Ferrari has revealed the name and a first look at the interior of its forthcoming electric vehicle, the Luce – Italian for “light” – as the storied automaker navigates a pivotal shift towards electrification. The unveiling, which took place in San Francisco last week, showcased a cabin co-designed with Jony Ive’s firm, LoveFrom, and signals a deliberate departure from the large-touchscreen interfaces increasingly common in the EV market.
The move marks a significant moment for Ferrari, a company deeply rooted in the tradition of internal combustion engines. While the exterior design remains under wraps until a full reveal in May , the interior offers a glimpse into the automaker’s vision for its electric future. The company had previously used the placeholder name “Elettrica” for the project, but CEO Benedetto Vigna explained the change to Luce reflects a desire to emphasize the broader implications of electrification, rather than simply the technology itself. “Elettrica would have been a wrong name for our car,” Vigna stated.
Ferrari’s collaboration with LoveFrom, which began five years ago, has been instrumental in shaping the Luce’s design philosophy. Ive, formerly Apple’s chief design officer, emphasized the unique challenges presented by automotive design compared to his previous work. The interior prioritizes physical controls – buttons, dials, and toggles – offering a tactile experience that Ferrari believes will resonate with its discerning clientele. This approach directly challenges the prevailing trend of consolidating functions into expansive touchscreens.
Central to the interior design is a reimagined steering wheel. Inspired by classic 1950s and 1960s Nardi wooden wheels, it’s constructed from 19 CNC-machined parts made from 100% recycled aluminum, resulting in a weight reduction of 400 grams compared to a standard Ferrari wheel. The controls are organized into two modules mirroring Formula One layouts, underscoring the brand’s racing heritage.
The key itself is a notable innovation, crafted from Corning Fusion5 Glass with an integrated E Ink display – a first for the automotive industry. When inserted into the dock, the display transitions from yellow to black as the cabin lights illuminate in a “carefully choreographed sequence,” adding a layer of ritual and sophistication to the driving experience.
Beyond the aesthetic and tactile elements, the interior features a distinctive binnacle with three dial gauges combining digital and analog interfaces. The primary gauge exceeds 12 inches in diameter, flanked by two smaller gauges measuring 10.3 inches. These gauges utilize OLED technology from Samsung and incorporate a gear-actuated needle mechanism for the analog speedometer, along with custom-built glare-reducing glass from Corning.
Ferrari has already disclosed key performance details for the Luce, stating it will deliver over 1000 horsepower and achieve a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 2.5 seconds. The vehicle will also include a manual mode, a nod to the driving experience enthusiasts expect from a Ferrari. The unveiling of the interior represents the second phase of a three-part reveal process; details about the powertrain were shared in October .
The decision to prioritize physical controls and a driver-focused interior reflects Ferrari’s attempt to balance its heritage with the demands of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The company is entering a competitive EV market, facing rivals like Rimac and Lotus, and is determined to establish a distinct identity for its electric offering. The Luce’s design, guided by Ive and LoveFrom, aims to redefine luxury and craftsmanship in the electric era, moving beyond simply replacing a gasoline engine with a battery.
While Ferrari dramatically scaled back its EV plans at the end of , the launch of the Luce remains a pivotal event for the automotive industry. The unveiling of the interior has generated significant anticipation, and the full exterior reveal in May is expected to further solidify Ferrari’s position in the electric vehicle market.
