2013 BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe: Adds new dimension to BMW’s exclusivity claim

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Updated 07 July 2013
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2013 BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe: Adds new dimension to BMW’s exclusivity claim

BMW and Pininfarina are two of the most tradition-swathed names in the motoring world. Each is a byword for cutting-edge technology, style, dynamics and aesthetics.
With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe, the two time-honored companies are unveiling the outcome of their first collaboration at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2013.
The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe is a one-off and represents the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupe as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina. Working in close consultation, the two design teams have created a new automotive persona brimming with character and ready to join the high-end luxury class — typically BMW while sporting the distinctive signature of Pininfarina.
With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe, the BMW Design team took up exclusive design aspects such as luxury and elegance and fed them into a creative exchange with long-established specialist car designer and manufacturer Pininfarina.
In this elaborately created one-off, the renowned companies BMW Group and Pininfarina joined forces to bring an idea to fruition.
“The appeal of this collaboration with Pininfarina is that you get another, very different and special angle on facets like luxury and exclusivity,” says Karim Habib, head of BMW Design.
“The Italian company, after all, has always been a byword for these criteria in particular, demonstrating time and again its keen sensitivity and exceptional finesse in these areas. In Pininfarina we have found the ideal partner to lend shape to this vehicle concept,” he added.
“The result of this cooperative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts,” says Fabio Filippini, head of design at Pininfarina. “When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company.”

The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe adds a new dimension to the BMW claim to exclusivity. "The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe has an extraordinary impact. It expresses hallmark BMW values such as luxury and sheer presence in a highly elegant form," says Adrian van Hooydonk, SVP, BMW Group Design.
"I admire the reductive clarity and precision in Pininfarina's design. Their expectations for the end result have been just as high as ours, and their understanding of design perfectly complements the BMW design DNA for a vehicle of this kind."


Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

Updated 04 January 2026
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Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

  • Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles

LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.

Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.

He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.

“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.

“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.

“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.

Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”

As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.

The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.

International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.

Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.