Ferrari is set to unveil its first all-electric vehicle in May, confirming the model will be named “Luce”—Italian for “light” and a colloquial term for electricity. The name choice, according to company CEO Benedetto Vigna, symbolizes the car’s role in “lighting the future of the company.” 💡
Radical Interior Co-Designed by Jony Ive
The Luce’s interior and exterior are being developed in collaboration with LoveFrom, a design firm co-founded by Jony Ive, the former Apple design chief known for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Despite Ive’s influence, Ferrari is notably avoiding an all-touchscreen approach.
“One of the things that we felt very strongly about was we wanted to explore an interface that was physical and that was engaging, and that was to take the most powerful parts of analogue displays and combine them with digital displays.” — Jony Ive
While many carmakers are leaning heavily into minimalist touchscreen-dominated interiors, Ive insists that physical controls are essential for safety and usability. “I would never purely use touch controls for a car, because it requires you to look away,” he stated.
Premium Materials and Performance
The Luce will be a four-door, four-seat GT with a projected output of up to 1000 horsepower from its quad-motor powertrain. The cabin features high-end materials like anodized aluminum and reinforced glass from Corning, mirroring Apple’s design choices. A 10-inch central touchscreen resembles an iPad in design, but is balanced with a suite of physical switches.
Ferrari’s design chief, Flavio Manzoni, calls the interior “unique” and “disruptive.” The use of glass instead of plastic was intentional, with Ive noting that it’s both stronger and perceived as more luxurious while adding only 10kg in weight.
Why This Matters
Ferrari’s move into the EV market is significant because it signals a broader shift in the luxury automotive industry. While many brands are adopting minimalist, tech-heavy interiors, Ferrari is prioritizing functionality and driver engagement. The Luce’s design, blending physical controls with digital elements, could set a new precedent for how electric vehicles are experienced. The decision to partner with Jony Ive indicates Ferrari’s commitment to a premium, design-focused approach to electrification.
The Luce is expected to disrupt the luxury GT segment, offering a blend of high performance, innovative design, and a user experience that balances cutting-edge technology with traditional automotive controls.
