Pininfarina marked its 95th anniversary by hosting the event “Design and Performance in Motion: Shaping Two-Wheel Aerodynamics” at its headquarters in Turin. The event spotlighted the significance of aerodynamics in two-wheel transportation, showcasing the renowned Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, a key facility for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research for over five decades.
The event featured industry leaders in two-wheel mobility, with Silvio Angori, Vice Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina, opening the session. Other speakers included Cristiano De Rosa of De Rosa Bikes, GrazianoMilone of Vmoto International, Robert White of White Motorcycle Concepts, and Jason Hill of Aptera Motors. PiergiorgioGiacovazzo moderated the panel, which also featured insights from Alessandro Aquili, Head of Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and FabrizioValentini, Head of Design Management at Pininfarina.
Aquili discussed recent upgrades to the Wind Tunnel, which now includes capabilities to test motorcycles with rotating wheels and active suspension systems, allowing a lean angle of up to 55°. The advanced testing features allow the facility to evaluate aerodynamics, cooling efficiency, and rider comfort, supporting manufacturers, startups, and racing teams alike.
Vmoto introduced the APD, a maxi scooter that benefited from Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel testing. GrazianoMilone explained how the aerodynamic design shaped the scooter, marking Vmoto’s entry into the maxi scooter market. The concept provided a preview of a future model.
White Motorcycle Concepts and Pininfarina revealed updates on their collaboration, highlighting the V-Duct technology, a patented aerodynamic solution designed to reduce drag and emissions. Robert White elaborated on the technology’s application in both electric and combustion-engine motorcycles, while teasing further design integration from Pininfarina. Testing in the Wind Tunnel continues to refine the system.
De Rosa Bikes presented the Settanta, a lightweight bicycle designed in collaboration with Pininfarina for the brand’s 70th anniversary. Cristiano De Rosa highlighted its 730-gram frame and aerodynamic features, which were fine-tuned using Wind Tunnel testing.
Jason Hill, joining virtually from California, discussed Aptera Motors’ solar electric vehicle testing in Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel. The three-wheeled vehicle, designed to minimize charging needs, aims for a low drag coefficient and is set for production after its CES 2025 debut.
Special guest Simone Origone, a nine-time World Speed Skiing Champion, shared his experience of achieving a record speed of 254.050 km/h with the help of Wind Tunnel testing. He also revealed plans for an upcoming record attempt.
The event concluded with a tour of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel in Grugliasco, where attendees observed the facility’s cutting-edge testing tools and the WMCSRS sports bike featuring WMC’s duct technology. The importance of the Wind Tunnel in driving innovation across various mobility sectors was a central theme throughout the day.
