Rolls-Royce Pininfarina Hyperion Unveiled at Pebble Beach

Friday night, I was invited to witness the unveiling hosted by Goodings at Pebble Beach of the latest bespoke car from Pininfarina, the Hyperion.  Based on a Rolls-Royce, it’s an enormous two-seat convertible. Body lines definitely find some common inspiration with those found on Pininfarina-designed 612 and 599 Ferraris. Interesting touches include two opening teak doors directly in front of the windscreen (for cargo storage).

Without seeing it in person, it is hard to grasp the scale of the vehicle. It has a 128-inch wheelbase and is about six inches longer overall than a BMW 750Li. The driver appears to be sitting where rear-seats would be in a normal car, delivering the classic long-hood, short-rear proportions of Rolls-Royces of the 1920s and 1930s. Reception of the car was quite positive, indicating Pininfarina’s team, led by Special Project Director Paolo Garella, did a superlative job. I stood with BMW design boss Chris Bangle when the sheet was pulled, and asked the good-humored guru of style if it "passed the Bangle test." With a big smile, Chris replied "it’s good… for Pininfarina," then proceeded to point out the best viewing angle (front 3/4) and nice touches on the car. Two more pics after the jump.