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Automobili Mignatta has officially unveiled the Rina, a two-seat, open-top speedster developed with a clear design and engineering objective: to offer an uncompromising, analog driving experience. Inspired by Italian sports cars from the 1960s, Rina integrates modern composite materials, precision engineering, and hand-built craftsmanship, resulting in a machine intended for enthusiasts prioritizing engagement over automation.
Structural Engineering and Materials
At the heart of the Rina is the JM-SM carbon fiber monocoque—a lightweight, high-stiffness tub structure developed by JM, a composites specialist with over 25 years of experience. The monocoque integrates both seating positions into its structure and weighs only 71 kg. It provides a torsional stiffness of approximately 101,000 Nm/deg and a flexural stiffness of 2.24 kN/mm, placing it at the upper echelon of performance-oriented automotive chassis. The construction includes aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforcements to enhance resistance to minor impacts.
Front and rear tubular subframes mount directly to the monocoque and carry double-wishbone suspension assemblies. The suspension features adjustable spring-damper units and anti-roll bars, designed to offer tunability without compromising mechanical simplicity.
Powertrain
The Rina is powered by a front-mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. Built entirely from aluminum, the engine incorporates direct and indirect fuel injection, variable valve timing, forged internals, and high-flow cylinder heads. The intake and exhaust systems have been tuned for volumetric efficiency and responsiveness, developed in collaboration with Italtecnica Engineering.
The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox in a transaxle layout. A limited-slip differential manages torque distribution to the rear wheels. Although exact output figures remain undisclosed pending homologation, the car’s target weight/power ratio of approximately 2 kg/hp suggests performance metrics aligned with high-end sports cars.
Weight and Dynamics
With a dry weight of roughly 1000 kg and a 50:50 weight distribution, the Rina focuses on balance and agility. Braking is managed by Brembo hardware: 360 mm discs with 6-piston calipers up front, and 350 mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the rear. Carbon ceramic discs are available as an option. The car runs on forged modular wheels—19 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear—wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires, selected for their dry grip and track performance characteristics.
Aerodynamic considerations include a flat underbody and integrated rear spoiler, designed to increase downforce and high-speed stability without the use of active elements.
Design and Exterior
The exterior form of the Rina references 1960s Italian sports cars with a long hood, muscular fenders, and a short rear deck. Its composite body panels are shaped to convey fluidity while minimizing drag. Details such as flush-mounted bonnet hinges and turbine-style wheels reinforce the period-correct aesthetic.
The frontal design centers on an elliptical grille, flanked by subtle creases that guide airflow and give visual tension. Side surfaces feature a continuous line that defines the car’s profile and emphasizes its planted stance. The rear is compact and wide, punctuated by a functional spoiler and a tapered tail design.
Interior and Ergonomics
Rina’s cockpit eliminates modern screens and digital interfaces in favor of analog instruments mounted in a suspended elliptical pod. The central rev counter is flanked by gauges for fuel, oil pressure, and coolant temperatures. The speedometer is placed on the center console.
The seats are integral to the carbon monocoque and padded with cushions covered in Italian-tanned leather. Traditional techniques such as “cannettato” quilting are used in combination with laser-cutting and numerical control machinery for precision. Exposed carbon fiber and milled aluminum trim contribute to a tactile, mechanical feel.
Driver positioning has been optimized for ergonomics and feedback. The steering column is adjustable for height and reach, and a floor-mounted pedal box with longitudinal adjustment allows fine-tuning of driving posture.
Production and Customization
The Rina will be assembled by hand in Valfenera d’Asti, Piedmont, with production limited to 30 units per year. Each car will be customizable, offering extensive tailoring options for materials, finishes, and fitment. Leather, aluminum, and carbon elements are finished with both traditional craftsmanship and modern precision tools.
Auxiliary driving aids can be installed for drivers with mobility limitations, reflecting a degree of inclusivity often absent in niche, performance-focused vehicles.
Safety and Certification
Rina was engineered with TÜV Rheinland oversight to ensure compliance with European homologation standards. It has undergone virtual impact simulations and will continue through additional physical testing. This partnership underlines Mignatta’s intent to meet international safety and quality benchmarks.
Endnote
The Mignata Rina represents a specific and focused interpretation of a sports car: analog, lightweight, and driver-centric. Its structure and mechanical layout prioritize engagement and simplicity, while its limited production and handcrafted details offer exclusivity without reliance on digital complexity. As a contemporary expression of classic performance values, Rina positions itself as a vehicle for purists.
