Ferrari has unveiled the Luce, its first fully electric production car, while reports suggest a manual gearbox may return for the 12Cilindri model.
This dual strategy marks a pivotal moment for the Maranello-based manufacturer as it balances strict regulatory pressures and market demand for EVs with a heritage of internal combustion. The move reflects an effort to maintain a loyal customer base of purists who resist the transition to electric power.
Ferrari chose the name Luce because it is the Italian word for "light" [3]. The electric vehicle is positioned as a high-performance machine, with reports stating the Luce will hit 62 mph faster than the 12Cilindri [2]. The car carries a price tag of $645,000 [1].
Despite the technological leap, the shift to electric has sparked significant controversy. An unnamed former Ferrari chairman said the move was "the destruction of a legend" [4]. This backlash has coincided with reports that the company may offer a manual transmission for the V12-powered 12Cilindri [5].
If confirmed, the 12Cilindri would be the first road-going Ferrari to feature a manual gearbox since 2012 [6]. This potential reversal serves as a concession to enthusiasts who value the tactile experience of a gear shifter over the efficiency of electric motors, or automatic transmissions.
However, the launch of the Luce has not been without logistical hurdles. Some reports indicate the vehicle may require a new name due to potential conflicts with Mazda [7].
“The Luce will hit 62 mph faster than the 12Cilindri.”
Ferrari is attempting a high-wire act by pursuing two opposite automotive philosophies simultaneously. By launching a flagship EV, the company satisfies global emissions mandates and attracts new tech-wealthy buyers. Simultaneously, reviving the manual transmission for its V12 model protects its brand equity among traditionalists who view the internal combustion engine as the core of the Ferrari identity.
