To celebrate its 20th anniversary rail company Eurostar has unveiled the newly designed high-speed passenger e320 train by Pininfarina. Carrying 900 passengers, the e320 boosts capacity per train by 20% and is capable of reaching a speed of 320 kph (200 mph). With the external livery and interiors designed by Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house, world-renowned for its iconic car designs, the new Eurostar train boasts many innovative features aimed at maximising energy efficiency and delivering an enhanced experience for travellers.
Recognising the importance of connectivity for passengers, going forward, the Eurostar fleet will be equipped with free wifi throughout the train, allowing customers to email, chat and tweet during their journey. The new wifi portal will provide a range of information and entertainment including live news feeds and weather reports as well as a collection of destination guides.
With the introduction of the e320, customers will enjoy more space per seat with each seat equipped with power points and a USB socket. Business passengers will experience the ultimate in on-board comfort with a carefully designed environment aimed at maximising productivity whilst offering a relaxing space. For leisure customers the e320 will represent a considerable upgrade with a newly designed bar buffet, ergonomically designed reclining seats and increased luggage areas.
Eurostar describes the trains as “inter-operable”, with the ability to operate across the diverse Euorpean signalling systems, opening up the possibility to provide high-speed train services between the UK and other European city centre destinations.
Expanding on its current routes between the UK, Paris, Brussels, Lille, the French and Swiss Alps and Geneva, the new trains will operate a new year-round service to Provence, Lyon, Avignon and Marseille by May 2015. Direct routes to Amsterdam with stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol are set to start late 2016.
all images courtesy of PININFARINA