Nobody was complaining when California-based GTO Engineering said it would be building a new sports car inspired by the stunning Ferrari 250 GTO. Initially known as Project Moderna, GTO Engineering confirmed that its car will be called the Squalo earlier this year when new renders were released of the exterior. With its squat proportions and unfussy lines, it looks like it will be an absolute beauty, blending old-school styling with modern engineering and build quality. Now, GTO Engineering has shared the first design drawings of the Squalo's interior, which will combine handmade details with Italian automotive design.

"Squalo drivers will spend more time inside the car than looking at it from the outside, so it was vital to us that we not only listened to our customers but also drew on our experience of driving sports cars to focus on what's important within the cabin: simplicity and driver engagement," said Mark Lyon, founder and managing director of GTO Engineering.

Pleasingly, GTO seems to have retained the old-school charm of the original Ferrari and other cars from that era. Instead of touchscreens, there are physical switches and ahead of the driver, are some classic rounded gauges. We also like the use of a tall shift lever with metal gates, the thin-rimmed steering wheel, and fabric door pulls.

However, the cabin will still have modern amenities like an infotainment screen, smartphone integration, and a sound system. GTO refers to these features as "hidden technologies" and will release more information about how they've been integrated in the months ahead. We don't see any evidence here.

The team has also spent a lot of time working out the placement of major controls like the steering wheel and pedals to ensure that they contribute to an engaging driving experience. As is expected, a range of leather colors and material patterns will be on offer. Overall, the Squalo looks like it'll certainly be worth the wait. Remember, it will have a quad-cam V12 engine and yet will weigh not much more than 2,200 pounds, making it lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The first customer deliveries are planned for 2023.