Ferrari reveals tech secrets of new Elettrica EV, including guitar-inspired driving soundtrack

Sacrilegious or not, Ferrari is pushing ahead with the development of its first-ever fully electric vehicle, as the European Union’s ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles looms large in 2035.

The Italian supercar maker has released all the pertinent powertrain details on its new EV, which is codenamed Elettrica, but which is likely to receive a different name at launch. It will be revealed in 2026 as a four-seat model similar in concept to the GTC4 Lusso, and some interesting intel has also emerged on how it might sound.

Knowing its customers would quite rightfully turn their noses up at fake engine sounds, engineers have devised an amplification system for the e-motor, which takes inspiration from electric guitars.

It starts with a high-precision sensor on the rear axle, which picks up the frequencies of the powertrain. These are then amplified and projected into the surroundings, as with an electric guitar. This soundtrack is generated by a sophisticated control system that was developed entirely in-house.

The result, Ferrari says, is an “authentic voice unique to the electric engine” and which only makes itself heard when functionally useful, such as under acceleration or after gearing down.

Ferrari has confirmed that the Elettrica will be powered by four synchronous permanent magnet electric motors, with rotors derived from F1 technology. In keeping with the brand ethos, power delivery will be rearward biased, with the more powerful back axle motors collectively producing 620kW. A staggering 8,000Nm of rear torque can be transferred to the tarmac in Performance Launch mode, Ferrari says.

Smaller motors on the front axle gang up to produce 210kW, but these can be completely decoupled to allow full rear-wheel drive propulsion. Offering ultra-responsive all-wheel drive when extra traction is needed, these e-motors can be engaged or disengaged in just 500 milliseconds.

The front and rear axles were developed entirely in-house by Ferrari, and the chassis between them has an extremely short wheelbase, with a driving position that places the driver close to the front wheels to offer the purest dynamic feedback possible. The battery is integrated into the central part of the chassis floor, and Ferrari says it has achieved an optimal weight distribution of 47-53%.

The battery has a class-leading energy density of 195 Wh/kg and a power density of 1.3 kW/kg. Ferrari claims its battery-chassis system, which was designed entirely in-house, is one of the most competitive in the world. Owners can expect a range in the region of 530km. The vehicle boasts an 800-volt electrical system, for ultra-fast DC charging, with an 80% charge said to be possible in just 15 minutes.

Ferrari said this new EV is a significant milestone in its multi-energy strategy.

“The product of a radically new and innovative approach, the new Ferrari Elettrica combines state-of-the-art technology with superlative performance and the extraordinary driving pleasure that distinguishes every Ferrari model,” the carmaker said.

“Remaining true to the marque’s engineering and artisanal traditions, each of the main components of this car has been developed and is manufactured in-house to ensure that the new Ferrari Elettrica also delivers the peerless levels of performance and uniqueness that only Ferrari can offer.”

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