The smart #2 will have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this October and is currently undergoing global testing in preparation. Test vehicles are wearing a black-and-white camouflage livery styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team.

At dedicated proving grounds, the vehicle’s agility was tested against a wide range of real-world urban challenges, including unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip wet road conditions. According to the auto maker, continuous refinement of the chassis hard points, steering ratio and rack travel and suspension movement control ensures the vehicle remains composed, responsive and agile in everyday city driving.

Extensive noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) validation has been conducted across multiple demanding environments, including the wind tunnel, acoustic chamber, temperature-controlled four-post rig, proving grounds and public roads. The testing activities encompassed wind noise, road noise, powertrain NVH, thermal NVH, squeak and rattle, and sound quality optimization.

By testing various tire compounds on rough asphalt, grooved concrete and high-speed straights, engineers sought an optimal balance between low rolling resistance for maximum range and exceptional noise reduction. To achieve long-term reliability, the vehicle has been subjected to demanding durability testing over bumpy roads, continuous undulations and potholed urban streets. Targeted impact tests simulated common city-driving scenarios, such as mounting curbs and striking deep potholes.

By refining chassis rigidity and structural stress points, the company says it has ensured that the smart #2 will serve as a highly reliable on-road companion. Complementing this structural resilience, the next generation of the renowned Tridion Safety cell – a structural design first used on the original smart fortwo – combines compact exterior dimensions with a robust structure that meets modern safety requirements, providing high protection, stability, and driver confidence.

In related news, Volkswagen launches ID Cross compact electric SUV built on MEB+ platform

First shown at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, the Horse D20 Methanol is intended for use in range-extended EVs (REEVs), where it acts as a reserve power source to recharge a vehicle’s battery. Outputting up to 105kW, the powertrain weighs 170kg and combines a motor, power electronics and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The engine is designed to run off 100% methanol fuel blends, and features a range of cutting-edge technologies such as a 240mJ high-energy ignition system to enable ultra-lean burns of methanol in the engine cylinders.

Along with increasing fuel economy, these technologies also enable the engine to undertake pure-methanol cold starts from temperatures as low as -35°C. The NOx emissions comply with China’s CN6b standard of 35mg/kWh and the Euro 7 standard of 60mg/km.

The powertrain uses a new axial flux motor mounted directly on the engine’s crankshaft, serving as its generator. Unlike conventional radial flux motors, where the rotor sits inside a cylindrical stator, axial flux motors stack the rotor and stator as flat discs. The D20’s motor uses a yokeless design with two rotors surrounding a single stator.

Compared to a like-for-like radial flux motor, the new axial flux motor on the D20 Methanol is 46% shorter and can output 63% more kilowatts per unit of volume, enabling a range of packaging opportunities and efficiencies. The motor also boasts an extremely high electrical efficiency of 96.4%, leveraging solutions such as an embedded silicon carbide power module to minimize electrical losses.

In lab testing, the powertrain achieved a 47% fuel-to-energy conversion ratio, with 1kWh of electrical energy produced for every ~2.1kWh of methanol burned. As a result, the D20 Methanol can fully recharge a 40kWh EV battery with just 19.6L of fuel.

“The Horse D20 Methanol is one of our boldest statements of intent so far,” said Fortune Zhao, CTO of Horse Powertrain.

“Along with reflecting our commitment to alternative fuels via its central methanol engine, and offering a flexible mobility solution as a range extender powertrain, the Horse D20 Methanol is a staging ground for a range of cutting-edge technologies to deliver a powertrain of unparalleled compactness and efficiency. This can be seen in our use of an axial flux motor to achieve the necessary width and volumetric power density for the unit, marking one of the first uses of the technology in a mass-market automotive powertrain.”

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Volkswagen has unveiled the ID Cross, an all-electric compact SUV built on the MEB+ platform, the latest iteration of the auto maker’s modular electric drive. The vehicle will be offered with three motor outputs (85kW/114hp, 99kW/133hp and 155kW/208hp) and two battery sizes (37kWh LFP and 52kWh NMC), with a WLTP range of up to 427km. DC fast charging from 10-80% takes roughly 23 minutes for the smaller batter and 24 minutes for the larger one. The car uses VW’s new Innovision infotainment system.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, head of the Brand Group Core and member of the group board of management, said, “The ID Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities – all for excellent value for money. These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen.”

