Pininfarina Cambiano
It
is a new approach to luxury in the car, according to Pininfarina's
school of thought. The Cambiano is launched, a concept car that is
elegant and sporty, refined and comfortable. An enticing combination of
pure, cutting edge design and uncompromising engineering that respects
the environment in both in the engine and in the choice of materials.
The
Cambiano is an expression of Pininfarina today, embodying all the
company's skills in terms of style, planning and research in the field
of sustainable mobility. It is no coincidence that its chosen name is
that of the town where Pininfarina has its headquarters. In 2012 the
company celebrates a dual anniversary: the 30th anniversary of the Style
Centre, which was set up in Cambiano in 1982 as "Pininfarina Studi e
Ricerche", and the 10th anniversary of the Engineering Centre, which was
inaugurated there in 2002, adding contract engineering to its
activities of styling and niche design/production, and concentrating
cutting edge technological tools and a team of outstanding specialists
in one place.
The luxury sports saloon embodies the innovative
archetypes of Pininfarina design in full. Another example was a
milestone in the company's history, the Florida II, a concept car of
1957 which the founder Pinin Farina conceived and built for his own
personal use, a saloon-coupé with an architecture and line that
influenced global production for many years. In a way, it was
Pininfarina's first real concept car.
|  2012 Pininfarina Cambiano |
Today,
in 2012, the Cambiano redefines and reinterprets the ideas that are the
basic tenets of Pininfarina design: harmonious proportions, taut lines
and fluid surfaces, and a simple element that extends all along the side
to underline its dynamism. The result is a very strong visual impact,
emphasised by an extremely pure, aerodynamic shape based on essential
and purely functional stylistic elements.
The Cambiano breaks with
the general trend of design that is overloaded with elements, and
confidently embraces the return of pure form as the absolute value, in
the best "tradition" of Italian Style, reflecting the deepest essence of
Pininfarina Design.
The Cambiano reveals its true character at
first glance, starting from the unconventional layout of the doors: on
the driver's side the car is a sports coupe with a single door, but on
the passenger side there are two doors that open from the centre with no
central pillar. This simplifies access and makes the most of the
spacious, luminous passenger compartment.
The Cambiano is an
expression of the car as a global project, and there is total
consistency between every detail of the exterior and interior design,
and between the colours, materials and the use of technology. Elegance
and formal harmony blend in the association of complementary values:
balance and contrast, the relation between full and empty, between solid
and transparent. Formal purity and simplicity become elements of iconic
design.
The proportions of the Cambiano convey dynamism and
fluidity, thanks to the low tapered front and the light, fleeting
rear-mounted cabin. The body of the car is one of simple, solid volumes,
with large taut but sensual surfaces, enhanced by the innovative golden
grey colour and iridescent blue reflections specifically developed for
this project by Standox. The metal inserts in the sides are a new take
on decorative mouldings and they continue all along the side glazing,
incorporating the lighting and opening functions of the doors. The large
honeycomb roof is ethereal and transparent and completes the body of
the car, imparting a sense of solidity and of elegant refinement.
The
front, with its clean, essential design, returns to a motif that is
typical of Pininfarina: headlights incorporated into the grille and
protruding wheel arches. The grille also incorporates a dynamic opening
that is an air inlet for the turbo. The LED front headlights are simple
"blocks" of pure, crystalline light. The tail lights and side indicators
are almost intangible: only the light exists, appearing as if by magic
on the surface of the bodywork. In the purest spirit of Pininfarina, the
essentiality of the form becomes a very elegant expression of pure
function.
The light is an integral part of the Cambiano design
concept, inside and out. The relationship with natural light is
simplified by the panoramic roof, which is translucent in some areas and
transparent in others. With a carbon honeycomb structure mounted
between the outside glass and a polycarbonate inner lining, the roof
enhances visibility in the car - heightening the sense of luminosity and
space inside.
