A few weeks ago, we introduced the uni-context—a theory that might explain why every new car is starting to look the same.

This week, we go one layer deeper: identity versus character.

Identity is what lets you recognise a supercar as a supercar, whether it was built in Modena or Atlanta. Character is something else entirely—it's specific to place, specific to person, and made just as much from what's "wrong" with a thing as what's "right".

We talk about Chris Bangle's idea of cars as avatars, why Hyundai and Renault seem to have held onto character while so many premium brands have lost it, and how a data-obsessed, insight-hungry corporate culture might be quietly killing off taste and discernment.

And we ask the harder question underneath it all: what does it actually take—for a brand, or for a person—to trust yourself enough to be different?

That's it for this episode! Thanks for listening.

If you like what you hear, please leave a review for us on your favourite podcasting platform. It helps other folk like you find us!

And you can sign up for Looking Out - The Newsletter, the sidekick to our podcast, here: automobility.substack.com

We promised that we'd follow up with a discussion about the exterior of the Ferrari Luce. And we have. Sort of.

The challenge is that, beyond slinging epithets its way, there's really not a lot to say that hasn't already been said.

Or is there?

In this episode, we explore the uni-context, a philosophical concept — developed by Agnes Callard — that might explain why everything is starting to look the same, including Ferrari's first EV.

We also explore the movements in our garages (farewell, good ship Margot!), Drew's experience of designing a pilgrimage in Japan, and the rather underwhelming introduction of the Audi Nuvolari.

Sources:

• Derek Thompson: A Philosopher's One-Word Theory to Explain Why the World Feels So Weird

That's it for this episode! Thanks for listening.

If you like what you hear, please leave a review for us on your favourite podcasting platform. It helps other folk like you find us!

And you can sign up for Looking Out - The Newsletter, the sidekick to our podcast, here: automobility.substack.com

Jony Ive and Marc Newson have made their mark with the interior of the new Ferrari Luce. The response has been predictably immediate and intense.

Some see a revolutionary rethinking of how electric cars should feel.

Others see a perfectly resolved collection of beautiful objects that nonetheless miss what a Ferrari should be all about

What does this interior say about how we design cars, and the relationship between industrial and automotive designers and car culture?

And what's the difference between "good" design and character?

Drew and Joe unpack the debates that the Luce has sparked—and discover that, whether you like it or not, there's far more to talk about than meets the eye.

That's it for this episode! Thanks for listening.

If you like what you hear, please leave a review for us on your favourite podcasting platform. It helps other folk like you find us!

And you can sign up for Looking Out - The Newsletter, the sidekick to our podcast, here: automobility.substack.com