Supercar collector Jeffrey Cheng blasts Ferrari’s new electric Luce, calling its design a disgrace. Discover the backlash and what it means for Ferrari’s EV future. Learn more now.
Background
Ferrari is gearing up for its first fully electric model, the Ferrari Luce. The company has framed the Luce as a glimpse of the brand’s future, promising to blend its legendary performance DNA with a silent, zero‑emission powertrain.
The Email Exchange
In early May, Lee Perkins, a senior sales consultant at Ferrari, reached out to renowned supercar collector Jeffrey Cheng (known on Instagram as @speedy_jeff). The email highlighted the Luce’s electric drivetrain while assuring that the driving experience would remain unmistakably Ferrari.
Ferrari’s outreach program targets a carefully curated list of existing owners and high‑net‑worth enthusiasts who have shown interest in electric luxury cars.
Cheng’s Fiery Reply
Cheng’s response was anything but cordial. He opened with, “Are you kidding me?” and went on to declare that he would “never be caught driving this car.” The collector described the Luce as “an insult” and said he felt “almost ashamed” for the sales staff tasked with selling it.
Design Under Fire
Beyond the powertrain, Cheng’s criticism zeroed in on the car’s styling. He wrote, “The Luce doesn’t deserve the Ferrari badge – it looks more like a Hyundai or Kia than a prancing horse.” He added that the design felt “completely devoid of Italian soul,” questioning how a brand famed for iconic design could approve such a look.
Market Angle
Cheng argued that affluent buyers could simply choose high‑end electric models from Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid and still have enough budget left for a private jet. In his view, the Luce’s potential sales hinge less on genuine appeal and more on the complex allocation system that Ferrari traditionally uses to manage demand.
Ferrari’s Official Stance
Ferrari has not publicly responded to Cheng’s email, but the company confirmed that it continues to engage the selected group of prospects about the Luce’s allocation process and ordering timeline.
What This Means for Ferrari’s EV Journey
The Luce represents a pivotal moment for the storied marque, marking its official entry into the EV era. However, the backlash underscores a larger challenge: convincing the most loyal, performance‑obsessed customers to embrace a new definition of what a Ferrari can be.
As the automotive world watches, the Luce will test whether heritage and electrification can coexist without alienating the brand’s core fanbase.