Ferrari has dropped the first details about its maiden EV, next year’s Elettrica crossover, and some people might be wondering if, by doing so, it’s dropped the ball as well. Because while its peak output will be over 986 hp (1,000 PS / 735 kW), Ferrari has confirmed it will not make as much power as the new breed of rapid Chinese electric cars.

“You can see on the market some electric cars that already have 2,000 horsepower,” Ferrari product boss Gianmaria Fulgenzi told media.

Related: Ferrari’s EV Mystery Prototype Teases Breadvan But It’s An Illusion

“It’s very easy and simple to create that power with an electric engine. So you can see in the market a lot of companies that have never done cars, and now they’re able to produce a car with 1,000 horsepower.”

Fulgenzi didn’t mention smartphone firm turned automaker Xiaomi by name, or its 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW) Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. But it’s the car that most obviously springs to mind, and we know that Ferrari recently had its hands on an SU7 at its Maranello HQ.

He could also have been thinking of the BYD’s 2,977 (3,018 PS / 2,220 kW) YangWang U9 Xtreme, which this month recorded 308 mph (491 km/h) at VW’s Ehra-Lessien test track, beating the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+’s record.

Super-Power EVs Are “Elephants”

“But what is the joke? What do you feel when you drive this kind of car?” he asked journalists, per Auto Express. “They are elephants because you need very big engines and a very big battery.”

Let’s leave aside the elephant in Fulgenzi’s room – the Elettrica’s huge 122 kWh battery dwarfs the ones in the SU7 and U9 – and look at the other figures.

A combination of a 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) front axle from the F80 supercar and 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS) from the rear motors will give “more than” 986 hp, Ferrari says, enough for a 2.5-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time and electronically limited 193 mph (310 km/h) top speed. Those are still impressive numbers in absolute terms, but won’t set the Elettrica apart from the crowd.

It’s kind of funny to hear a company like Ferrari, which for years pushed power outputs, acceleration and top speeds to new highs, talking about how pointless the fastest modern cars are. But Fulgenzi is right: we (and automakers) seem to have crossed a line here in terms of power and performance and don’t know how to stop.

Why? Because horsepower, top speed, and 0-60 times are the metrics by which we’ve judged performance cars for decades. Remove them and we’re kind of lost, unless we actually get a chance to jump behind the wheel and experience them ourselves.

It’d be difficult to explain to a potential customer why they should buy your car if it made less power and was slower than the one they already have (though Detroit had to do that during the emissions-strangled 1970s), so automakers keep pushing. And for years, that was fine.

When you traded in your naturally aspirated E46 330i that required 6.5 seconds to get to 60 mph for a turbocharged E90/92 335i that did the job in 5.5 seconds, you could feel the difference, and that could be fun.

How Much Is Enough?

But when even fairly ordinary electric cars like the $54,990 Tesla Model 3 Performance can get to 60 in 2.9 seconds, you have to wonder how much longer automakers can keep pushing in this direction. Beyond bragging rights, there’s little extra benefit in having a car that accelerates more quickly than that.

And definitely none to insurance companies, because an uptick in accident rates is surely inevitable if we keep going. Rarely mentioned today is that crippling insurance premiums had as much to do with the death of the original American muscle car in the early 1970s as tightening emissions regulations.

Related: Ferrari’s New Playground Might End Maranello’s Favorite Spectator Sport

Anyone who lifts weights for recreation might recognise a parallel in all of this to men’s bodybuilding. From the mid 1990s, partly off the back of the use of new drugs like insulin and growth hormone, the guys competing in the top tier literally exploded in size, shifting the focus from aesthetics to freak-show levels of mass.

It was, and still is, fascinating to see what the body can achieve when pushed to the limit, in the same way that it’s impressive that a BYD can do 308 mph. But more recently we’ve seen a huge boom in the popularity of the Classic Physique division, whose shapes hark back to the “golden era” of bodybuilding, when men like Arnold Schwarzenegger still looked super, but also human.

Stepping Back From The Speed Wars

Andrea Canuri for SHProshots

Is Ferrari (of all people) leading a similar shift in the car world with its Elettrica (seen above, testing)? If it is, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s turned its back on the battle to have the biggest numbers.

