by First Electric Ferrari: Power Over 986 HP, But Without the ‘Horsepower Race’
Ferrari has finally revealed the first details about its debut electric vehicle – the Elettrica crossover, which will debut next year. Although its power exceeds 986 horsepower (1000 hp), the Italian manufacturer emphasized that it does not plan to compete with new Chinese electric cars in the “horsepower race”.
Key Features of the Ferrari Elettrica
Ferrari’s Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity
Ferrari’s Head of Product Development, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, stated that the company is not interested in winning the “power war” among electric vehicles. He noted that there are already models on the market with over 2000 hp, but this is not a priority for the Italian brand.
“You can see electric cars on the market that already have 2000 horsepower. Creating such power with an electric motor is very easy and simple. That’s why you see many companies that never made cars before now being able to produce cars with 1000 horsepower,” stated Fulgenzi.
Chinese Electric Cars as ‘Elephants’
Fulgenzi did not name specific manufacturers, but obviously meant models like the 1526 hp Xiaomi SU7 Ultra or the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme with 2977 hp, which recently set a speed record of 491 km/h.
“But what’s the joke? What do you feel when you drive such a car? They are like elephants, because you need very large motors and a very large battery,” compared the Ferrari executive.
Technical Features and Prospects
The Elettrica will receive a combination of a front axle with 282 hp, borrowed from the F80 supercar, and rear motors with a total power of 831 hp. This will provide a total power of “over 986 hp” – impressive figures that, however, will not distinguish Ferrari among other powerful electric vehicles.
Interestingly, it is Ferrari, which for decades set records for power and speed, that is now talking about the absurdity of modern “power races”. But Fulgenzi is right: automakers and buyers have crossed the line of reason in terms of performance.
The Future of High-Performance Cars
When even ordinary electric cars, like the Tesla Model 3 Performance for $54,990, can accelerate to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, the question arises: how much further can we go in this direction? Apart from bragging rights, there is no additional benefit from a car that accelerates faster.
This is reminiscent of the situation in bodybuilding, where the focus shifted from aesthetics to incredible mass, but now there is a return to the “golden era” of classic physical form. Perhaps Ferrari is initiating a similar shift in the world of cars.
Historical Context and Prospects
This is not the first time Ferrari has refused to fight for the biggest numbers. Over the past 25 years, the company has limited the top speed of its fastest models to 350 km/h, allowing Bugatti to build faster cars. This decision has not diminished brand trust among enthusiasts in any way.
However, allowing other brands to release crossovers that are more powerful, accelerate faster, and cost less is a bold step that will truly test the strength of the Ferrari brand, especially among younger buyers less familiar with the history of Maranello.
Ferrari’s approach to its first electric car could set an important precedent for the entire automotive industry. Instead of continuing the “arms race” in power, the company is betting on balance, handling qualities, and driving emotions – precisely those aspects that have always distinguished true sports cars. In the long term, this strategy may prove wiser than the pursuit of absurd numbers on paper, especially considering possible future restrictions from regulators and insurance companies.
