The Ferrari Luce: A Design That Has Sparked Controversy
The recent release of the Ferrari Luce has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly on social media. This backlash has been amplified by comments from Luca di Montezemolo, the former CEO of Ferrari. According to a report, Montezemolo expressed his disapproval, stating that the Luce does not align with the brand’s storied history of producing desirable cars.
“I hope that they take off the prancing horse from that car,” Montezemolo reportedly said, indicating that the design betrays the manufacturer’s legacy. His comments have resonated with many, leading to skepticism among investors. This sentiment was reflected in the stock market, where Ferrari’s shares dropped by nearly 8.4% on the Milan stock exchange. Additionally, the carmaker’s New York-listed shares fell by 5.9% as of 11:50 EDT.
Fabio Caldato, a portfolio manager for a firm invested in Ferrari shares, commented on the situation, noting that the reaction was due to the polarizing and divisive design of the Luce. He added, “Ferrari is currently being penalised for an aesthetic disappointment, which follows the significant concerns over the expansion of its range to include electric models.”
Even politicians have weighed in on the matter. Matteo Salvini, the Italian Deputy PM and Transport Minister, reposted Montezemolo’s comments, adding that it is not something one would expect from Ferrari.
“Electric, outrageously expensive (550 thousand euros!) and, from an aesthetic point of view, it speaks for itself. It looks like anything but a car from the Prancing Horse. And this is supposed to be ‘innovation’? Who knows what Enzo Ferrari would say.”
Why The Ferrari Luce Is Being Bashed
Unlike other Ferraris, the Luce isn’t purely a product of the Ferrari Design Studio. Instead, it has been designed in collaboration with the Jony Ive-led Lovefrom. While this partnership has contributed to the retro-based interiors, it has had a less positive impact on the exterior design.
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The clean, minimalist look might suit cars from other, more family-focused brands, but it doesn’t seem to fit a Ferrari. The design ends up looking too plain and doesn’t seem to fit into any specific category, with Ferrari simply calling it a ‘road-going sports car’.
For years, Ferraris have been known for evoking a certain emotion and a sense of desirability. Cars like the F40, the F355 Berlinetta, and the Testarossa from the 80s were all masterpieces. The 250 GTO, while exceptional, deserves a separate tier of its own.
More recently, the 12Cilindri stands out as an example of rare perfection in today’s times. In a sea of hybrid-powered supercars, the 12Cilindri packs a non-electrified V12 under the hood, which revs up to 9500rpm. The reference to the 365GTB/4 at the front highlights how you can move forward while still retaining a legacy.
Read more at Motor Culture!