Although the F40’s 202 mph (325 kmh) top speed broke new ground, for the past 25 years Ferrari has capped its fastest cars at 217 mph (350 kmh) and was content to let Bugatti build cars that ate up a drag strip in less time. That decision in no way diminished Ferrari’s credibility in the eyes of enthusiasts.

But letting other brands make everyday crossovers that are more powerful, accelerate more quickly, and cost less, while also still not publishing any other metrics like a Nurburgring lap time to show us how the sum of the car, including its chassis and brakes, is more important than the schoolyard stats? Now that’s a bold move.

And it’s one that’ll really test Ferrari’s brand strength, particularly among younger buyers who are less familiar with Maranello’s history – one built in large part on cars that were the fastest and most powerful of their time.

Can you see an end to the performance wars? Do you think legislators might eventually step in to curtail the madness? What is the sweet spot for power and acceleration anyway? And is Ferrari right to take its foot off the gas? Throw a comment down below and let us know your thoughts.

Ferrari hasn’t released any exterior images of the Elettrica yet, but it has given us a peek under the skin at the battery and motors, which you can see in the gallery below.

Ferrari

Ferrari has used their Capital Markets Day event to unveil their 2030 Strategic Plan. It will have them pretty busy as the company is aiming to introduce four new cars annually between 2026 and 2030.

The automaker didn’t say much about the upcoming models, but promised each car will be “designed with a distinct positioning, tailored to different client profiles, in line with our strategy: Different Ferrari for different Ferraristi, and different Ferrari for different moments.”

More: Ferrari Drops First Details About It’s Upcoming EV Arriving In 2026

While Ferrari is embracing electrification, they believe in “technology neutrality” and giving customers “true freedom of choice in how their car is powered.” This means the brand will “continue to offer and innovate our V6, V8 and V12 combustion engines, in line with new global regulations, focusing on increasing specific power output and ensuring compatibility with alternative fuels.”

That’s good news for purists, and Ferrari said ICE-powered vehicles will make up 40% of their lineup in 2030. Another 40% will be hybrid, while the remaining 20% are electric.

Ferrari also used the event to talk about the next generation of hybrids. They’ll be a “combination of the finest combustion and electric technologies, featuring electrical and electronic components developed and manufactured in-house.”

The company is also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, compared to 2024 levels. However, this isn’t being done in the way you’d think, as the drop will primarily be achieved by using recycled aluminum in engines and chassis.

Customization And Exclusivity

Putting powertrains aside, Ferrari isn’t chasing sales as they’ll continue to “sell one car less than the market demands.” This helps to make their vehicles special, as owning a Ferrari has to be an experience.

Speaking of which, the company said 100% of its vehicles are personalized by customers. Ferrari is celebrating this by announcing plans to open two new Tailor Made centers, in Tokyo and Los Angeles, in 2027. A new paint shop will also aid in customization requests, and it’s scheduled to open in 2027 as well.

Ferrari isn’t just focused on new models, as they’ve built approximately 330,000 vehicles since the company was founded. Of these, over 90% are still in existence and require maintenance.

The Financials

In other news, Ferrari raised their guidance as it’s already beating their 2026 profitability targets. Now, they’re expecting revenues in excess of €7.1 ($8.2) billion as well as earnings of more than €2.72 ($3.15) billion.

In 2030, the company expects to increase revenues to around €9 ($10.4) billion, while earnings climb to €3.6 ($4.2) billion. They’re aiming to achieve this thanks to a strong product mix, limited edition vehicles, customizations, and some growth.

Photos Ferrari

Moments after Ferrari revealed the first details of its long-awaited EV, currently known as the Elettrica, the company’s shares took a sharp dive on the Italian stock market, marking its worst trading day on record.

However, the sell-off wasn’t triggered by the car’s reveal or by news of fewer electrified models in Ferrari’s future lineup, but by weaker-than-expected financial results and a cautious outlook that rattled investors.

Markets React Sharply

The Italian brand’s shares plunged 16.1 percent after its annual Capital Markets Day and ended the day down 15.4 percent on the Milan stock exchange. They also fell by a considerable 15 percent on the New York Stock Exchange, higher than its previous largest single-day decline of 12.4 percent from February 2016.

Read: Ferrari Found A Way To Make Fake EV Noise Sound Honest

The company said it expects a net revenue of at least €7.1 billion ($8.2 billion) this year, slightly higher than a previous forecast of more than €7 billion.