The light is not only a natural element, but also
emphasises the sensory experience of the passenger compartment thanks to
a refined and functional lighting system, which exploits light channels
inserted into the ceiling, the doors and the floor. The Cambiano is the
first car to incorporate into the passenger compartment a contemporary
video-art projection, created specifically by the Spanish artist Javier
Fernandez with a very personal language of manipulated, overlapping
images. The work is projected onto the ceiling where it can be enjoyed
by rear seat passengers during the drive. Contemporary art, a preeminent
feature of luxury, is thus incorporated into the concept of the car,
leaving behind its elite aura and becoming accessible.
The
complementarity between apparently contrasting elements is also
expressed in the interior. Natural materials contrast with sophisticated
details, and the physicality of pure matter with the immateriality of
the most advanced forms of communication, which simplify the interaction
between the driver and the car and his surroundings. It is a
fascinating mixture of luxury craftsmanship and innovation: exclusive
materials and outstanding manual work combined with the use of advanced
technologies and innovative concepts.
Elegant and modern design
converges in the interior with comfort, ergonomics and environmental
sustainability, maintaining the same stylistic approach of the exterior.
Fluid, sensual surfaces, a light, essential environment, with clearly
defined functional zones: interactive controls and surfaces turned
towards the driver, a more comfortable and tactile area for the other
passengers. A fine, light facia, light but enveloping front seats
suspended between the consoles and the sill, in a delicate balance
between solid and hollow designed to create tension. The asymmetrical
access to the passenger compartment determines the leaf structure of the
two rear seats, which are almost suspended in the car, where occupants
enjoy an environment that is made more comfortable and refined by the
generous legroom. The interior is upholstered with Foglizzo leather,
personalised in certain points with a special diamond point punched
patter. The leather used on the Cambiano was chosen from the Pininfarina
Leather Collection for Foglizzo, a collection of personalised natural
and imitation leathers developed by the two Turin companies. The
uprights and door panels are upholstered with polylactic acid, a plastic
derived from sugar substances, treacle and milk serum, a solution that
reduces the use of petroleum.
Like the entire lower part of the
passenger compartment, the perfectly flat floor is made of recycled
wood. This is the strongest and most typical element of the interior of
the Cambiano, the fusion of matter and transformation, technological
research and respect of cultural and environmental values. A choice
dictated by the discovery of a wonderful material, which is both poor
and noble: the wood of the "briccole", the poles of European oak used to
indicate the navigation channels and moorings inside the Venice lagoon.
Riva1920,
a historical Italian producer of solid wood furniture that has been
working with Pininfarina Extra for over ten years, had the brilliant
idea of recuperating the wood of these 12 metre poles, thousands of
which are replaced every year. The wood is marked by the lagoon water
and by marine microorganisms, which come alive again, creating a new
manufact that is destined to last. Following the same principle,
Riva1920 has created all the wooden elements for the interior of the
Cambiano, using numerical control milling machine followed by manual
final polishing and oiling. The result is surprising and evocative. The
material is about to embark on its third lease of life, and it reveals
its unique texture and the wear and tear of passing time: the holes made
by the marine molluscs are still visible on the surface. Not only. This
complex, delicate technological craftsmanship makes the interior of the
Cambiano something unique that expresses an outstanding level of
creativity and experience, thanks to this eco-friendly re-use of a
natural, discarded material with the enormous evocative force of the
huge cultural, emotional and artistic dimension attributed to Venice all
over the world.
The atmosphere of extreme refinement in the car
is underlined by another precious detail in the instrumentation: the
timepiece manufactured in Limited Edition by the Swiss watchmaker Bovet
1822. This "Cambiano" Chronograph designed by Pininfarina can be removed
from the dashboard and worn as a wristwatch, or used as a sports timer
and even a table clock, due to its convertible concept.
The
instrumentation of the driving position is divided into three priority
zones according to use: the car's functions and performance, navigation
and comfort, multimedia and connections. The main display shows the
power delivered by the 4 electric motors backed up by the turbine, the
battery charge and the fuel gauge, the total range and the range with
all-electric operation, the driving mode (Ecocity, Snow/Ice, Efficiency,
Sport, Drifting), and the speedometer. The driver monitors the
navigator, the warning messages and the multimedia functions on the
secondary display. The "swap" control transfers the navigator and other
functions to the central display and vice versa. And a touch pad gives
access to the interactive instrumentation and climate control. The
driver controls the lights and the gear selector on the steering wheel,
while the "Start" control and a device holder are on the centre tunnel.
