Ferrari CEO: ‘Our EV Will Not Be Silent’

Ferrari CEO: ‘Our EV Will Not Be Silent’

A low-slung Ferrari draped in the Rosso Corsa (racing red) paint pumping thunderous noises through its exhaust pipes is the definition of wet automotive dreams for many car enthusiasts. But how Ferrari’s future cars will retain some of their famed aural thrills in the electric future remains a mystery.

However, Ferrari’s boss has given us some hints. In a recent interview with CNBC, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said his engineers were working on “sound signatures” that will “stir emotions” the same way as some of the brand’s iconic sportscars have over the years. Vigna added that Ferrari remains committed to performance, design, and driving experience for its future EVs, asserting that “electric cars are not silent.”

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The Italian prancing horse goes electric.

Ferrari and Porsche lobbied hard in the EU to have some exceptions to continue selling gas cars after the continent’s 2035 ban on combustion engines kicks in. The EU agreed, but with the condition that they be powered by carbon-neutral e-fuels. In the meantime, Ferrari plans to launch an all-electric supercar in Q4 2025.

I’m immediately thinking about the “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” that Dodge revealed with the Charger EV. It’s probably too early to guess how Ferrari would replicate the natural sound of a V8 or V12 in an EV.

But as long as it doesn’t plaster a cringe label onto its future “not silent” supercar, its reception should mostly be exciting, provided it checks other boxes, like a lascivious design and performance that reorganizes your internals—you know, things typically expected out of a Ferrari.

It’s good news that the Italian carmaker is considering EV technology as something that opens doors for innovation, instead of a forceful regulatory shift. “If you know the technology, you know you can do a lot of things also with electric cars,” Vigna told the channel when asked about EV sound.

However, Ferrari’s messaging around EVs has been perplexing. On the one hand, it said that the electric revolution is firmly underway at Maranello. But last year, Vigna said in a BBC interview that telling customers what to buy would be “arrogant.”

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He doubled down on Ferrari’s commitment to continue developing internal combustion engines through this decade and beyond (The EU has granted it an exception, provided they’re powered by carbon-neutral e-fuels).

The messaging aside, Ferrari is expecting that electric and hybrid cars will account for about 60% of its sales by 2026, and it plans to go carbon neutral by 2030. It already has plug-in hybrid cars in its current line-up, like the SF90 Stradale and the 296 GTB. There’s also a dedicated factory under construction in Maranello, where Ferrari will build electric motors, battery packs, and power inverters.

Several carmakers have already nailed the electric performance car—Rimac Nevera, Audi E-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan, the list is quite long. So there’s no reason to believe that Ferrari can’t pull it off as well.

Ferrari, the iconic Italian luxury car manufacturer, known for its powerful engines and roaring exhaust notes, recently announced that their upcoming electric vehicle (EV) will not be silent. In an industry where silence has become synonymous with electric vehicles, Ferrari’s decision to maintain the signature sound of their cars has sparked interest and intrigue among enthusiasts and critics alike.

Ferrari CEO, John Elkann, stated in a recent press conference, “Our EV will not be silent. It will still embody the essence of a Ferrari – the thrill of the engine, the exhilarating sound that is a hallmark of our brand. We understand the importance of innovation and sustainability, but we also believe in preserving the heritage and tradition that make Ferrari unique.”

The announcement comes at a time when many automakers are shifting towards electric powertrains to comply with emissions regulations and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles. While electric vehicles offer numerous benefits such as zero emissions and lower operating costs, they have often been criticized for lacking the visceral experience and excitement of traditional combustion engine cars.

Ferrari’s decision to retain the sound of their EV is a bold and strategic move that sets them apart from their competitors. It not only ensures that customers will still be able to enjoy the thrilling driving experience that Ferrari is renowned for, but also allows the brand to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded market of electric vehicles.

With advancements in sound engineering technology, Ferrari has the ability to recreate the distinctive sound of their engines in an electric vehicle without compromising on performance or efficiency. This innovative approach demonstrates Ferrari’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that their EV will be a true Ferrari in every sense of the word.

While some purists may argue that the sound of an electric Ferrari can never truly replicate the symphony of a traditional engine, Ferrari’s decision to maintain the essence of their brand in their EV is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to drive a luxury sports car.

As Ferrari continues to develop their electric vehicle, enthusiasts and critics alike will be eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this groundbreaking innovation. With Elkann’s assurance that the EV will not be silent, it is clear that Ferrari is staying true to their roots while embracing the future of automotive technology.