Separating From Pininfarina Was ‘Difficult,’ Says Ferrari Design Head

In 2013, Ferrari surprised many by ending its long-standing partnership with external design firm Pininfarina. Despite the history of collaboration and iconic products from both brands, Ferrari decided to develop its own design center, Centro Stile. Flavio Manzoni, the head of design at Ferrari, recently discussed the details of the split with Pininfarina and how Ferrari has evolved in a post-Pininfarina era.

The decision to part ways with Pininfarina was made during the development of the LaFerrari, even though the last Pininfarina-designed Ferrari, the F12berlinetta, continued production until 2017. Both Pininfarina and Ferrari’s internal design team were asked to present design proposals for the LaFerrari, with Ferrari’s management ultimately choosing Manzoni’s design, signaling the end of Pininfarina’s involvement with Ferrari.

Manzoni revealed that it was initially challenging for Pininfarina to accept Ferrari’s decision to establish an in-house design center after over 60 years of collaboration. However, he emphasized the necessity of having an internal design center due to the increasing technical complexity of modern performance cars. The presence of the design center at Ferrari’s factory allows for daily meetings and collaboration among designers, engineers, aerodynamicists, and other experts to achieve the best design for new Ferrari models.

Despite the pressure and challenges of taking on the responsibility of designing all future Ferraris after Pininfarina’s departure, Manzoni’s efforts have been successful. Since Ferrari went public in 2015, its value has increased significantly, with a surge in car sales, including the introduction of its first SUV, the Thoroughbred, in 2023. Ferrari is also set to launch its first electric vehicle in 2026, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and progress in the automotive industry.

Manzoni expressed enthusiasm for working with new technologies, highlighting the opportunities for innovation and advancement in each new project. The evolution of Ferrari’s design process and its embrace of new technologies under Manzoni’s leadership have contributed to the company’s continued success.