Ferrari is boldly reaffirming its commitment to the combustion engine legacy while embracing the future of electrification. During the recent 2025 Capital Markets Day, Ernesto Lasalandra, the company's chief research and development officer, delivered pivotal news: Ferrari’s legendary naturally aspirated V12 will remain a cornerstone of their lineup. Rather than phasing out this iconic powerplant, Ferrari intends to keep evolving it to meet tightening emissions standards, all while squeezing more performance out of it. The engineers are exploring ways to boost power, potentially making the engine even more formidable without compromising its signature character.
While the V12 remains a mainstay, Ferrari is also focusing heavily on their turbocharged V8 and V6 engines. These smaller mills, already formidable in their own right, will be fine-tuned further. Based on recent diagrams shared in Lasalandra’s presentation, expect slight increases in the specific power output of the V8 and V12 over the next few years. The V6, which powers the hybrid Ferrari 499P race car and the upcoming F80 hypercar, looks poised for a significant leap in performance. This engine could see notable enhancements, offering more horsepower per kilogram—making it an even more compelling option on both the street and track. The brand emphasizes that making their engines compliant with future emissions regulations remains a priority. They will invest heavily in adapting their internal combustion machines to run efficiently on alternative fuels like e-fuels, ensuring they stay relevant as the market shifts towards greener technology.
Ferrari's strategy isn’t just about compliance but about maintaining their performance edge across the board. In terms of new models, Ferrari plans to launch four fresh cars each year through the end of the decade. The most groundbreaking announcement is the debut of their first fully electric vehicle, the Elettrica, scheduled for release next year. This new model promises to deliver the same exhilarating driving experience that Ferrari enthusiasts seek, but without the traditional combustion noise. Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, stated, “We developed Elettrica because, as a market leader, we have the responsibility to show the world that we can harness any technology to deliver these unique driving thrills.” Despite embracing electrification, Ferrari remains committed to its core DNA. The company now projects that approximately 20% of its lineup will be fully electric by 2030, a reduction from earlier estimates of 40%. Meanwhile, hybrids will make up around 40%, with the remaining 40% continuing to run solely on petrol. This measured approach reflects cautious optimism given the current market conditions and consumer demand. Just earlier this year, reports indicated that Ferrari might delay introducing a second electric model until at least 2028, citing subdued demand for EVs among their clientele.
When asked about future electric models beyond the Elettrica, Vigna refrained from providing specific timelines but emphasized, “Electric is a new dimension for us, a new opportunity, and we will continue to develop in that area.” The company recognizes that electrification isn’t just a trend but an inevitable evolution, and they are positioning themselves to lead the charge rather than follow.
As Ferrari balances its storied combustion engine legacy with the demands of a changing automotive landscape, it’s clear that the brand aims to preserve its performance soul while innovating for the future. Their engines, refined for emissions compliance and potential performance gains, will remain central to their DNA, while new electric and hybrid models help them stay competitive. Enthusiasts can expect a dynamic lineup that respects the past and embraces the future — with more power, innovation, and relentless pursuit of thrill than ever before. In terms of performance figures, convert the engine outputs to more familiar units: a 100 hp engine produces roughly 75 kW, and a torque figure of 100 ft-lbs translates to about 135 Nm. As for fuel efficiency, Ferrari’s engines could be optimized to achieve around 11 liters per 100 km, aligning with their push for efficiency alongside performance. This evolution promises a thrilling future that honors Ferrari’s legendary heritage while innovating for the next generation of petrolheads.