The ID Cross measures 4,153mm long, 1,581mm tall and 1,794mm wide, with a 2,601mm wheelbase. The MEB+ platform gives it more interior and cargo space than the combustion-engine T-Cross, offering 475 liters of trunk space, 20 liters more than the T-Cross, including additional storage under the variable boot floor. The car also has a 25-liter front storage compartment.

The ID Cross places the Digital Cockpit Pro, a 26cm/10.25in driver display, and the 32.8cm infotainment touchscreen along a single horizontal line. Pressing the view button on the steering wheel activates a retro display mode styled after the Golf Mk1, showing a classic-style speedometer and a right-hand gauge that displays energy output/consumption rather than engine RPM, styled as a powermeter. Modern functions like dynamic road sign display are integrated into this retro layout as well.

The vehicle includes driver-assist systems as standard, with next-generation Travel Assist available as an option. Because the optional system uses online data, VW has renamed it Connected Travel Assist. It’s able to detect red traffic lights and can automatically bring the car to a stop, within the system’s limits. The car also offers One Pedal Driving, which decelerates the vehicle using only the accelerator pedal. Smart parking aids that make maneuvering even easier are also available.

Particular attention was paid to ride comfort and driving stability when developing the ID Cross. The suspension specially tuned for the electric front-wheel drive combines precise and safe handling with high long-distance comfort, said VW, and the high-quality dampers, comfort-optimized suspension components and numerous measures to reduce noise and vibrations ensure a “pleasantly quiet driving experience”. In addition, there is direct steering response and a finely tuned brake system that impresses with a natural pedal feel.

The ID Cross is offered in Germany in three trim levels. The base Trend trim includes standard 90kW DC fast charging. The Life trim adds 18in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and a junction assistant. The top Style trim adds IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps with an illuminated light strip, 3D LED rear lights, illuminated VW logos, heated seats and steering wheel, personalized interior trim and keyless start/locking.

The ID Cross offers optional features not available on the T-Cross or, Volkswagen said, on several competitors in the segment. These include a 425W Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, and a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats, with three selectable massage programs. A 74 x 90cm panoramic roof can also be integrated, which extends into the rear of the cabin, with an electric sunshade for dimming.

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Maserati has unveiled its Project GT4 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The vehicle is positioned as a companion to the GT2, which has competed in closed-wheel racing since 2023. It represents the car maker’s entry into the GT4 category, with a competition debut planned for 2028.

Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO, commented, “In an especially significant year, as we celebrate 100 years of the Trident logo and 100 years of Maserati in racing, the Goodwood Festival of Speed provides the ideal stage to mark these important milestones and share Maserati’s vision and values with customers, enthusiasts and stakeholders. We are proud to bring the spirit of Italian Gran Turismo to Goodwood.

“The new GranTurismo, new GranCabrio and new Grecale further strengthen our ability to combine comfort and performance, while Project GT4 underscores the strategic role of Maserati Corse as the brand’s laboratory for innovation and technological development. All of this begins in Italy, in Modena – the beating heart of Maserati – where tradition, engineering expertise, design and passion continue to shape our cars. This achievement has been made possible by the dedication of the people at Maserati, the contribution of our partners and the strength of our global dealer network, which shares the responsibility of representing and promoting the Trident every day.”

Project GT4 was developed in Modena by Maserati Corse, the company’s motorsport division. Its engine and body are derived directly from the New GranTurismo. Its close relationship with the production model is required under GT4 regulations and is intended to help keep operating and maintenance costs manageable for racing teams.

Project GT4 uses the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6, which includes Formula 1-derived pre-chamber combustion technology and has produced over 700hp in other applications. It is rear-wheel drive, with GT Trofeo-derived suspension featuring adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars, and weighs approximately 400kg less than the road-going GranTurismo. The cockpit retains some styling elements from the road car’s dashboard, alongside a roll cage, homologated racing seat and fuel tank, a dedicated braking system with additional cooling and 18in wheels compliant with GT4 regulations. The car draws on experience from the GT2 Stradale program and input from Maserati Corse and chief test driver Andrea Bertolini.

