Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has delivered a harsh verdict after seeing the Ferrari ‘Luce’, the first fully electric road car from Maranello. The former Ferrari president did not hide his disappointment over the unveiling of the new EV, a model that has also triggered a strong backlash among tifosi, with criticism aimed both at its design and at what many see as a move that does not reflect Ferrari’s traditional identity.
Montezemolo’s reaction was particularly blunt, reflecting the frustration felt by some long-time Ferrari supporters following the presentation of the new model.
Montezemolo: “There is a risk of destroying a myth”
“If I said what I really think, I would say some very unpleasant things, so I would rather not comment. I only hope that someone removes the Prancing Horse from that car. There is a risk of destroying a myth, and I am deeply sorry about that. At least this is one car the Chinese will not copy.”
That was the sharp attack from Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who appears deeply disappointed by the vehicle Ferrari has brought to market. The reaction was not limited to words, with Ferrari shares reportedly suffering a sharp 7% drop following the announcement.
Criticism has also come from the political world. Italian politician Carlo Calenda aimed his comments at current Ferrari chairman John Elkann, saying: “The Ferrari Luce is an aesthetic and technological insult to anyone who loves Ferrari or, as in my case, has worked there. Congratulations to John Elkann, who after semi-destroying or alienating Marelli, Comau, Iveco, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Scuderia Ferrari, Juventus, La Repubblica and La Stampa, is now trying with Ferrari as well. And that was not easy.”
For many critics, Ferrari’s decision appears to offer few obvious advantages, especially given the negative reception to the car’s styling. Technological innovation can certainly be exciting, but only when it serves a meaningful purpose, and many observers do not believe this is the case here.
On paper, the numbers are impressive: a 1,000-horsepower machine with a top speed of 310 km/h. But the bigger question remains whether the price and concept align with what Ferrari buyers actually want. Ferrari ownership has always been exclusive, but critics argue that the brand’s traditional customer base may not necessarily be looking for a fully electric supercar.
One can only wonder what Enzo Ferrari himself would have thought.
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