leading edge of its GT segment.

Among the main active aerodynamic elements are active grill shutters that control airflow to minimize the drag produced by the cooling system. When deployed, active front-wheel deflectors reduce wheel-induced drag by managing the flow around them. An “active base bleeding system” increases the pressure downstream of the vehicle by connecting the front high-pressure zone to the rear, reducing the aerodynamic resistance generated.

An active aero tail can quickly switch from performance to efficiency by modifying the positions of the delta wing and diffuser. The linear taillamp is integrated into the actuated wing, sitting atop an aerodynamic sculpture, celebrating airflow and providing cooling around the rear-mounted engine.

 

Emotional soul and humanized technology

The car’s canopy, which lifts dramatically to access the interior, is inspired by Pininfarina’s past concept cars such as the Fiat Abarth 2000 Coupe Pininfarina and Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale from 1969, the Ferrari 512S Modulo concept of 1970, the Maserati Birdcage 75th concept from 2005, and Pininfarina’s Teorema concept of 2021. However, the new concept introduces a unique canopy that lifts together with the dashboard and windshield. Floating in the canopy is an almost invisible transparent OLED screen that acts as a digital centerpiece.

The interior is said to blend “emotional soul” with technical elements to create a friendly, sporty, and light environment. Life onboard is intended to be a grand touring experience akin to flying, with an aeronautically inspired dashboard integrating laminar airflow for ventilation.

Lightness in the design is celebrated by making parts of the powerful hydrogen powertrain visible. The car’s interior approach focused on advanced and sustainable materials. In front is “light-sculpted” seating and an uninterrupted band of high-touch side materials integrates the rear seats.

With the concept, Pininfarina designers wanted to humanize technology using holistic UX/UI (user experience/user interface) design. The AR (augmented reality) windscreen is part of the car’s immersive and intuitive UI.

The driving experience is enhanced with an innovative augmented reality layer powered by the vehicle’s AI (artificial intelligence) designed to assist drivers in real-time, the technology overlaying relevant information directly in the driver’s field of vision. This feature is said to go beyond conventional navigation and offer a comprehensive set of functional tools. It focuses on points of interest for seamless navigation, identifies and alerts drivers about blind spots, and integrates advanced driver assistance systems functionalities for enhanced safety.

An interior loop with a clear glass display provides essential information to the driver and entertainment to the passengers. The display is designed to offer a minimalist and distraction-free design for the driver to focus on crucial details while passengers can enjoy interactive and engaging content. A uniquely shaped, multi-functional steering wheel features touch displays intended to facilitate personalized control, whether adjusting vehicle settings, controlling entertainment options, or managing communication features.

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.

 

Hybrid hydrogen-electric power

Pininfarina says that the car’s powertrain technology is aimed at a very efficient combination of weight containment, driving fun, and sustainability. The company’s “technology neutral” approach led its designers and engineers to adopt a hydrogen-powered ICE (internal combustion engine) driving the rear wheels coupled with an electric motor on the front axle. The all-wheel-drive configuration is said to be “very consistent with” a high-performance GT car.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 325-kW 2.5-L V6 ICE fueled by hydrogen with a 150-kW continuous (200-kW maximum) electric motor and a 10-kW·h battery. The tank holds 9 kg (19.8 lb) of hydrogen and can be refueled in 5-6 min.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) is said to take less than 4 s and maximum vehicle speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The car’s range is about 550 km (342 mi) in the mixed cycle and more than 700 km (435 mi) at a steady 100 km/h.