The recent launch of the Ferrari Luce has been controversial to say the least. When you have a former Ferrari boss stating that the car risked ‘destroying a legend,’ then you know you might have hit the wrong notes. But the introduction of an electric Ferrari seemed inevitable, and it is more than likely that the Luce is here to stay.
Not only did the Luce offend people with its looks, but it also worried many enthusiasts that internal-combustion engines would one day disappear from Maranello. The idea of something like a Ferrari SF90 Stradale using electrical power clearly didn’t resonate with many.
However, Ferrari lovers and enthusiasts can rejoice, as that doesn’t look like it will be the case. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has spoken in an interview with Australian publication Drive that the ICE will not be leaving the Ferrari range anytime soon.
In fact, it’s highly unlikely to disappear until it absolutely has to. Maranello has already produced hybrid supercars, and the ICE is of course at the heart of those powertrains. But EVs look like they will play a crucial part in shaping the future of the Italian automotive manufacturer.
What Ferrari Has Said About Internal-Combustion Power
Vigna was keen to stress that the ICE is not going anywhere from the Ferrari range. “We have IC [internal combustion], we have the hybrid, and we have the electric. Full stop. Then the client can pick up whatever they want,” he said to Drive. All three types of powertrain will be offered by Ferrari going forward.
A big factor in deciding to introduce the electric Luce actually came from potential clients, who said that if Ferrari made an EV, then they would happily become its customers. “If you wait for the client to ask for that, it’s too late,” said the Ferrari CEO. So while not everyone will like the direction Ferrari has gone, there are clear reasons for it.
Vigna also said that, as far as Maranello is concerned, it doesn’t matter what technology is used in the cars. Be it electric, ICE, or hybrid, as long as people love what you deliver, then they will still buy it. It is important as well not to think of the Luce as a traditional Ferrari. It doesn’t look like any other Ferrari, because it’s not trying to be. It is an electric alternative that happens to wear the Ferrari badge.
Why the Ferrari Luce Has Been So Controversial
Much of what has made the Luce so controversial is how the car looks. Former Ferrari boss Luca Di Montezemolo said that the company has risked destroying a legend. “We risk destroying a legend, and I’m truly sorry about that. I hope they at least remove the prancing horse from that car,” said the former Maranello boss.
However, there are some who don’t feel that way. Top Gear legend James May actually thinks it has a refreshing design that is very modern but deviates from the traditional design language of modern cars. “I like it. I think it is interesting that Ferrari have done something very contemporary, very, very modern, which I think has been part of the definition of Ferrari styling over the years,” he said to BBC Radio 4. However you feel about the Luce, don’t expect it to go anywhere anytime soon.