Lancia Pu-Ra HPE: The Electric Car That's Bringing Back a Legendary Brand

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.

Why Is the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE Important?

The Lancia Pu-Ra HPE is more than just a concept car; it is a statement of intent from Lancia and its parent company Stellantis. It signals that Lancia is ready to return to its former glory as a premium brand that offers distinctive and innovative cars.

The Pu-Ra HPE also shows that Lancia is embracing the electric revolution that is transforming the automotive industry. By choosing to go electric, Lancia is not only reducing its environmental impact but also enhancing its performance and efficiency.

The Pu-Ra HPE is also important because it marks the beginning of Lancia's expansion in Europe. After years of being confined to Italy, Lancia is planning to re-enter some of its key markets, such as Germany and Spain. To promote its comeback, Lancia has organized a series of events called "Lancia Pu-Ra HPE On Tour," where potential customers can see and experience the concept car in person.

When Will the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE Go on Sale?

The Lancia Pu-Ra HPE is still a concept car at this stage, so it is not yet available for purchase. However, Lancia has confirmed that it will launch a production version of the Pu-Ra HPE in 2024, along with two other new models: a compact crossover and a large sedan.

The price of the Pu-Ra HPE has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be competitive with other electric coupes in the market, such as the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan. Based on the current exchange rates, the Pu-Ra HPE could cost around $100,000 in the US, although it is not clear if Lancia will sell its cars in North America.

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What Do I Think of the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE?

As a car lover and a fan of Lancia, I am thrilled to see the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE and what it represents for the brand. I think it is a beautiful and exciting car that honors Lancia's heritage while looking forward to the future.

I also think that going electric is a smart and bold move for Lancia, as it will allow the brand to stand out from the crowd and offer something different to its customers. I believe that electric cars are not only good for the environment but also fun to drive and easy to maintain.

I can't wait to see the production version of the Pu-Ra HPE and how it will perform on the road. I hope that Lancia will succeed in its comeback and regain its place among the best car makers in the world.

What do you think of the Lancia Pu-Ra HPE? Do you like its design, performance, and features? Would you buy one if you had the chance?