Current transformational developments in automotive user interface (UI) technology are causing a shift in emphasis from safety and efficiency to emotion and flexibility. The many factors to consider in parallel make this a difficult process, in which technological affordances all too easily push the user to the background. To address this issue, this paper introduces an interaction model linking the different tangible control elements, including smartphone functionality, and shows how non-driving-related activities (e.g. climate control, multimedia access) can be represented physically. Next, a working prototype is presented that supports the design and development of novel tactile UIs. By integrating layers of sensors and actuators, a flexible UI is created that pushes technology to the background, giving proper attention to the user again and enabling effective research on how to make the digital world tangible for users.