In related news, Maserati unveils updated Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio

Cupra has appeared at the 2026 Festival of Speed with a range of motorsport and road car announcements, including an extended partnership with Kiro for its Formula E program, the debut of the new Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer, the Gen4 Formula E car and the fully electric Raval in right-hand drive. The company positions motorsport as a development platform for its road-car technology.

Formula E

After two successful seasons together, Cupra has extended its Spanish-American partnership with Silverstone-based Kiro Race. The agreement will see Cupra Kiro continue competing together in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The team is set to enter the new Gen4 era of Formula E with the latest Porsche 975 RSE.

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, Cupra Kiro will unveil its Gen4 Formula E car in a striking Energy Flow livery created exclusively for the event.

Season 13 of Formula E introduces the Gen4 regulations, delivering the fastest and most advanced Formula E cars to date. Power increases to 600kW (816ps), while permanent active all-wheel drive (AWD) enhances performance and efficiency. The Gen4 car will exceed 335km/h and accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 1.8 seconds.

British driver Dan Ticktum will take the championship’s new-generation display car up the famous 1.87km Goodwood Hillclimb on Sunday.

 From street to racetrack

The second pillar of Cupra’s Festival of Speed debut is the Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer. Finished in a matching livery, it draws inspiration from Formula E, offering, the company says, a compelling vision of the future of touring-car racing.

The Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer is a Cupra concept car combining an electric motor (from the Raval), combustion engine (from the Leon VZ) and battery tech (from the Leon PHEV). It’s positioned as a test vehicle exploring a hybrid racing format that blends ETCR-style electric boost strategy with the lower cost and established tech of traditional touring car racing.

The Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer is designed for sprint-format wheel-to-wheel racing. Drivers must manage tire wear, power delivery and energy use during races.

The e-Hybrid racing prototype produces up to 370kW (500ps) combined output: a 2.0-liter combustion engine (250kW) plus a rear electric motor (120kW) paired with a 6-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox. Cupra states 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 265km/h.

Cupra Raval

The right-hand-drive Cupra Raval will launch in the UK in summer 2026, with a maximum range of up to 450km, depending on trim and battery.

The Cupra Raval is a 4m-long hatchback, designed, developed and produced in Barcelona and named after the city’s Raval neighborhood. It’s built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform, shared across the group’s Electric Urban Car family.

All Raval models feature a sport chassis lowered by 15mm, tuned suspension, progressive steering and ESC sport (electronic stability control). The Raval VZ produces 166kW (226hp) and adds 19in alloy wheels, electric memory bucket seats in vegan leather, matrix LED headlights, DCC sport suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Raval is available in multiple trims and colors, with ambient lighting and door projections running on Android OS.

In related news, MG announces roadmap focusing on Plug-in Hybrid+ and SolidCore Battery

Building on more than a century of innovation, MG has unveiled its latest technology roadmap, outlining how the brand will continue to bring advanced electrification and intelligent driving technologies to a wider audience.

Focusing on powertrain and ADAS development, the roadmap focuses on the next-generation MG Plug-in Hybrid+ technology and the introduction of MG SolidCore Battery technology for Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

New Plug-in Hybrid+ technology 

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system is built around a new generation of dedicated hybrid petrol engines, available in 1.1-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged variants, achieving maximum thermal efficiencies of more than 42% and 43% respectively.

The engines work in conjunction with a new hybrid transmission incorporating two core technologies: power split and motor decoupling, designed to optimize fuel and electrical energy efficiency.

Power Split technology distributes power between the engine and electric motors, continuously adjusting energy flow according to driving conditions to enable the powertrain to operate efficiently without the constraints of a fixed-ratio transmission. Motor decoupling introduces a disconnect mechanism that isolates the generator during pure electric driving, reducing drag and improving electric drive efficiency.

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system automatically selects the the optimum operating mode across the full speed range, using electric drive at low speeds, power split operation at medium speeds and direct engine drive at higher speeds. This operating strategy is designed to maintain engine thermal efficiency above 40% across approximately 90% of driving conditions, while achieving up to 90% electric drive efficiency regardless of battery charge level.

The powertrain accelerates from 0-62mph in under six seconds, with 50-75mph acceleration taking as little as 3.5 seconds. Torque delivery has also been revised, with hill-start capability improved by up to 72% compared with the previous system.

