The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe looks like it got dropped on its head – at least it has a V12

By Nick Jaynes Published May 15, 2013

BMW and Pininfarina teamed up last year to create the stunningly gorgeous Zagato coupe. This year, the two design teams are at it again and carefully sculpted a one-off creation called the Gran Lusso Coupe in time for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013.

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BMW has yet to officially release the full images of the Gran Lusso but has instead teased it with these photos.

BMW Pininfarina — Image used with permission by copyright holder

BMW describes the looks of the Grand Lusso thusly: “Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions – a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline – imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned.”

While we can’t argue with the facts: long wheelbase and stretched hood, we do take issue with the romantic language BMW uses to describe the coupe. Bececause, well, it doesn’t look that good to us.

BMW Pininfarina — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We think it looks like someone took the hideous 6 Series Gran Coupe and removed two doors and rolled the car over onto its roof to smash it down some. It’s a far cry from the striking beauty of last year’s co-developed design experiment.

The biggest saving grace for us, however, is found under the hood. BMW say – as you might guess from the badging – that the Gran Lusso is powered by a V12. We’re absolutely in love with BMW powertrains of late (and, well, historically, too) and we can only imagine how wondrous a modern BMW V12 would be.

We’re eager to see the full meal deal Gran Lusso soon. We’re hoping that seeing the full vehicle will reshape our opion. Check back soon for the full images, which go live on May 24^th.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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