- Ferrari is expected to unveil its first electric vehicle before the end of this year.
- The test mule has been fitted with several existing Ferrari and Maserati components.
- Early reports suggest the electric Ferrari may cost upwards of €500,000 (~$517,000).
With the widespread electrification of the automotive industry well underway, it was only a matter of time before one of the world’s most famous brands would launch an EV. . Yes, the brand synonymous with roaring V12s and pure Italian performance is officially working on its first electric vehicle (EV), and spy footage has surfaced capturing one of its test mules in action, complete with fake engine sounds.
Currently known by its codename, F222, Ferrari’s EV is being tested under a crossover-coupe body, with many enthusiasts being up in arms who are worried the iconic Italian brand is working on another model akin to the Purosangue, albeit slightly smaller.
Read: Ferrari’s First EV Spied Testing In A Maserati Shell
While it’s possible Ferrari’s first EV will look a little like this, it’s worth pointing out that many of this mule’s parts are borrowed from existing Ferrari and Maserati models. Ferrari hasn’t confirmed what body style its first EV will adopt, so it could be a crossover like this or may morph into a more traditional sports car or supercar. Regardless of how it looks, it appears Ferrari has taken inspiration from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in developing a fake exhaust sound system for the car.
We got a taste of this system in September and this new clip also captures the sound. As the EV rolls past the spy photographer at low speeds, it can be heard pumping out an undeniable bassy sound that sounds very different from the brand’s ICE models. As Ferrari is still developing this system, there’s no telling how it will sound in the production model. However, given that it comes from a brand like Ferrari, it may receive a similar lukewarm reaction to Dodge’s Fratzonic fake exhaust in the new electric Charger.
Ferrari’s system may work a little differently. Roughly two years ago, Ferrari filed a patent for a “sound reproduction device” that amplifies the sound of the electric motors and spits it out of the rear of the vehicle. It’s supposed to be quiet while drivers are cruising around before firing into life as the ‘revs’ build and the driver leans on the throttle.
The exotic new EV is expected to debut later this year and, according to reports, could cost upwards of $500,000.