The
attention paid to detail is evident from the work carried out on the
tyres. For the Cambiano Pininfarina specifically developed with Fate,
Argentina's largest tyre production and exporting company, the first
tyre for top of the range cars, Concept Tyre, from Eximia by
Pininfarina. Fate's experts engineers contributed with precise studies
and creative capability, making possible a further step in design,
technology and security. Concept Tyre, from Eximia by Pininfarina,
synthesizes the last progresses in the search of perfection:
environmental care, superior constructive quality, and an advanced
esthetic model.
Cambiano: new architecture, a generous range and maximum attention to environmental sustainability
The
Cambiano also sets new parameters for eco-sustainability in the high
performance luxury car segment, its strong points include electric drive
which guarantees zero emissions in the urban cycle and a range with
all-electric operation that is higher than any offered on the market
today. And how could it be otherwise on a concept car from Pininfarina,
whose genes have always included sustainable mobility, now one of the
pillars of the company's industrial plan?
Pininfarina was
concentrating on aerodynamics and alternative sources of energy as early
as the 1970s: for example, with prototypes like the CNR Energetica 1 or
Ecos, the first electric car developed by Pininfarina. In the 1990s
Pininfarina offered new solutions with the Ethos, a family of 3 cars
with an aluminium chassis, a body of recyclable resin, and an innovative
combustion engine with low emissions, culminating in 1995 with the
Ethos 3EV, another zero emissions car. More recently Pininfarina
engineers turned their attention to research into hybrid vehicles with
the Eta Beta and Metrocubo projects, the focussing on safety in 2004
with the Nido. In 2008 the Sintesi proposed a futuristic concept cap
supplied by 4 fuel cells (one per wheel). Which brings us to the
present: the BlueCar in 2008, the Nido EV in 2010 and the Hybus in 2011,
a project to convert buses currently equipped with Euro 0-1-2 engines
into buses with serial hybrid power packs.
This consolidated
technological expertise and the ability to manage cutting-edge projects
with great flexibility and innovation are expressed in the Cambiano. The
perfect integration of the styling and engineering activities has
produced an extended range plug-in electric car that combines top
performance and roominess with the comfort of a luxury car and total
respect of the environment. The type of engine chosen and the position
of the battery pack in the rear of the car (under the luggage
compartment) have created a vehicle architecture with a perfectly flat
floor, that is regular and low, guaranteeing excellent access,
liveability on board and a lower centre of gravity.
The drive
system is based on four electric motors, one for each wheel, and the
respective deceleration unit. The four motors, which are produced by
Magneti Marelli, are mounted on the front and rear frames and each
delivers a continuous supply of 60 kW with peaks of 150 kW for a total
of 600 kW maximum power output, with torque of 640 Nm. Each motor is
controlled separately and electronically to guarantee various functions,
including energy regeneration when decelerating and braking, traction
control with the option of continuously varying the torque split between
the wheels independently (Vectoring Stability Program) and anti-lock
braking assistance. The traction control strategies make the vehicle
even more enjoyable to drive, guaranteeing outstanding performance and
maximum safety over all types of routes.
The drive system
incorporates an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to charge the batteries and,
when necessary, to supply energy directly to the motors: this is a 50 kW
Bladon Jets micro turbine which normally runs on diesel but which can
be calibrated to be compatible with various types of fuel. In addition
to this advantage, the turbine is smaller than those of piston engines
with a similar power delivery, it weighs just 40 kg, and generates low
polluting emissions. The micro turbine chosen for the Cambiano has
technical features that make it particularly quiet and vibration-free,
enhancing comfort for passengers. This type of extended range electric
drive is thus amply in line with EURO 6 legislation, and is already
compatible with possible evolutions (EURO 7 ready).
