The launch of the Ferrari Luce, the first 100% electric vehicle from the historic Italian automaker, sparked a strong controversy within the automotive world. The presentation of the model not only generated criticism among fans of the brand but also a harsh reaction from one of the most important figures in Ferrari's history: Luca di Montezemolo.
The historic former director of the Italian company openly questioned the direction taken by Ferrari's new management and directly targeted the electric model driven by the logic of “sustainable mobility” and the green agenda that currently dominates a large part of the European automotive industry.
“If I said what I think, it would harm Ferrari... They are destroying a myth, I’m very sorry. I hope they remove the prancing horse from the car,” Montezemolo stated during an interview, a phrase that quickly went viral on social media and specialized media.
The criticisms were not limited to the design or the abandonment of traditional engines that made Ferrari a global legend. When asked about the growing competition from China in the electric car market, the former CEO left another devastating remark about the new model.
“At this point, it’s a machine that the Chinese will not copy,” he replied ironically, suggesting that the vehicle lost precisely what made classic Ferraris unique.
The controversial Ferrari Luce.
The Ferrari Luce was officially presented in Rome and represents the definitive entry of the Italian brand into the 100% electric segment. The model abandons much of the traditional features associated with Ferrari and opts for a futuristic aesthetic, with lines that many users compared to luxury Chinese vehicles.
The design was led by the studio LoveFrom, headed by the Briton Jony Ive, known for having worked at Apple and in the development of the iPhone. The aesthetic decision generated strong questioning among historical fans of the brand, who believe that the Luce completely strays from the sporty and aggressive identity that characterized Ferrari for decades.
The controversial Ferrari Luce.
The vehicle features four electric motors, over 1,000 horsepower, and an estimated range of 530 kilometers. It also incorporates advanced assistance technologies and a completely digitalized interior. However, for many brand followers, the problem lies not in the technical performance but in the loss of essence.
Ferrari built its global prestige around V8 and V12 engines, mechanical sound, sporty design, and exclusivity. The leap to a four-door, five-seat electric sedan represents a radical change that part of the public interprets as a surrender to regulatory and environmental pressures driven by governments and international organizations in Europe.
