We have been waiting for the Ferrari Luce for eight years.
It was January 2018 when, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, former Ferrari chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne first hinted at a “prancing horse” EV to compete with Tesla.
“If there is an electric supercar to be built, then Ferrari will be the first,” Marchionne said. “People are amazed at what Tesla did with a supercar: I’m not trying to minimize what Elon, did but I think it’s doable by all of us.”
Well, Ferrari has not been the first. But it has certainly taken the award for most anticipated EV launch ever, what with the drip-feed strategy of an initial model “nickname” of Elettrica, then last October's powertrain reveal, then, in February, the Apple-esque LoveFrom-designed interior spearheaded by Jony Ive and Marc Newson.
Today’s reveal of the exterior in Rome by Ferrari ends the secrecy and completes the process. This is the Luce (Italian for “light”), the most consequential thing Maranello has made in decades.
Courtesy of Ferrari
The numbers are suitably high-end. Four motors, one per wheel, have a combined output of over 1,000 horsepower in Boost mode. The rear axle puts out 832 hp and 7,750 Nm to the wheels. The front axle adds 282 hp and 3,400 Nm. Full power is available in less than a second. Zero to 62 mph is dealt with in 2.5 seconds, then on to a top speed of 192 mph. This is effectively a hypercar in a GT disguise with five seats (a first for Ferrari).
The 122 kWh battery—one of the largest in any production EV—charges at up to 350 kW on an 800-volt system. Ferrari is claiming this battery gives the Luce a range of more than 329 miles per charge. The all-wheel drive and steering are inspired by the Purosangue SUV. Ferrari has confirmed a curb weight of 4,982 pounds, or 2,260 kg, which is only around 200 pounds more than the Purosangue, despite that thumping great battery pack.