--- title: "New Ferrari Patent Could Let the Driver Seat Slide to the Center" description: "This new Ferrari patent would allow the driver to switch into a central driving position and back whenever they want." date: "2024-02-11" modified: "2024-02-11" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/new-ferrari-patent-could-let-the-driver-seat-slide-to-the-center" categories: - "Ferrari News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # New Ferrari Patent Could Let the Driver Seat Slide to the Center ![]() *USPTO* Ferrari isn't shy about introducing outside-the-box ideas. Even [Ferrari]()'s first all-wheel drive system, [for the FF](), had to be different from every other brand's, with two separate transmissions, each handling its own axle. However, its latest patent filed with the [United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)]() would be one of the most interesting automotive innovations in ages: the ability to switch the driver seat to a central "monoposto" position. *[CarBuzz ]()*spotted this new patent, showing a driver's seat that could slide laterally between two predetermined positions, from the left side of the car to the center (or from the right to center). The patent drawings show a sliding cockpit that's packaged with the driver's seat, steering wheel, gauge screen, and pedal box. ![]() **USPTO** To do this, naturally, all of the car's controls—steering, braking, and throttle—would need to be "by-wire," without any physical connection. At the moment, the only vehicle on sale without any physical connection between its driver controls and corresponding components is the [Tesla Cybertruck.]() Even current cars with steer-by-wire still have physical steering columns. But that wouldn't be possible if the steering wheel were able to slide across the cabin. Why have a sliding driver's seat? The better question is why not? The ability to drive in a more normal seating position with a passenger or in a central seating position while alone, or even on track, would be incredible. It's unclear how the passenger seat would fit but it might need to be set back a bit further, similar to the two passenger seats in the [McLaren F1]() and [GMA T.50](). Or maybe the passenger seat slides when the driver moves to a central position? The side mirrors also automatically adjust to saved presets, depending on which position the driver's seat is in. ![]() ![]() Ferrari isn't the only brand to come up with such an idea, though. Audi had a similar tech back in 2018 when it debuted the [PB18 e-tron concept ]()at Pebble Beach. That car had a driver's seat that would slide from left to center as well but it was admittedly just a concept and never reached production. Hopefully, Ferrari can actually put this technology into production because it would be awesome. There isn't a *need* for it but sometimes we need to invent things just because they're fun. Can you imagine opening the door of your Ferrari, sitting in your seat, then pressing a button, and having your seat slide into the center of the car, as your mirrors adjust for you? That feeling alone would be worth whatever astronomical cost Ferrari charges for it. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()