What do you see when you look at the interior of the 2017 Ford GT? Simplicity? A good time waiting to happen?
What about a foosball table or a guitar? Believe it or not, those were just a couple of the things Ford’s designers saw in the EcoBoosted beast’s cabin. Those items and more will be on display at the Salone del Mobile, which the Blue Oval calls “the world’s leading furniture and design expo,” in Milan, Italy April 14-19.
The designers not only had a cockpit from which to draw inspiration but the three major elements of the GT’s interior layout: a focus on functionality, innovative aesthetics, and an intuitive technological connection with the driver.
Ford will also be hosting a GT-inspired experience as part of the Salone de Mobile: “FAVILLA, Every Light a Voice.” In one large box, spectators will be able to watch an examination of the science of light in a dazzling, reflective, geode-like show. In the other box (curated by Ford’s own animation studio), attendees will see how Ford’s designs influence forms and functions.
In the event that you happen to be in Milan soon, stop by the Ford Design Lounge at pavilion 13 of the Fiera Milano exhibition hall to see the various GT-inspired creations. You can catch “FAVILLA, Every Light a Voice” April 13-19 in Piazza San Fedele.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
