Ive and Newson bring old-school charm to Ferrari’s first EV interior

Ferrari has unveiled the interior design of its upcoming electric vehicle, created in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design firm founded by renowned Apple designer Jony Ive and his artistic partner Marc Newson. The Italian automaker is taking a meticulous approach to this unveiling, indicating a thoughtful evolution that transcends merely replacing traditional components like the V12 engine and fuel tank with electric batteries and motors. Dubbed the Ferrari Luce, the interior departs significantly from the aesthetics of recent Ferrari models. LoveFrom has drawn inspiration from the classic Ferrari interiors of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, showcasing a retro charm characterized by simple, clear round gauges and brushed aluminum finishes. Gone are the frustrating capacitive panels seen in the Ferrari 296; instead, the Luce features physical buttons and rocker switches, enhancing the tactile experience without the cumbersome crash protection elements used in other brands. The steering wheel of the Luce pays homage to the iconic 'Nardi' wheel found in many vintage Ferraris. This modern iteration integrates horn buttons into the spokes, while multifunction pods extend from the horizontal spokes, allowing for an ergonomic 'hands on the wheel' driving experience. Notably, the steering wheel is crafted entirely from CNC-milled recycled aluminum, resulting in a weight reduction of 400 grams compared to standard Ferrari steering wheels. The dashboard houses a unique display system comprising two overlapping OLED screens. The deeper screen showcases analog dials that emerge through cutouts, reminiscent of traditional gauges from brands like Veglia, Smiths, or Jaeger, while the infotainment display is mounted on a ball joint, allowing it to pivot towards either the driver or passenger. This innovative feature could serve as a benchmark for other automakers to consider in their future designs.