Ferrari’s first EV, the Luce, will feature an interior designed by Jony Ive, the former chief designer at Apple. This marks Ive’s first major automotive project since leaving Apple in 2019 and could influence future EV design trends. The Luce’s interior incorporates materials and design elements reminiscent of Apple products, blending technology with luxury.
Key Takeaways
- The Ferrari Luce, Ferrari’s first all-electric supercar, is slated for an exterior debut in May 2026.
- Jony Ive, former chief designer at Apple and head of design firm LoveFrom, designed the interior, incorporating anodized aluminum, strengthened glass from Corning, and rounded display corners.
- The Luce features three main displays, including a gauge cluster that moves with the steering wheel and a central display on a ball-and-socket joint that can rotate towards the driver or passenger.
- The steering wheel features a simplified three-spoke design made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, CNC-machined from 19 individual parts, weighing 400 grams less than a standard Ferrari wheel.
How Does Jony Ive’s Design Influence the Ferrari Luce’s Interior?
Jony Ive, known for his sleek minimalism at Apple, has brought a blend of technology and luxury to the Ferrari Luce’s interior. Instead of relying solely on touchscreens, Ive incorporated physical controls, alongside high-resolution displays with rounded corners reminiscent of the iPhone and iPad. According to The Verge, Ive emphasized the use of materials like anodized aluminum and strengthened glass from Corning, known for its durable Gorilla Glass found in many Apple products. These materials contribute to a modern, high-end feel within the vehicle’s cabin.
The Luce’s interior features three main displays: an instrument cluster, a central display, and a rear control panel. The gauge cluster, a Ferrari first, moves with the steering wheel and uses overlapping OLED displays from Samsung that blend digital and analog cues. The central display sits on a ball-and-socket joint, allowing it to rotate towards either the driver or passenger. Ive’s design also extends to the key fob, which features an E Ink display that changes color to indicate the car’s status.
What Design Elements Stand Out in the Ferrari Luce?
One of the most notable design elements is the steering wheel, which features a simplified three-spoke design inspired by classic Ferrari wheels from the 1950s and ’60s. The spokes are made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, CNC-machined from 19 individual parts, and weighs 400 grams less than a standard Ferrari wheel. This focus on lightweight and sustainable materials aligns with modern design principles. The central display’s ball-and-socket joint allows for personalized adjustments, while the gauge cluster’s movement with the steering wheel enhances the driving experience.
The use of Gorilla Glass, with approximately 40 pieces scattered throughout the cabin, highlights Ive’s attention to detail and durability. Laser-drilled micro-holes in some of the glass pieces deposit ink for graphics, adding a unique visual element. According to Engadget, Ive noted the challenges of working within the automotive industry’s safety and regulatory requirements, highlighting the constraints he faced in bringing his design vision to life. “I’ve never worked in an area that’s so regulated,” Ive told Tim Stevens of Engadget.
Products/Companies Mentioned
- Ferrari — Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, known for high-performance vehicles.
- LoveFrom — Design firm founded by Jony Ive and Marc Newson, focusing on innovative product design.
- Apple — Technology company known for consumer electronics, software, and online services.
- Corning — Material science company, known for Gorilla Glass used in various electronic devices and automotive applications.
- Samsung Display — Display manufacturer, specializing in OLED and LCD technologies.
What This Means
- For car enthusiasts: The Ferrari Luce represents a blend of traditional Ferrari design with modern technology and sustainable materials, potentially setting a new standard for luxury EVs.
- For Apple fans: The Luce offers a glimpse into what an Apple car might have looked like, had Project Titan not been discontinued, showcasing Ive’s design principles in an automotive context.
- For the automotive industry: Ferrari’s collaboration with LoveFrom could influence future automotive design trends, emphasizing the integration of technology, luxury, and sustainability.
Source: www.theverge.com
