Get ready for a revolutionary electric vehicle experience with the upcoming Ferrari Luce! But here's the twist: it's not all about touchscreens, despite what you might expect.
The Ferrari Luce, designed by the visionary behind the iPhone, Jony Ive, is a masterpiece that blends the digital and the analogue in a way that will leave you questioning your assumptions about EV interiors.
One of the most striking features is the 12.5-inch instrument binnacle. It's a masterpiece of engineering, with two custom-made Samsung OLED screens stacked on top of each other, creating the illusion of analogue dials for speed, power, and more. And get this - there's even a physical needle for the digital odometer!
Ive has emphasized that the focus is on the driving experience, with everything else designed to enhance it. And he's not just talking the talk; the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Luce's interior.
For instance, the 'key ceremony' startup sequence is a work of art in itself. The driver places the unique, square-shaped key (also crafted from aluminium and glass) into its designated holder, and watch as the key's color changes from yellow to black, transferring the 'power' to the car. It's a ritual that took nearly a year to perfect, according to Ive.
Despite the nods to Ferrari's heritage, such as the iconic three-spoke, thin-rimmed steering wheel, Ive has stated that he wasn't aiming for nostalgia. Instead, he wanted to create something with a sense of weight and importance for the future.
The steering wheel is a reference to the Nardi design of the 20th century, and it's said to be inspired by Ive's personal 1950s Ferrari 250 Europa. It's packed with physical buttons, a manettino for each electric mode, and paddles to manage torque. At launch, it will be covered in smooth leather, a departure from the traditional Alcantara used in modern Ferraris.
The cabin is centered around a 10-inch touchscreen, but it's not just any touchscreen. It's moveable, designed to be used with a palm rest, and has physical switches for climate and media control at the bottom. Ive has ensured that each switch feels different, so the driver can easily identify them without taking their eyes off the road.
At the top of the cabin, you'll find a clock with physical dials and a digital face, allowing it to transform into a compass or lap timer. Each hand is independently operated by its own set of gears, making it a true mechanical marvel.
The incredibly technical digital cluster is made up of eight layers, with the front two being separate Samsung OLED screens. These screens create a three-dial view, with the middle dial showing speed and featuring a physical needle. The other two dials are customizable based on powertrain settings, allowing you to monitor regenerative braking or g-forces, for example.
The black plastic-like surface surrounding the dials is actually another OLED screen, displaying warning lights, turn-by-turn navigation, and a shifting aid. Why two screens? Ive believes it adds depth and interest to the design.
The center console is a work of art in itself, appearing to float with its mix of leather and glass, both in matte and glossy finishes. It's functional too, with separate cubbies for the driver and passenger, cup holders, physical buttons for boot operation and central locking, and switches for all four windows.
For rear passengers, a touchscreen provides telemetry data, including speed and track time. The key, made from the same materials as the cabin, has its own holder at the front of the console, and the car won't start until it's pushed into place. The shifter, also made of glass, is in an inverted-L shape.
The launch control system is activated in a unique way - by pulling down on a grip located above the driver's head, reminiscent of a helicopter. It's flanked by switches for exterior lighting settings, including fog lights.
So, what do you think? Is this a step in the right direction for Ferrari's electric future, or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Join our WhatsApp community to stay up-to-date with the latest car news and reviews, and be part of the conversation.
