Ferrari 'risks destroying a legend' as £475k electric car launch sparks widespread backlash - 'Horrible!'

Ferrari has been attacked by car enthusiasts and experts alike following the highly anticipated launch of its first electric car -the Luce.The iconic Italian manufacturer unveiled the Luce electric vehicle earlier this week as its first model away from its traditional roaring combustion engines.Drivers wanting to get their hands on a Luce will face a price tag of around £475,000, with customer deliveries set to start next year.Despite the launch of Ferrari's first electric vehicle, consumer reaction to the new model has been alarming for the manufacturer, as critics pick apart the design, price and specifications of the Luce. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Following the reveal, Ferrari's share price on the Milan stock exchange plummeted, wiping a staggering £4billion off the value of the stock.Some economists suggested that customers were turning away from Ferrari because of its transition towards electric cars, despite the brand pledging to keep producing combustion engine vehicles.Speaking to Italian press agency Askanews, former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who was in charge of the company until 2014, slammed the design of the new Luce. Mr di Montezemolo said: I cannot say what I really think: I would harm Ferrari. We risk the destruction of a legend. So sorry. Take the Prancing Horse off. At least the Chinese won’t copy this car.In the 30-second clip posted to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the former Ferrari chief seemed almost exasperated as he responded to reporters' questions.Reaction on social media to the Ferrari Luce was also stark, with some likening it to an iPhone 5C, a Logitech mouse, and even a vacuum.Another social media user said: It's horrible! What a brilliant idea to hire an Apple designer to churn out something like this.One commenter compared it to the controversial Jaguar Type 00 concept car and rebrand, which was universally panned after its unveiling in 2024.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSSupport for lower national speed limits grows amid major push for safer roads and motorwaysBicycles prioritised over car owners on busy road with controversial new £2million 'cycle street'UK celebrates landmark electric car milestone as millions of drivers prepare for EV switchThe Jaguar attracted the ire of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and even President Donald Trump, who described it as woke and questioned whether the brand still sold cars.Ferrari's Luce, which was designed by industry titan Sir Jony Ive, one of the figures behind the iPod, will have a battery range of around 329 miles, and an acceleration time of 0–100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.Other critics compared the Ferrari Luce to the third-generation electric Nissan Leaf, which also features a striking blue exterior. The Nissan Leaf has a superior battery range of 386 miles for a fraction of the price, with the model starting from just £32,249. It is also eligible for the Government's £3,750 Electric Car Grant. However, Pope Leo XIV appeared to be impressed with the new Ferrari Luce, having met with a delegation from the manufacturer, including Chairman John Elkann and Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna.At the Pope's residence in Castel Gandolfo, Mr Elkann presented the Pope with the Luce and donated the car's steering wheel to the Pontiff as a tribute.Mr Elkann said: It was a great emotion and an immense honour to meet His Holiness together with my Ferrari colleagues. This was a moment of extraordinary human and symbolic value, inspiring all the people in our Company to continue their journey with passion, responsibility, and confidence in the future. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter