Ferrari has launched a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) designed by renowned designer Jony Ive. This innovative model features a striking combination of glass and aluminum, resulting in a premium tactile experience for drivers.
Key Features of Ferrari’s New EV
The emphasis on physical buttons is a notable design choice. Each button serves a singular purpose, allowing drivers to keep their focus on the road. Jony Ive stated that this design ensures drivers do not need to navigate through multiple layers on a screen to access essential functions.
- Physical buttons crafted from aluminum and glass
- No plastic components except for a few internal gears
- Enhanced tactile feedback with clicky and twisty mechanisms
Innovative Materials and Collaboration
Ferrari collaborated with Corning, known for its Gorilla Glass, to incorporate over 40 glass components in the new vehicle. These include buttons and displays, which elevate the perceived quality of the car. Jony Ive describes glass as a “truthful material,” offering a premium feel compared to traditional plastic options. Corning has ensured the safety of their glass through extensive crash testing, addressing concerns about shattering in the event of an accident.
Steering Wheel and Binnacle Design
The steering wheel retains Ferrari’s iconic three-spoke design. It features an ergonomic leather grip and aluminum buttons for easy access to functions like changing music tracks. Behind the wheel lies a binnacle equipped with high-tech displays.
- Landscape display resembling an iPhone
- Samsung-supplied OLED screens with a parallax effect
- Analog needles for speedometer and odometer
When the vehicle is off, the display darkens, making the aluminum needles appear to float. Once powered on, the screens illuminate these needles, creating a striking visual effect.
Control Interface Innovations
At the base of the display, physical buttons offer additional control options. An aluminum bar acts both as a rest for the palm and a handle for repositioning the screen. The main display, resembling an iPad, features smooth curved edges and minimal bezeling, mounted on a versatile ball-and-socket joint for easy adjustments.
This new Ferrari model is a testament to the fusion of art and engineering, combining advanced materials with user-centered design. Its unique blend of glass and aluminum not only enhances aesthetics but also enriches user interaction, setting a new standard for luxury electric vehicles in the automotive industry.