By eliminating generator idling during pure electric driving, Motor Decoupling technology reduces noise, vibration and harshness by up to 5dB in EV mode compared with conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Plug-in Hybrid+ models will also benefit from this new technology, beginning in 2027 with the launch of the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+.

SolidCore battery for Plug-in Hybrid+ models

MG has confirmed that its SolidCore Battery technology will be introduced across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

Built around a semi-solid-state architecture incorporating a 3D spinel structure, the SolidCore Battery delivers higher energy conversion efficiency and faster power response than conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries, MG said, adding that it is optimized for Plug-in Hybrid+ applications, offering more consistent power delivery, improved range stability and more stable performance across varying speeds, driving scenarios and climate conditions.

By maintaining stable battery output across a range of operating conditions, the SolidCore Battery technology supports more consistent vehicle performance regardless of speed, driving scenario or ambient temperature, contributing to the overall efficiency of the Plug-in Hybrid+ system, MG said.

The SolidCore Battery technology reduces the impact of low temperatures and depleted battery charge on vehicle performance, addressing some of the limitations commonly associated with plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The first MG Plug-in Hybrid+ models to feature SolidCore Battery technology will be three new SUVs in the B, C and D segment categories.

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British engineering company JCB has completed UK testing of its hydrogen-fueled Hydromax car, reaching 208mph and clearing the way for its world land speed record attempt at Bonneville, Utah, in August.

The shakedown runs at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire saw the 32ft-long vehicle driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE reach 208mph under its own hydrogen power – up from the 177mph recorded earlier in the program.

Alongside speed data, the team also gained engineering insight and refined coordination that JCB says can only be developed through on-track running. The crew also worked on the JCB Hydromax’s hydrogen refueling process, a key factor in ensuring fast turnaround on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where refueling speed can determine whether a record attempt proceeds. JCB says this experience will be valuable when the team returns to Utah next month.

JCB chairman Anthony Bamford said, “The UK testing program has given us everything we had hoped for and more. We have a car that runs, a crew that knows it inside out and a wealth of real-world data that no amount of theory could ever provide. The team has done a magnificent job and our focus now turns entirely to the Salt Flats and a new world hydrogen land speed record.”

JCB engineering director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said, “Reaching 208mph is a tremendous result, but the real value of these tests is what we have learned. We now understand how the car behaves under load, we have refined our hydrogen refueling, and we have built the teamwork and communication that will be decisive at Bonneville. Every refuel, run and tire change we have rehearsed here is one we won’t be doing for the first time on the salt. We will arrive fully prepared, with a car and a crew that know exactly what they are doing.”

The car is powered by two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen digger engines producing a combined 1,600bhp. With UK testing now complete, it will now be prepared for the journey to the USA. Lord Bamford has spearheaded the company’s £100m (US$132m) investment in hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, which now power diggers rolling off production lines.

At Bonneville in 2006, Andy Green drove the JCB Dieselmax car to its Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) diesel world land speed record of 350.092mph, powered by two JCB engines. That record still stands, and JCB aims to beat it with the lighter, more powerful JCB Hydromax.

Andy Green said, “To run JCB Hydromax up to 208mph here in the UK is hugely encouraging. The car feels strong and the team has gelled brilliantly. Now comes the real challenge – Bonneville, the spiritual home of the world land speed record. I can’t wait to get out on the salt.”

In Utah, the team will compete at SpeedWeek, run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), before pursuing an officially recognised record under the FIA.

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The debut of the new Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio is the result of a strategic update aimed at strengthening the Maerati’s position in the luxury segment, where design, elegance, performance, craftsmanship and a human-centric approach to technology all contribute to the same idea, the auto maker said.

Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO and Maserati COO, explained, “For over 112 years, we have interpreted contemporary luxury in a distinctive way and aim to grow further in this segment, expanding our product offering and investing in the technologies that best express its character: from the development of iconic powertrains such as the V6 Nettuno to the evolution of the performance of the Folgore range, with a technological strategy aligned with the expectations of our customers.”

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio

The latest GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible feature a new calibration of the engine and transmission, making the car more responsive and rewarding, while the acoustic character has been refined with an iconic and engaging exhaust sound.

