Salvini's comments are likely to heighten tensions between the Italian government and the Agnelli-Elkann family, the largest single shareholder in Ferrari and the global carmaker Stellantis.

The controversial Luce — the first Ferrari model to be fully electric and to have five seats — immediately sparked outrage among purists in Italy.

It also didn't immediately convince investors, with Ferrari's stock dropping by more than eight percent on Tuesday.

The four-door Ferrari, branded as "the most comfortable Ferrari ever" — hardly an on-brand endorsement for a carmaker synonymous with speed, style and passion — was co-designed by Jony Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple.

Some jokingly noted a resemblance between the new Ferrari, available in an unusual light blue, and the iconic Apple products designed by Ive's team.

Di Montezemolo, who led Ferrari for over two decades, also slammed the car.