The battery
pack developed by FAAM is installed between the seats and the rear axle,
where it is protected from possible collisions and easily replaced
during servicing. The battery is of the high power, high energy density
lithium ion type, has a capacity of 50 kW/h, a peak power delivery of
500 kW, and can be recharged in 6 hours using a 6 Kw/h grid and in 52
minutes with the APU. Combined with the micro turbine, it guarantees a
range of 205 km in the urban cycle in all-electric mode, and a total
range in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) mixed cycle of over 800
km in extended range mode, higher than that of luxury sports cars with
conventional drive systems. The battery is the fruit of FAAM's
experience in the development of lithium batteries. FAAM's research into
lithium ion cells will make it possible in the short term to achieve
specific energy density values that are more than double those of
lithium ion batteries currently on the market. This, associated with a
larger specific power reserve, will make it the ideal solution for
future electric cars. This result has been made possible by the
improvement in the specific capacity of the electrodes: current anodic
and cathodic materials are replaced by materials with a higher specific
capacity, cells with high potential cathodes based on lithium nickel
manganese oxide, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, with a spinel structure.
The
composition of the pack is simplified by the small size of each cell,
which allows for a certain amount of flexibility and adaption when
installed on the vehicle. The battery case was designed to respect
current crash test standards and it complies with ISO 26262 vehicle
safety regulations. The battery is liquid cooled and protected by an
insulating casing that guarantees that it will function in all use
conditions, with a temperature range of da -20° C to +60° C. Battery
functioning is monitored by a BMS (Battery Management System) unit,
which verifies that the individual cells operate within the established
normal functioning range. In the event of a malfunction, the battery is
immediately isolated from the rest of the vehicle.
The Cambiano's
generous range was achieved by the innovative drive system, by focussing
attention on aerodynamic efficiency, obtained in the Pininfarina Wind
Tunnel, and by a significant weight reduction: the Cambiano weighs 1695
kg empty, an excellent result if we consider the size of the car. The
chassis is light, resistant and modular, comprising a carbon fibre cell
for occupants and two aluminium modules, one at the front and one at the
rear, which act as crumple cells, absorbing impact and supporting all
the mechanical parts. This engineering solution allows the same modules
to be used for an entire family of derived vehicles. The central cell
can be built with materials and dimensions that will allow it to adapt
to the various requirements of cost, manufacturing volumes and
furnishings of the cabin of a future derived vehicle The front and rear
structural modules will also adapt effectively to different wheelbases
and tracks.
Where the energy management system is concerned, the
objective is to minimise consumption and polluting emissions into the
atmosphere, keeping turbine operating times to a minimum. This is
triggered automatically when the battery charge falls below 20% of
maximum capacity and turns off automatically when the speed is below 50
km/h (like restricted traffic areas in city centres). When necessary,
the driver can activate or deactivate the turbine manually. On the road,
the need to generate energy with the micro turbine will depend on how
the vehicle is used, on the type of route (urban, rural, out of town)
and on traffic. This information can be obtained by GPS navigator. The
turbine can be controlled ready to generate a certain calculated
quantity of energy, trying to keep its ignition and operating times to a
minimum.
The Cambiano also delivers road-holding at physical
limits in all road conditions and types of use. The driver can choose
his preferred driving mode using a selector lever. For example, the
Ecocity mode zeros local emissions, activates exclusively electric drive
and excludes the turbine. In Snow/Ice mode, the load sensors on the
four suspension units calculate the available friction coefficient: this
automatically limits performance. Efficiency mode regulates the
acceleration and top speed to maximise the range, but does not penalise
enjoyment excessively. The Sport mode makes driving more exciting,
accelerating from 0 to 100 in 4.2 sec, and limits the continuous top
speed to 250 km/h. And finally, with Drifting mode, the individual
control of the electric motors artificially sets the behaviour of the
limited slip differentials. It is also possible to adjust the front/rear
drive split so that the vehicle can be driven in rally mode,
underlining the entertainment of driving on snow-covered or dirt roads.
