Dave Amantea\u2019s design journey began in 2000 as a painter and modeler in Turin, advancing to key roles at Fiat, Maserati, Audi, Bentley, and Jaguar Land Rover. Now Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, he drives innovative projects like the Battista and B95, blending his expertise in premium brands and EV design to shape the future of luxury automotive design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hi! My name is Dave Amantea. I was born and raised in Turin, Italy\u2014the city where Pininfarina has its roots. I pursued my studies as a specialized mechanical expert at the Pininfarina Technical Academy. Growing up with a passion for cars and design, I began my career in 2000 as a painter and modeler at a renowned coachbuilder in Turin. In 2005, I transitioned into a design role, even though I completed my degree in Transportation Design only in 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I took my first steps at the FIAT Group, a multi-brand giant that gave me the opportunity to design for many brands. I started in the advanced design team on projects like the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Abarth, later working on the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept and eventually Maserati.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then moved to the Volkswagen Group at Italdesign Giugiaro, a key satellite within the multi-brand group, where I grew into the role of Design Manager. There, I led numerous teams and projects across various brands, most notably Audi, Bentley (Bentayga), VW, and SEAT. I also participated in projects for Lamborghini, as well as all IDG-branded show cars for Giugiaro and Walter de Silva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later, I moved to the UK to join Jaguar Land Rover, working under Massimo Frascella and Jerry McGovern as part of the creative team. I contributed to many projects, including the Defender. After extensive experience with premium and luxury brands, I relocated to Munich, Germany, to work for NIO, an EV company rivaling Tesla. There, I focused on design strategy and gained invaluable experience in brand creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 2018, I have been with Automobili Pininfarina\u2014initially as Exterior Design Director, and since 2022, as Chief Design Officer. I have been involved in all Battista projects and contributed to the creation of the vision represented by PURA Vision and B95, including all one-offs derived from the Battista platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What made you become\/why did you choose to become a product designer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the day, when I was 8 years old, I was with my father in Piazza San Carlo in Turin. On Sundays, collectors would gather there to showcase their supercars and classic cars. It was there that I saw a Ferrari Testarossa up close for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hearing its roar and admiring its design, I noticed the Pininfarina logo on its side. I asked my father about it, and he explained that the design of Ferraris was crafted by the Pininfarina family. It was love at first sight\u2014and from that moment, my dream of becoming a designer was born!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. Tell us more about your business\/company, job profile and you do. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am very proud of my journey in the world of automotive design. I\u2019ve climbed the ranks by taking all the necessary steps and have worked with major multi-brand companies such as Italdesign Giugiaro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My career has taken me across Italy, Germany, the UK, the USA, and back to Italy. I\u2019ve always been proactive and curious\u2014qualities that have led me to participate in numerous projects and gain extensive experience. Having mentors like Giugiaro and Walter De Silva has greatly contributed to my growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, I hold the position of Chief Design Officer and serve as a board member of the company. My role involves bringing design insight into the management team even before an initiative takes shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This requires a visionary CEO, and the synergy within a design-driven company is essential. I focus on the business\u2014specifically the design business\u2014with my top priority being to set a vision and create a design strategy built on a strong design DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I lead an incredible team of professionals who are my greatest strength. It is thanks to them that I\u2019m able to shine, and I\u2019m proud to represent them. For me, Automobili Pininfarina is not just a job\u2014it\u2019s a true life challenge, unique in its kind. Our aim is to make Automobili Pininfarina the most attractive luxury brand made in Italy, crafted through design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We began with the Battista, the most powerful Italian pure-electric hyper GT in the world. With it, we sent two clear messages: first, that an electric vehicle can be beautiful; and second, that Automobili Pininfarina is the realization of our founder Battista\u2019s dream. We are a carmaker with the family logo not only on the side, but proudly at the center of the hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After six years of development, we\u2019ve created an extraordinary car with astonishing performance\u2014one that has converted even the most skeptical. We\u2019ve inspired collectors, gathered millions of valuable data points, streamlined our systems, and expanded our dealer network. In doing so, we\u2019ve built a community of true design connoisseurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, we are ready for the next leap\u2014selecting powertrains based on customer preferences and increasing volumes, all while staying true to the essence of luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are building the future and aspire to define the future of luxury, crafted with passion in Italy. Pininfarina has an extraordinary heritage\u2014the greatest in the world\u2014and its legacy is poised to evolve for the next 100 years. We are ready to turn our customers\u2019 dreams into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. What does \u201cdesign\u201d mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Design is everything. My job is my hobby, my passion, and my joy. I love diving into projects and the stories behind them\u2014each one becoming a true chapter of my life. I like to believe that the best project is always the one that’s about to begin. It\u2019s like falling in love every time, as if it were the first time. This incredible passion becomes even more meaningful when shared with others\u2014working in teams, creating powerful stories through thoughtful design that moves and excites our clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5. What\u2019s your favorite kind of design and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I enjoy working on everything. Cars hold a deep personal significance for me, rooted in my Italian and Turin heritage\u2014but I love designing anything and everything with passion. One area I haven\u2019t yet explored, but which remains a big dream of mine, is designing for Hollywood films. My idols include Daniel Simon, Ryan Church, and Syd Mead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m fascinated by the creative process, where you must invent or solve something in order to create emotion. This is my obsession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n