The Internet «trial» the Ferrari electric when presented, but the first tests on the road reveal a mechanical masterpiece with the original «soul» Maranello.
When the Ferrari revealed the brand new Luce, the first purely electric model in its history, the internet «fell»But not the way they'd hope in Maranello. The wave of criticism was unprecedented. The friends of traditional supercars stood relentless against minimalist design, considering that the 4 door electric GT lacks the aggressive aesthetic identity of the brand.
Social media were flooded by meme, with comparisons reaching from Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius to Fiat Multipla. At the same time, the absence of the roar of an atmospheric V12 and the astronomical price of 600,000+ euros caused many to anticipate that the Italian company fell into a huge strategic setback.
The answer came on the road
The moment of truth, however, did not take long. With the lifting of the journalistic embargo on the first trials of the final stage prototypes, the first impressions of the special press came to completely overthrow the negative climate. Luce may not look like the classic Ferraris we're used to, but it's a 100% original creation of Maranello.
Despite this being the largest and heavier model the company has ever built, weighing nearly 2.2 tons, its road behavior exceeded all expectations. The low positioning of the centre of gravity and the sophisticated suspension manage to eliminate the volume of the vehicle at the turns.
How an electric «wild beast» 2.2 tonnes learning to «Dance»
As noted by Angus McKenzie from MotorTrend: «Although it is the heavier Ferrari ever built, Luce almost dances on the street. It has an enjoyable physical response, is airy to directional changes and extremely balanced in all phases of the turn. The steering wheel is light, linear and the information from hoops is just top».
The same enthusiastic image is carried by Jason Barlow of Top Gear, focusing on the ease with which the electric sedan slides: «Drifts like a real Ferrari. I'm impressed by how good she is.». In the test footage, the car appears to be controlled with unique accuracy, picking up its tail with the same ease that makes it a center-engined construction».
Yes, it makes noise and has paddles
One of Ferrari's biggest bets was sound. Instead of using fake, artificial MP3 sound effects like other manufacturers, he placed a high precision accelerant in the inverter of the rear electric motor. This records in real time the physical vibrations and frequencies of the motor, enhances and carries them to the cabin. The driver does not just listen to a sound, but receives real mechanical information, realizing just when the rear wheels begin to lose adhesion.
At the same time, impressive is the operation of the right paddle at the steering wheel. While the left regulates energy recovery, the right gradually increases the available torque. Each press offers an additional power boost, simulating the sense of changing relationships of a thermal supercar and offering a much more participatory driving experience.
He sells. «like hot bread»
Ferrari set the initial target of selling 500 units for this year. Despite the price above EUR 600,000, this objective was achieved in less than two months.
Those who rushed to condemn Luce from the photographs, forgot that Ferrari at the core of her existence has something that she never compromises: driving pleasure. Luce proves that electrification can have emotion, as long as you know how to enjoy it and take off the blinks.
