The automobile industry is at a major turning point, torn between environmental regulations pushing for electrification and enthusiasts' passion for thermal engines. Ferrari, one of the last defenders of the naturally aspirated V12, is preparing its first 100% electric sports car. And according to Emanuele Carando, product marketing manager, it will be almost as emotional as current Ferraris.
Authentic sound for the electric Ferrari
As surprising as it may seem, the first electric Ferrari will not be silent. Emanuele Carando promises an “authentic” and distinctive sound, a thousand miles from an overly synthetic sound. The objective: to preserve the brand's DNA and its heritage in terms of intoxicating sounds.
Because for Ferrari, sound is a key element of driving pleasure, just like power, weight, braking or acceleration. It remains to be seen how engineers will manage to give voice to this zero-emission sports car, without resorting to an artificial audio system like on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Dodge Charger EV.
Commitment at the heart of the project
Beyond pure speed, Ferrari wants to make its first electric model a thrill machine. Driver engagement remains the priority, through a clever balance between power, weight, braking and sound.
Emanuele Carando affirms: the essence of a Ferrari is not limited to maximum speed figures, which few customers achieve. No, the thrill comes from the combination of longitudinal and lateral acceleration, braking, gear changes and authentic sounds. A recipe that will have to be adapted to the electric era, with innovative solutions that the brand has not yet revealed.
No retirement for the V12
Enthusiasts will also be delighted to learn that the naturally aspirated V12 still has a bright future ahead of it. Ferrari intends to keep it alive as long as regulations allow, as evidenced by the new 12Cilindri hypercar.
Despite increasingly strict anti-pollution standards, engineers have managed to bring this engine into compliance, without sacrificing power or performance. A real tour de force, when we know that even Lamborghini had to rely on micro-hybridization to save its V12.
For Emanuele Carando, the V12 remains popular with purists for its incomparable sensations and sound. Even if Ferrari embraces electrification, the brand intends to offer a range of varied engines to satisfy all its customers.
Heading towards electrification
Hybrid models already represent 44% of Ferrari sales in 2023, compared to 22% a year earlier. The SF90 Stradale and the 296 GTB proved that performance could rhyme with efficiency, without distorting the DNA of the “Prancing Horse”.
A success that can also be seen on the stock market: since its introduction in 2015, Ferrari shares have regularly outperformed, driven by regular launches and an intact aura. Enough to approach electrification with serenity and ambition, as evidenced by the renovation of the Maranello factory to accommodate the production of zero-emission models.
The first 100% electric Ferrari is not expected for a few years, but it already promises to shake up our certainties. An appointment is made to discover how Maranello intends to rewrite the score of trendy sportiness!
SRQ Backlot