It also confirmed that its net revenue is expected to increase to roughly €9 billion ($10.4 billion) in 2030 and predicts an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of at least €3.6 billion ($4.1 billion) by 2030.

As reported by CNBC, analysts from Citi commented that Ferrari’s updated guidance “falls below our ‘lower growth case’ estimates from our CMD preview and reflects conservatism from management, we think.”

Ferrari Elettrica

Lower EV Ambitions

Perhaps the most noteworthy announcement made by Ferrari is related to its electrification plans. In 2022, Ferrari announced that 40 percent of the vehicles it sold would have battery-electric powertrains by 2030. However, like many other car manufacturers, it has been forced to wind back these ambitions due to a slowdown in EV uptake in key global markets.

Now, Ferrari believes that pure-ICE models will account for approximately 40 percent of its sales, hybrid-powered ones for another 40 percent, and EVs for the remaining 20 percent in 2030. This means that Ferrari now expects to sell half as many EVs in 2030 as it had initially anticipated.

The company attributed the change to its “client centricity approach, the current environment and its expected evolution.”

The reception to the Elettrica may force Ferrari to adjust EV sales targets in the near future. The upcoming model’s underpinnings were shown during the event, alongside confirmation that it will deliver over 986 hp and have more than 329 miles (530 km) of driving range. Ferrari says it’ll hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and reach a 193 mph (310 km/h) top speed.

Found beneath the skin of the new model will be a sizeable 122 kWh battery pack with an energy density of 195 Wh/kg at pack level and 305Wh/kg at cell level. It will also feature an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports 350 kW DC fast charging.

Ferrari’s first electric car is almost here, and somewhere in Italy, a thousand purists are already typing their thinkpieces. The all-new electric GT is scheduled for a world debut in the summer of 2026, marking a major step in the brand’s evolution. Ahead of that, Ferrari has shared new details revealing the first details of its upcoming electric grand tourer codenamed Elettrica.

More: Ferrari’s EV Mystery Prototype Teases Breadvan But It’s An Illusion

The zero-emission model is expected to deliver a combined output exceeding 986 hp (735 kW / 1,000 PS), supported by advanced chassis technology, a distinctive electric sound, and a large high-density battery capable of more than 530 km (329 miles) of range.

According to Maranello, all of the main components of the EV have been developed and manufactured in-house, ensuring it delivers “peerless levels of performance”.

Powertrain and Performance

The Elettrica will be powered by four electric motors. The front e-axle, taken from the F80 hypercar, produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), while the rear motors add another 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS). In boost mode, total output rises above 986 hp (735 kW / 1,000 PS).

With that setup, the car will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).

Drivers will be able to choose from three modes named Range, Tour, and Performance, depending on the conditions. The Torque Shift Engagement system offers five selectable levels of power and torque using the right paddle, while the left paddle adjusts braking intensity.

A New Kind of Sound

Ferrari’s approach to the Elettrica’s sound moves away from artificial engine simulation. Instead, a sensor mounted on the inverter detects the powertrain’s real mechanical vibrations, which are then amplified to create what the company describes as a natural, evolving tone that reflects how the car is being driven.

Behind that concept is Antonio Palermo, Ferrari’s head of sound and vibration. In an interview with Top Gear, Palermo, who describes himself as a guitarist at heart, said his 20-person engineering team approached the car’s electric frequencies like musical notes, shaping them through amplifiers rather than speakers.

Their goal wasn’t to imitate the sound of a traditional Ferrari engine but to create something authentic and entirely new.

An accelerometer captures the motors’ natural resonance, which is then amplified inside the cabin to create a reactive soundtrack. Palermo calls it “language and connection,” a way to keep drivers emotionally engaged with the car without resorting to synthetic gimmicks.

Each tone shifts with torque and speed, turning mechanical pulses into a soundscape that rises and fades with intent. Push harder, and the Elettrica builds to a natural crescendo; ease off, and it slips into near silence.

Needless to say, how convincing this synthesized feedback will feel in practice remains to be seen, as much of Ferrari’s allure has traditionally rested on the emotional impact of its combustion engines.

Power Beneath the Surface

The battery is integrated into the floorpan, lowering the center of gravity by 80 mm (3.2 inches) compared with an equivalent combustion model. It has a capacity of 122 kWh and an energy density of 195 Wh/kg, which Ferrari claims is the highest among production EVs.

