Pininfarina celebrated its 95th anniversary by hosting the event “Design and Performance in Motion: Shaping Two-Wheel Aerodynamics” at its headquarters in Turin. The event highlighted the role of aerodynamics in two-wheel transportation, showcasing the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, a key facility for aerodynamic research for over 50 years.
The event brought together leaders in the two-wheel mobility industry. Silvio Angori, Vice Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina, opened the session. Other speakers 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 panel, which also featured Alessandro Aquili, Head of Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, and Fabrizio Valentini, Head of Design Management at Pininfarina.
Aquili shared insights into recent updates to the Wind Tunnel, including new capabilities to test motorcycles with rotating wheels and active suspension systems, allowing for a lean angle of up to 55°. These advanced features help assess aerodynamics, cooling efficiency, and rider comfort, supporting manufacturers, startups, and racing teams.
Vmoto introduced the APD, a maxi scooter developed with help from Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel testing. Graziano Milone discussed how aerodynamics influenced the scooter’s design, marking Vmoto’s entry into the maxi scooter market. The concept gave a glimpse of a future model.
White Motorcycle Concepts and Pininfarina revealed updates on their partnership, focusing on V-Duct technology, a patented aerodynamic solution that reduces drag and emissions. Robert White explained how the technology applies to both electric and combustion-engine motorcycles, with further design enhancements expected. Testing in the Wind Tunnel is ongoing to refine the system.
De Rosa Bikes showcased the Settanta, a lightweight bicycle designed in collaboration with Pininfarina for the brand’s 70th anniversary. Cristiano De Rosa emphasized the bike’s 730-gram frame and aerodynamic features, which were optimized using Wind Tunnel testing.
Jason Hill, joining virtually from California, discussed Aptera Motors’ solar electric vehicle, which was also tested in Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel. The three-wheeled vehicle is designed for minimal charging needs and aims to achieve a low drag coefficient. It is expected to debut at CES 2025 before entering production.
Special guest Simone Origone, a nine-time World Speed Skiing Champion, shared his experience breaking the speed record of 254.050 km/h with the help of Wind Tunnel testing. He also revealed plans for another record attempt.
The event ended with a tour of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel in Grugliasco, where attendees saw the facility’s advanced testing equipment and the WMCSRS sports bike featuring WMC’s duct technology. The day’s discussions emphasized the Wind Tunnel’s role in driving innovation across various mobility sectors.