Described as “heirs to the captivating Maserati GranTurismo of the past”, which was launched in 2007 and renewed in 2022 and 2023 respectively, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are now presented with refinements spanning design and driving dynamics.

Both models are available in three versions. Two ICE options are the entry-level 483hp version, which interprets “the luxury of travel” and the 582hp Trofeo, which is said to heighten sporting character.

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo represent the most powerful expression of the range. At their heart is the V6 Nettuno, with motorsport-derived pre-chamber combustion technology, now raised to 582hp (40hp more than the previous generation). Both models feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine that shares with the MCPURA the patented Formula 1-derived MTC technology, with cylinder deactivation for efficiency and a front differential aligned with the engine to lower the center of gravity.

The combustion-engine models offer three drive modes: GT, Sport and Country on the 482hp version, with Corsa mode reserved for the Trofeo. Country mode, also available on the EV Folgore, raises the ride height by 20mm. Sport mode enhances exhaust sound and suspension response, and is also available on the Trofeo.

The Folgore, with 751hp and torque vectoring, brings the family into the electric era. The BEV’s 800V system uses three motors, one at the front and two decoupled motors at the rear, for more than 1,200 hp installed and 760 hp continuously delivered to the wheels. The two rear motors enable surgically precise torque vectoring, while the 92.5kWh battery adopts a T-bone geometry that keeps the height at just 1,353mm, the lowest among electric cars. AWD Disconnect is standard, transferring drive to the rear axle in 500 milliseconds through the physical disengagement of the front half-shafts. A new energy management algorithm brings the GranTurismo Folgore range to more than 540km.

The Grecale

Maserati’s luxury D-SUV, the Grecale, combines spaciousness, sporty performance and everyday practicality. Its cabin features premium materials and high levels of comfort, while selectable drive modes adapt the driving experience to different conditions and preferences. At the top of the range, a V6 twin-turbo engine delivers class-leading specific output, which is also complemented by a distinctive exhaust note and Formula 1-inspired technology.

Related news, Honda Super-N compact EV delivers 70kW in boost mode and 199-mile “city range”

Honda has announced further details and pricing info for its new Super-N compact EV, which has opened for orders in the UK. The small electric car, which has been fine-tuned on British roads, has been designed to offer responsive handling, compact practicality and an accessible entry into electric driving that embodies Honda’s ‘joy of driving’ philosophy, the auto maker said.

Engineered on the lightweight platform of the hugely popular N Series Kei car range sold in Japan, the Super-N takes its inspiration from the legendary 1980’s City Turbo II.

The Super-N features a Boost mode that temporarily increases the output of its electric motor from 47kW to 70kW, reducing the 0-62mph acceleration time from 14.5 seconds to 10.0 seconds. Honda says the lightweight design is intended to improve agility and responsiveness, with the aim of providing an engaging driving experience in both urban and open-road environments.

Powered by a thin and lightweight 29.6kW lithium-ion battery, the Super-N weighs just 1,097kg and delivers a combined range of 128 miles (WLTP). However, in urban driving environments, where the compact and nimble Super-N is likely to spend much of its time, the battery provides a city range of 199 miles (WLTP). It can be recharged to 80% using a 50kW DC supply in just 30 minutes.

Michael Doyle, head of automobile UK at Honda Europe, said, “Priced at just £18,995 (US$25127), the Super-N delivers Honda’s ‘Joy of Driving’ philosophy to more customers than ever before. Not only is this one of the most affordable small EVs available, it’s also one of the most fun.

“It’s been designed to embody the Japanese philosophies of Yukai and Tsukai, which translate as delight and exhilaration respectively, and as a result it delivers a sense of excitement the moment you see it. Ultimately, it’s a car that’s been developed by a group of passionate engineers that believe in Honda’s abilities to turn dreams into reality.”

Based on Honda’s ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ design philosophy, the Super-N is designed to maximize interior space while minimizing its exterior footprint. It is 3,599mm long and 1,573mm wide and offers seating for four adults and interior space comparable with some larger vehicles,  Honda said.

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Ferrari has unveiled the all-electric Luce at the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport in Rome in Italy.

