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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Pininfarina CNR E2

1990Coachwork by Pininfarina

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1990
Body style
Berlina
Engine
Fiat Tipo 4-cylinder petrol
Type
Prototype
Displacement
1,372 cc
Power
78 hp
Top speed
205 km/h

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Pininfarina CNR E2 was an aerodynamic four-door saloon based on the Fiat Tipo, developed in collaboration with the Italian National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche or CNR) in 1990. The primary goal of this project was to achieve the lowest possible aerodynamic drag while maintaining high safety standards. This innovative vehicle was unveiled at the 1990 Turin Auto Salon, showcasing Pininfarina‘s commitment to cutting-edge design and engineering. The CNR E2 represents the second collaboration between Pininfarina and the CNR, following the earlier success of their initial project called Pininfarina CNR. This partnership aimed to push the boundaries of automotive design, focusing on aerodynamics and safety. The sleek design of the CNR E2, with its streamlined body and advanced aerodynamics, contributed to its exceptionally low drag coefficient. These design choices not only improved fuel efficiency but also enhanced the overall performance and stability of the vehicle. In addition to its aerodynamic advancements, the CNR E2 incorporated several safety features that were ahead of their time. Pininfarina’s emphasis on safety and innovation ensured that the vehicle met stringent safety standards, making it a forward-thinking concept in the automotive industry. This collaborative effort between Pininfarina and the CNR continued with the development of the Eta Beta in 1996. The Eta Beta was another groundbreaking project that focused on sustainability and urban mobility, further solidifying the successful partnership between the two entities. The Pininfarina CNR E2 remains a significant milestone in automotive history, demonstrating how innovative design and strategic collaboration can lead to remarkable advancements in vehicle aerodynamics and safety. Its legacy continues to influence modern automotive engineering, highlighting the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology with visionary design.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Prototype
Mechanical platform
Fiat Tipo

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Fiat Tipo 4-cylinder petrol
Displacement
1,372 cc
Power (hp)
78 hp
Torque
108 Nm
Drive
Front-wheel drive
Top speed
205 km/h
Specification notes
Published CNR E2 specifications: experimental low-consumption prototype on Fiat Tipo basis, 1372 cc four-cylinder, 78 hp, 108 Nm, 4560 x 1700 x 1400 mm, wheelbase 2600 mm, about 980 kg, top speed 205 km/h; reported Cd approximately 0.19.

Dimensions & accommodation

Wheelbase
2,600 mm
Length
4,560 mm
Width
1,700 mm
Height
1,400 mm
Weight
980 kg

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Manufacturer / Body Builder · Documented
Pininfarina

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1990
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
CNR — transport research report eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it Institutional technical report

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Torino

THE CONVERSATION

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