Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently made a bold statement about the future of the Italian automaker, revealing that self-driving technology will not be a part of their upcoming projects. This decision aligns with the vision of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, particularly when it comes to high-performance electric supercars like the Tesla Roadster.
While Musk has been vocal about his commitment to delivering self-driving vehicles, Vigna’s stance on manual, spirited driving for Ferrari’s vehicles mirrors Musk’s approach to the Tesla Roadster. In a recent interview with Australian media outlet Drive, Vigna emphasized that Ferrari’s cars are designed for hands-on driving experiences, not autonomous operation.
“We will not make fully autonomous cars — loud and clear. We want the people to have fun, not the [computer] chips. We want to have a steering wheel and a man or a woman behind the steering wheel. Otherwise, why do you buy a Ferrari?” Vigna stated.
Indeed, Ferraris are known for their high-performance capabilities and are not intended for everyday commutes or autonomous driving scenarios. These luxury sports cars are built for exhilarating drives, and many owners only clock a few thousand miles on them throughout their ownership. True driving enthusiasts seek the thrill of manual control and the connection between driver and machine that self-driving technology can’t replicate.
On the other hand, Tesla’s Roadster project also prioritizes fun and engaging driving experiences over autonomous capabilities. Musk has emphasized that the Roadster will be designed for manual control, focusing on delivering an exhilarating driving experience rather than prioritizing safety or autonomous features.
Both Ferrari and Tesla understand that certain vehicles are meant to be driven by humans, and their respective supercars reflect this philosophy. Ferrari’s emphasis on manual driving aligns with the brand’s heritage and performance-focused engineering, while Tesla’s focus on the Roadster’s driving experience highlights the thrill of high-speed, hands-on driving.
In a world where self-driving technology is rapidly advancing, Ferrari and Tesla’s commitment to manual driving experiences sets them apart in the automotive industry. While autonomous features have their place in daily commuting and traffic scenarios, these iconic brands recognize the value of human skill and passion behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car.