NEWS
14 AUGUST 2019 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11
INSIDE FERRARI’S NEW DESIGN STUDIO
Last year Ferrari finally
opened its own design
centre, having for years
seen design houses, most
famously Pininfarina, lead
the styling of its models.
Ferrari head of design Flavio
Manzoni has told Autocar
that a large in-house team
is now essential due to the
complexity of the design
process and the need for
multiple designs to be
integrated into architectures
from the beginning. The days
of a car maker supplying a
chassis to a coachbuilder for
styling are over.
“One of the main reasons
for an in-house design team
was the growing complexity
of our cars,” Manzoni
said. “The technology and
aerodynamic requirements
grow day by day. Interaction
is needed between the
different areas.
“Using the other system,
you could not now conceive
the shape of a new Ferrari on
top of the mechanical parts
designed before. You had a
fu n. I t ’s d i f fi c u l t , a s eve r y
time you have to be new
but consistent.”
The SUV will be the most
‘different’ Ferrari yet, but
it is a challenge Manzoni
has relished. “We are very
lucky,” he said. “We made
a job to start from an idea
that’s the consciousness of
the richness of Ferrari: the
forms, patrimony.
“But at the same time,
we are not slaves to
history. We have a beautiful
architecture. Our job is
between prudence of
tradition and the courage of
innovation. This expresses
our approach. There’s lots of
responsibility for the brand,
but a courage to evolve in
different directions and
break many rules. The SF
breaks many rules. We didn’t
use round rear lights but
we’re happy to have made
something different.
“You should start with a
lot of curiosity, the desire
to make something really
strong and unique.”MT
Ferrari’s in-house design studio includes two ateliers where customers can personalise their new car
Lamborghini Urus
Perhaps the most similar car in concept to the high-riding Ferrari comes from its
most noted Italian competitor, Lamborghini. The polarising Urus launched last year
and has sold more than twice as much as any other Lambo so far this year – a fact
that Ferrari cannot ignore. It features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 putting out
641bhp, enough for 0-62mph in 3.6sec and a top speed of just under 190mph.
Bentley Bentayga Speed
Rival Rolls-Royce will be more aligned with the Ferrari in pricing terms with its
Cullinan, but Bentley’s Bentayga SUV – particularly in Speed form – is a more
natural rival. With a 626bhp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 providing the
propulsion and a lighter chassis honed for a more dynamic drive, it will also be
Ferrari’s reference point for interior quality, space and long-distance comfort.
Aston Martin DBX
It remains to be seen how much of an impact Aston’s first SUV will have on the
swelling sector, but we’ll get a full view of the new DBX at the end of the year. With a
similar desire as Ferrari to mix large-capacity petrol power with (eventually) hybrid
options, the DBX will launch with a Mercedes-sourced V8 and Aston’s own V12 as
powertrain choices. It’s the British firm’s big hope to increase volumes.
Lotus SUV
Due at a similar time to the Purosangue, this is Lotus’s first crack at the sports
utility car formula. It’ll be far cheaper than the Ferrari, starting below £100,000,
but has a similar ethos as a truly fun-to-drive SUV. It will make use of parent
company Geely’s clout, including underpinnings and hybrid powertrains from
stablemate Volvo. A high-end flagship could give the Ferrari a run for its money.
chassis, then a coachbuilder.
The coachbuilder designs the
dress on top.”
When Manzoni joined
Ferrari in 2010 there were
just a handful of designers.
Today there are more than
100 working in the 1400sq m
design centre in facilities
that encompass everything
from clay modelling to two
ateliers where more than 200
customers come each year
to meet with designers and
individually personalise their
new Ferrari.
Manzoni also spoke of his
desire to give each model its
own distinct look, rather than a
Russian doll-style approach.
“We never follow the
strategy of a ‘family feeling’
effect in the range,” he said.
“You consider the shape, and
that must reflect the essence
of e a c h p r o j e c t. I t ’s a ve r y
difficult thing to do, but each
car must also then still be
recognisable without a badge.
But it makes the job more
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