share on BufferBased on the Ferrari 458 Spider, with which it shares the wheelbase and tracks, the Sergio Concept combines elements from Pininfarina’s tradition with modern design cues.
Among the references to the design firm’s past creations are the extreme proportions typical of the dream cars from the 1960s and 1970s, the hole pattern on the engine hood – reminding the Ferrari Modulo – and the clean surfacing of the front end with the single transparent transversal element integrating the headlights, reminiscent of the Dino Berlinetta Speciale 1965 – also on display at the Geneva Show.
At the same time the body features some sharp character lines and an interesting graphic contrast provided by the dark surface of the hood flowing into the cockpit area and extending up to the rear wheels. 
The rear end features a clean surface treatment, with muscular shoulders and a reinterpretation of the circular tail lights – another Ferrari’s trademark cue.
Below we report the details from the official press release.
The design theme
The Sergio is distinguished by a very simple and clear style, that becomes memorable the moment you look at it.
Proportions pushed to the extreme, a dynamic front volume penetrating into a rear that is projected forward, a sculpted, three-dimensional interpretation of the typical barchetta.
The composition of the two body masses through a longitudinal black insert becomes the design’s guideline. Two volumes that enfold from outside to inside the car, creating a division/union line between back and front. Through the extremely fluid passage from one body to another, a form that was homogeneous in its accentuated muscularity was obtained.
The Sergio also expresses an iconicity linked to ‘60s Ferraris proposing bulging and sensual wings inspired by those of sports cars and racing cars of that era, achieved by compacting all volume accessories as much as possible.
The extreme lightness of the Sergio, which appears to float with the front up, is a direct result of aerodynamic research. In the purest Pininfarina tradition, design is not an end in itself, but integrates functionality and aesthetics.
The front semi-floating development with the spoiler under the front, expresses aesthetic force and is at the same time functional for the stabilization of the aerodynamic load and the heat exchange.
The aerodynamic deflector in front of the cockpit also creates a virtual windscreen through the deviation of the air flow, protecting the passengers from turbulence.
The roll bar, designed as a wing surface, is perfectly tuned to the evolution of the flow coming from the front, adding a further down force effect. Finally, the rear nolder and the extractor close the design effectively and functionally.
Still on the subject of aerodynamics, even the rear-view mirror takes on a fluid form that, given the flow of the front baffle, helps to divert air from the heads of the passengers.
To enhance the formal purity of the Pininfarina style criterion, all the technical parts of the Sergio (handles, fins, air intake holes) are concentrated in dark parts of the body, leaving the red painted parts free.
The side
The formal harmony of the side view is a strong feature of the Sergio, renewing the common aesthetic denominator of many Ferraris by Pininfarina. In the tradition of barchetta sports cars, the Sergio has no conventional doors but half doors with vertical rotation opening for easy access and contemporarily safeguarding the maximum rigidity of the structure on the side, as in racing cars.
The three-quarter front view highlights the theme of the connections between floors and different trends providing a feeling of processed continuity.
The front
On the front, the Sergio takes up and develops the Pininfarina’s traditional integration of the headlights by projecting it into the future in a single transparent transversal element, as in the Dino Berlinetta Speciale 1965.
Adapted to the size and technology of our own times, this element becomes an identifying mark, resulting in extremely clean lines.
In particular, the cylindrical projectors in aluminium use LED technology and are embedded in a crystalline block of Plexiglas that diffuses light.
The rear
The rear lights reinterpret the circular themes of Pininfarina-Ferrari history transforming them into open functional elements whose forms contemporaneously provide the lighting function and the hot exhaust air coming out of the oil coolers.
The rear bonnet borrows the iconic round graphic holes of other historical Pininfarina achievements and the same treatment is applied to the transom to facilitate cooling of the engine compartment and represents in the best possible way the absolute perfection and timelessness inherent in Pininfarina DNA.
The interior
Since this is a realistic car that could easily be produced in limited series, the Sergio opted for the mechanicals of a completely re-bodied Ferrari 458 spider, maintaining the original technology and its performance.
For this reason, the interiors take all the functional parts of existing series (dashboard, seat structure, centre console and steering wheel).
The interior is essential and functional and develops as a natural extension of the external surfaces: the black exterior slips into the car and creates the tank where the standard technical components are integrated. Even the engine bonnet descends inside, wrapping round the rear part of seats. The door panels integrate the functions of the handle and armrest and are designed as floating elements separate from the tank.
One innovative element consists of the floating, aerodynamic headrest connected to the roll bar rather than to the body of the seats, almost becoming elements of the exterior than the interior. Besides ensuring maximum purity of the lines, this solution also acts as head fairing in the rear.
In front of the door panel, two helmets are housed in a small recess of the channel. Made to a specific design of Pininfarina Extra in collaboration with Newmax, the Sergio helmets are personalised with the colour of the car body.
Colour and trim
The upholstery is mostly covered with light gray antique-effect leather bound to seats in a weaving technology textile with bronze details. These finishes match the original titanium colour of the standard technical parts. The fabrics on the seats are complemented by the insertion of metal studs that recall the details of the exterior design theme.
The exterior crimson colour, was inspired by the original red of the Dino Berlinetta Speciale, very intense and deep, developing a modern version including metallic particles and a multi-layer depth effect.
The rims represent a contrasting element compared to the rest of the car. The delicate surface of the body is contrasted with technological forms based on the quest for light weight and performance. The gilded finish is an obvious reference to the racing berlinettas of the Sixties and Seventies, even if the treatment is up to date and the surfaces of the spokes are in hand-brushed aluminium.
Pininfarina Sergio Concept – Technical Specifications
- Maximum length: 4550 mm
- Maximum width: 1940 mm
- Maximum height: 1140 mm
- Boot capacity: 110 litres
- Power train (original Ferrari 458 Spider): 4499cc V8; Sequential gearbox 7M + RM
- Package: 2 doors, 2 seats
- Chassis: original 458 Spider
- Cx XS: about 5% lower than the original car
- Weight: about 1280 kg
- Maximum speed: approx 320 km/h
- Acceleration from 0 to 100: less than 3.4 seconds
(Source: Pininfarina)
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