Ferrari Brings Back Physical Buttons After Touch Controls Frustrated Owners

A Trend That Backfired

While steering-wheel capacitive touch buttons with haptic feedback offer a minimalist aesthetic and allow more functions, it didn’t take long for the technology to draw criticism. Some argue that it creates usability issues, with Volkswagen even facing a lawsuit alleging that the ID.4’s steering wheel controls led to unintended acceleration.

Ferrari also jumped on the trend with some of its more recent releases, including the Purosangue, before returning to physical controls with the Amalfi last year. One of the biggest complaints was the absence of the red, round engine start-stop button seen in older models like the 812 Superfast and 488 GTB. However, a recent post tied to a Ferrari dealer suggests the Italian marque is not ignoring owner feedback, as it introduced a new steering-wheel center retrofit featuring physical buttons.

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Ferrari’s Button Solution

Those hoping to see the iconic red engine start-stop button return may be out of luck, as the new steering-wheel center doesn’t include it like the one found in the Amalfi — the brand’s latest entry-level model that replaced the Roma. As previously reported, the product is only a wheel center, not an entirely new steering wheel. But at least it features physical buttons for functions such as the phone, cruise control, and directional arrows for navigating menus.

According to Ferrari of Atlanta, the new steering-wheel center is available only for the Purosangue and 12Cilindri. Both models are powered by the 6.5-liter F140 V12, with the Purosangue serving as the brand’s first-ever SUV. Replacing the entire steering wheel could require additional calibration and integration to ensure it doesn’t affect vehicle performance, making the physical button system the closest factory-backed solution for now.

Back to Basics

The dealership also claimed in the comment section that Ferrari is still finalizing a physical-button system for the 296, SF90, and Roma Spider. Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but for most owners, cost is unlikely to be a major concern – especially considering this is only a center module and not a full steering wheel swap.

With owner feedback and the Amalfi bringing back physical buttons, Ferrari may limit the use of capacitive touch controls in its future models. One upcoming model, the all-electric Luce, is inspired by classic three-spoke steering wheels and features several retro-style physical buttons designed by former Apple head of design, Sir Jony Ive.

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