Ferrari Says It Won't Build Self-Driving Cars, And Gas Engines Aren't Going Anywhere
Ferrari's Future Isn't Fully Electric
The Ferrari Luce may have been described by the Prancing Horse's designers as a glimpse into the company's future, but that future apparently does not involve replacing everything with batteries. More importantly for traditionalists, it also doesn't involve a Ferrari that drives itself.
Speaking to Drive, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna made it clear that fully autonomous cars aren't on the table. While other brands chase hands-free tech, Ferrari is sticking to what it knows best.
"We will not make fully autonomous cars – loud and clear. We want the people to have fun, not the chips," Vigna said.
This comes as Ferrari launches the Luce, its first fully electric model. The car has started a lot of conversations about what Ferrari stands for, but Vigna says going electric doesn't mean losing what makes a Ferrari special.
No Self-Driving Ferrari, But Plenty of Choice
Vigna is clear that driving still comes first. While other brands move toward more automation and software, Ferrari wants a real person in control.
"When I talk about autonomous cars, I talk about L3+. We want to have a steering wheel and a man or a woman behind the steering wheel. Otherwise, why do you buy a Ferrari?" Vigna told Drive.
Ferrari isn't treating the Luce as a one-off or a compliance car. It's just another option in the lineup. Vigna says the goal isn't to replace combustion engines, but to give buyers more choices.
"We have IC (internal combustion), we have the hybrid, and we have the electric. Full stop. Then the client can pick up whatever they want," he explained to the publication.
Ferrari says interest in the Luce is strong – and that some buyers have already completed their bank transfers – even amid debate about its looks and price. Moving forward, the EV will sit next to the gas models, not instead of them, so buyers just pick the Ferrari experience they want.
Ferrari's Future Still Sounds Familiar
Recent moves show Ferrari isn't done with combustion engines. There are reports of a limited manual 12Cilindri, which would stand out in a market full of paddle shifters.
Separately, patents hint the company is exploring unusual ways to preserve the character of the V12, even as regulations tighten. There are also rumors about a more focused F80 and the GTO name coming back, showing Ferrari still values its heritage.
The main point here is that Ferrari isn't picking just one path. The Luce is part of what's next, but there's still space for hybrids, V8s, V12s, and a real driver behind the wheel.
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM.