In a rare display of corporate humility, Ferrari has officially admitted that its touch-sensitive steering wheel controls were a significant design mistake. The Italian supercar manufacturer is now reversing course, bringing back physical buttons to address widespread customer complaints about the frustrating haptic interface that prioritized style over substance.
Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, acknowledged that the touch controls went against the company’s core philosophy of “eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel”. The admission comes as Ferrari introduces the new Amalfi model, which replaces the Roma with traditional physical controls.
The Genesis of a Flawed Design Philosophy
The touch-sensitive controls were first introduced on the SF90 hypercar as part of Ferrari’s attempt to create the “most performing Ferrari ever”. The design team sought to replicate the speed and responsiveness of smartphone interactions, believing this would enhance the driving experience. However, the reality proved far different, with drivers finding themselves distracted by the overly sensitive interface during spirited driving.
Ferrari even had to implement a timeout feature that switched off the touch controls after ten seconds of inactivity to prevent accidental activation during cornering – a clear indication that the system was fundamentally flawed from the start.
Models Affected and Retrofit Solutions
Ferrari Touch Control Models and Retrofit Availability
| Model | Year Introduced | Touch Controls | Retrofit Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF90 Stradale | 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Roma | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| 296 GTB | 2021 | Yes | Yes |
| Purosangue | 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| 12Cilindri | 2024 | Yes | Yes |
Ferrari’s product development chief Gianmaria Fulgenzi confirmed that existing owners can retrofit their vehicles with physical buttons without replacing the entire steering wheel – just the center section. The upgrade can be performed at any Ferrari dealership, followed by a calibration test drive.
Safety Implications and Regulatory Context
The move aligns with automotive safety standards that emphasize driver attention and control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has consistently advocated for intuitive vehicle controls that minimize driver distraction.
Industry Impact and Future Direction
Ferrari isn’t alone in this reversal – Volkswagen also reinstated physical buttons on its GTI and R models after customer feedback. This trend suggests the automotive industry is recognizing that technological advancement shouldn’t compromise basic usability principles.
Design chief Flavio Manzoni summed up the new philosophy: “Beauty is simplicity”, indicating Ferrari’s commitment to balancing innovation with practical functionality.
Record Sales Despite Design Flaws
Interestingly, Ferrari achieved record sales in 2024, delivering 13,752 cars despite the controversial touch controls. The brand has sufficient orders to cover production through 2026, with new orders not being fulfilled until 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I retrofit my existing Ferrari with physical buttons?
A: Yes, Ferrari offers retrofits for Roma, SF90, 296 GTB, Purosangue, and 12Cilindri models through authorized dealers.
Q: How much does the retrofit cost?
A: Ferrari hasn’t disclosed pricing, but the upgrade requires only replacing the steering wheel center section, not the entire wheel.
Q: Will future Ferrari models have physical buttons?
A: Yes, starting with the 2027 Amalfi, all new Ferrari models will feature physical steering wheel controls.
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