The system also features an advanced cooling system and supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 350 kW. The Italian automaker is confident that the range will exceed 530 km (329 miles).

Ferrari has not revealed the Elettrica’s final design, but test cars suggest a four-door, four-seat grand tourer layout, similar in spirit to the V12-powered Purosangue.

The body and chassis are constructed from 75% recycled aluminium, with design principles inspired by the company’s mid- and rear-engine berlinettas. The wheelbase measures 2,960 mm (116.5 inches), with short overhangs and a driving position set close to the front wheels.

The EV is also the first Ferrari to feature a separate rear subframe, designed to reduce vibration and noise entering the cabin.

More: Ferrari’s New Playground Might End Maranello’s Favorite Spectator Sport

It will use the brand’s 48V active suspension system, already fitted to the Purosangue and F80, promising to offer both comfort and precise body control. Buyers can choose from five tire options developed by three suppliers. At 2,300 kg (5,070 pounds), it will be the heaviest Ferrari ever built.

The world premiere of Ferrari’s first EV is scheduled for spring 2026, with an early preview of the interior expected next year. Production will take place at the new “E-Building” facility in Maranello, created specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Ferrari

Update: Our spies have been busy again, catching the new Ferrari EV prototype out in the wild. The camouflage is still working overtime, but these new angles add a little more intrigue to Maranello’s best-kept secret.

October 9 is shaping up to be an important date for Ferrari. That’s when Maranello is expected to preview the electric powertrain and possibly some sketches for its first-ever EV, although the car itself won’t be unveiled until next year. Dubbed the Elettrica in inner circles, the new model is believed to be a crossover of sorts that slots below the Purosangue in terms of size. That detail is still unconfirmed, and Ferrari’s test mules have only deepened the mystery.

More: Ferrari Secretly Studying World’s Fastest EV Sedan Behind Closed Doors?

So far, prototypes have worn what looks like a Frankenstein blend of a Purosangue and Maserati Levante parts for the shell, making it impossible to pin down the final shape. Now, a new prototype has surfaced. This time, the heavily clad body looks completely different and gives the impression of a breadvan-style silhouette, or at least that’s what it wants us to think beneath all that heavy camouflage.

Breadvan is the name often given to the one-off Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. Built to race at Le Mans, it featured a very unconventional body with a roofline that carried all the way to the very end of the car. The French press of the day called it the “La Camionnette” (little van), and English-speaking journalists translated it as the Bread Van.

Photo Credit: Andrea Canuri for Stephen Hancock

It’s not hard to see the resemblance in the spy shots. Just like that 250 GT SWB, this electric prototype shows a roof that runs flat to the rear bumper and a squared-off rear window with rounded corners. Before anyone gets too carried away, though, a closer look at the images reveals the trickery of the disguise, exposing an angled rear window hiding beneath the cladding.

This is the first time we’ve seen a Ferrari prototype with this particular shape and stance. Every previous sighting of Maranello’s upcoming EV has featured far more curvaceous bodywork, though always wrapped in deceiving test mule panels. With the powertrain reveal scheduled for next month, there’s a good chance Ferrari could slip in a teaser of the car itself, finally giving us a glimpse at its true silhouette

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The Current Roadmap

Ferrari has certainly taken its sweet time bringing its EV to market. To the brand’s credit, the company said at the time that it would tell us about its first electric vehicle in 2025, and sure enough, we’re less than a month from that. We expect Ferrari to begin customer deliveries around a year from now. Below are some spy shots we brought you back in May of another Ferrari EV test mule.

Interestingly, while Ferrari has only confirmed development of a single EV, Reuters recently reported that this first model, said to be co-designed by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, is more of a statement piece than a volume seller. Positioned as a “symbolic milestone,” it is expected to cost over $500,000, be produced in very limited numbers, and come in a format larger than the typical Ferrari without straying into SUV territory.

More: Ferrari Just Delayed Its Second EV Because Rich People Can’t Kick Their Combustion Habit

That same report suggests a second EV program, originally projected at 5,000 to 6,000 units over five years, has been delayed to 2028. If true, it suggests Maranello may be hedging its bets, slowing its EV rollout to test the waters of demand while also sending a message to investors that the company isn’t rushing headlong into a market shift that could unsettle long-term returns.

An older Ferrari test mule captured by our spy photographers earlier this year.