Pininfarina Sergio concept roadster offers a history lesson

The Pininfarina Sergio, which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show, marks another odd name with an association to Ferrari. Unlike the LaFerrari hypercar, however, the Sergio is far more meaningful. It is named after the man Sergio Pininfarina, who guided the legendary Italian design firm for 40 years. The concept car revealed today is a tribute to the man himself, and a celebration of his vast contributions to the Prancing Horse.

Naturally, being Pininfarina, the design is spectacular. It’s elegant, passionate, and, in their own words, “sensual.” It’s hard to disagree, with its low front end and headlight tube spanning the entire width of the hood lip. The Sergio has no front windscreen, but from certain angles, it appears as if the screen was reversed and placed at the rear, given the way the rear window cuts back so dramatically.

The Sergio utilizes the platform and engine of the Ferrari 458 Italia, meaning it would undoubtedly go like the wind. Pininfarina made a point to reiterate (every few minutes) how this concept is not pure fantasy, and that it could be built as a limited production vehicle.

They also stated how “The interior is essential” (thank you for pointing that out), as well as functional. The seats are layered in antique-effect gray leather and display metal studs to compliment the exterior design elements. Despite Pininfarina’s adamancy that this concept could become a reality, I have my doubts. It does the job of honoring the company's founder well enough without the compromises needed for actual production — like a windshield.