Pininfarina Marks 95 Years with Two-Wheel Aerodynamics Event

Pininfarina celebrated its 95th anniversary by hosting "Design and Performance in Motion: Shaping Two-Wheel Aerodynamics" at its headquarters in Turin. The event focused on the role of aerodynamics in two-wheel mobility, showcasing the capabilities of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, a facility used for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research for over 50 years.

The event featured speakers from various companies involved in two-wheel mobility. Silvio Angori, Vice Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina, introduced the lineup, which included Cristiano De Rosa of De Rosa Bikes, Graziano Milone of Vmoto International, Robert White of White Motorcycle Concepts, and Jason Hill of Aptera Motors. Piergiorgio Giacovazzo moderated the discussion, joined by Alessandro Aquili, Head of Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and Fabrizio Valentini, Head of Design Management at Pininfarina.

Aquili highlighted recent upgrades to the Wind Tunnel, now equipped to test motorcycles with rotating wheels and an active suspension system allowing a lean angle of up to 55°. The facility can evaluate aerodynamic performance, cooling efficiency, and rider comfort, serving manufacturers, startups, and racing teams.

Vmoto presented the APD, a maxi scooter developed with Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel testing. Graziano Milone explained how the collaboration resulted in a design shaped by airflow, marking Vmoto’s entry into the maxi scooter market. The concept previews a model set for future release.

White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) and Pininfarina shared updates on their joint project featuring V-Duct technology, a patented aerodynamic duct aimed at reducing drag and emissions. Robert White discussed its application in electric and combustion-engine motorcycles, with teasers revealing Pininfarina’s design integration. Testing in the Wind Tunnel continues to refine the technology.

De Rosa Bikes showcased the Settanta, a lightweight bicycle designed with Pininfarina for the brand’s 70th anniversary. Cristiano De Rosa outlined its 730-gram frame and aerodynamic features, including an optimized head tube and rear triangle, developed through wind tunnel testing.

Jason Hill of Aptera Motors, joining remotely from California, discussed the solar electric vehicle’s testing in Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel. The three-wheeled vehicle, designed for minimal charging, targets a low drag coefficient as it nears production following its CES 2025 unveiling.

Simone Origone, a nine-time World Speed Skiing Champion, appeared as a special guest. He shared how Wind Tunnel testing helped him achieve a record speed of 254.050 km/h, with plans for a new attempt underway.

The event concluded with a tour of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel in Grugliasco, where attendees observed testing tools and the WMCSRS, a mid-sized sports bike featuring WMC’s duct technology. The facility’s role in advancing mobility across industries was a key focus throughout the day.