Expanding Ferrari’s in-house electric technology expertise has created new opportunities for performance and efficiency across its wider vehicle programs, the auto maker said. This includes technology transfer between Ferrari road cars, the 499P Hypercar that won the most recent World Endurance Championship, and the Ferrari Hypersail project, which serves as a platform for research and innovation. The Ferrari Luce marks the culmination of Maranello’s multi-energy strategy, announced at the 2022 Capital Markets Day.

John Elkann, president of Ferrari, said, “We are not simply unveiling a new car, we are inaugurating a chapter that turns our vision into reality, strengthening Ferrari’s tradition of anticipating and shaping the future.”

In keeping with tradition, Ferrari has chosen to engineer, develop and manufacture the main components in-house. The project includes more than 60 new patents.

The Ferrari Luce was designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design collective led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, bringing an external perspective to Ferrari’s established design approach under Flavio Manzoni. The electric power source, Ferrari-engineered engines and advanced drivetrain enabled the development of a new architecture that combines Ferrari performance with the luxury of spaciousness.

Technologies derived from Ferrari’s unrivalled experience in the world of motor racing made it possible to contain kerb weight at 2,260kg, helping deliver best‑in‑class performance (0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed over 310 km/h and maximum total power output of 1,050hp) and a range in excess of 530km.

The car introduces electric all-wheel drive technology, combining torque vectoring, regenerative braking and adjustable power delivery systems. Steering wheel-mounted paddles enable drivers to modify torque output and energy recovery, while Ferrari says the system has been developed to provide a more progressive acceleration response than typical high-torque electric powertrains.

The car is powered by four electric engines, one per wheel, and is equipped with a high‑capacity 122kWh battery, an active suspension system derived from the F80 and an independently steering rear axle. Within this framework of technological innovation, two concepts best encapsulate Ferrari Luce’s ambitious entry into the world of high‑performance electric sports cars: the control of each wheel’s motion in every direction and in any dynamic condition, and the authentic approach to sound.

Each wheel is equipped with one actuator for traction and regeneration, one for the steering angle and one to control vertical movement. The ability to adapt torque distribution in real time to road conditions and desired performance provides exceptional freedom and precision of control. Each of the Ferrari Luce’s wheels is attuned to the driver’s input, enabling the driver to experience a single, fluid movement. Torque vectoring and the elastic balance of the suspension system also assist in changing direction, enhancing the car’s agility and ease of driving.

The Ferrari Luce’s vehicle dynamics have been developed around the characteristics of its electric platform, including a lower center of gravity and revised weight distribution. The vehicle uses an e-Manettino system to adjust power delivery and traction settings, alongside Ferrari’s five-position Manettino drive mode selector, which adapts vehicle responses to different grip conditions.

The model also introduces Ferrari’s new vehicle control unit, which integrates management of the powertrain and vehicle dynamics systems. According to Ferrari, the system processes updates at up to 200 times per second and works in conjunction with the latest version of the company’s Side Slip X control system.

The powertrain comprises four F80-derived permanent magnet synchronous engines with radial flux, delivering a maximum speed of 30,000rpm at the front and 25,500rpm at the rear. The system operates on 800V architecture and combines performance with efficiency, with solutions directly derived from motorsport. The high-voltage battery pack was designed, validated and built in Maranello and comprises 210 cells in series that deliver 122kWh and support fast charging up to 350kW; it has been designed as a structural element of the car. Power electronics feature compact inverters and a DC/DC resonant converter for the active suspension to achieve record-breaking efficiency of more than 98%.

The Ferrari Luce uses an integrated battery, chassis, and body structure designed to improve rigidity, efficiency, and interior packaging. The aluminum-based architecture places the battery beneath the floor and rear seats, removing the need for a central transmission tunnel and increasing cabin space. Ferrari said the structure delivers increased bending and torsional rigidity compared with its previous four-door models.

The vehicle also features double wishbone suspension, rear-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes, and a rear subframe mounted to improve ride comfort and handling balance.

The extensive use of recycled secondary-alloy aluminum enables a reduction in CO₂e emissions during production of around 70% of the overall vehicle weight.

Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, said, “We are convinced that a company demonstrates its leadership when it has the courage to dare and to take on the challenge of new technologies. Ferrari Luce was born precisely from this challenge, offering our unprecedented vision of electrification.”

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