Latest news with #PrancingHorse
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Why was a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra spotted at Ferrari HQ? Maranello's mysterious benchmark raises questions
A CURIOUS sight outside Ferrari's headquarters has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation across the automotive world. A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype, a Chinese-built electric super saloon, was recently photographed leaving Ferrari's iconic factory grounds in Maranello, despite the model not being sold anywhere in Italy. According to CarNewsChina, the car lacked Italian registration, pointing to the likelihood that it had been brought in directly by Ferrari, presumably for research or benchmarking purposes. The move raises questions about the Italian marque's behind-the-scenes preparations for its first foray into electric performance, especially given that Ferrari's own EV has now been delayed until 2028. Officially, Ferrari has attributed the delay to what it described as 'zero' demand for a fully electric Prancing Horse. However, the presence of one of China's most advanced electric vehicles within Ferrari's private compound suggests that the company is quietly and seriously assessing the technological landscape. And there's good reason to examine the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The tri-motor EV recently made headlines by setting a new record at the Nürburgring for the fastest lap by a production electric vehicle, clocking an astonishing time of 6 minutes and 22 seconds. With 1,548hp on tap, the SU7 Ultra sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 1.98 seconds and reaches a top speed of 358km/h. It also features a sophisticated thermal management system, a key asset in maintaining consistent performance under extreme conditions, something Ferrari's engineers are likely scrutinising in detail. Though the two companies are worlds apart in brand heritage, Ferrari may be using the SU7 Ultra as a yardstick for future development. The Italian marque has already confirmed that its debut EV will be extremely limited in numbers, and with the launch now set no earlier than 2028, engineers still have time to refine performance metrics that meet the brand's exacting standards. Still, the unexpected visit by a Chinese electric supercar to the hallowed grounds of Maranello signals more than mere curiosity. It hints at a behind-the-scenes urgency within Ferrari to ensure its first electric model is not just competitive, but dominant in a world rapidly embracing high-performance electrification. With Ferrari's silence on the matter and the SU7 Ultra's conspicuous capabilities, the industry is left wondering: is Maranello looking East to define the future of its electric dreams?
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra spotted at Ferrari HQ Sparks benchmark speculation
A CURIOUS sight outside Ferrari's headquarters has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation across the automotive world. A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype, a Chinese-built electric super saloon, was recently photographed leaving Ferrari's iconic factory grounds in Maranello, despite the model not being sold anywhere in Italy. According to CarNewsChina, the car lacked Italian registration, pointing to the likelihood that it had been brought in directly by Ferrari, presumably for research or benchmarking purposes. The move raises questions about the Italian marque's behind-the-scenes preparations for its first foray into electric performance, especially given that Ferrari's own EV has now been delayed until 2028. Officially, Ferrari has attributed the delay to what it described as 'zero' demand for a fully electric Prancing Horse. However, the presence of one of China's most advanced electric vehicles within Ferrari's private compound suggests that the company is quietly and seriously assessing the technological landscape. And there's good reason to examine the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The tri-motor EV recently made headlines by setting a new record at the Nürburgring for the fastest lap by a production electric vehicle, clocking an astonishing time of 6 minutes and 22 seconds. With 1,548hp on tap, the SU7 Ultra sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 1.98 seconds and reaches a top speed of 358km/h. It also features a sophisticated thermal management system, a key asset in maintaining consistent performance under extreme conditions, something Ferrari's engineers are likely scrutinising in detail. Though the two companies are worlds apart in brand heritage, Ferrari may be using the SU7 Ultra as a yardstick for future development. The Italian marque has already confirmed that its debut EV will be extremely limited in numbers, and with the launch now set no earlier than 2028, engineers still have time to refine performance metrics that meet the brand's exacting standards. Still, the unexpected visit by a Chinese electric supercar to the hallowed grounds of Maranello signals more than mere curiosity. It hints at a behind-the-scenes urgency within Ferrari to ensure its first electric model is not just competitive, but dominant in a world rapidly embracing high-performance electrification. With Ferrari's silence on the matter and the SU7 Ultra's conspicuous capabilities, the industry is left wondering: is Maranello looking East to define the future of its electric dreams?
Gulf Insider
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Driving The Dream: An Experience at Ferrari's Corso Pilota
I've driven a lot of cars in a lot of places. But nothing quite prepares you for driving a Ferrari on its home turf, Fiorano. I was invited to attend Corso Pilota, Ferrari's official driving course, hosted in the heart of Maranello. This town isn't just the home of Ferrari. It is Ferrari. Red flags flying, car-shaped chocolates in cafés, and the unmistakable hum of engines in the air – it's everywhere. Maranello lives and breathes the Prancing Horse. Corso Pilota is about learning to drive a Ferrari properly. I took the wheel of a 296 GTB and hit Fiorano, Ferrari's private test track built by Enzo himself in the 1970s. With an instructor beside me each lap, I got real-time coaching through every corner. The best part was the data. After a few laps, I'd hand in a chip from the car and sit with a specialist. They broke down my driving line by line. Turns out, what felt right wasn't always fastest. Their advice worked. I was shaving off seconds every session. Over two days, I drove more track miles than ever before. It was pure adrenaline, total focus, and absolute joy. The 296 GTB was sharp, agile, and addicting. I also got to drive the new Ferrari 12Cilindri through the Italian countryside. Smooth roads, perfect weather, and a car that responded to every input with elegance and power. It was a dream. Corso Pilota is more than a course. It's a rare glimpse into Ferrari's DNA. If you're ever lucky enough to attend, take it. It's an immersion. It's a thrill. It's Ferrari. To experience the Ferrari Corso Pilota, contact 17734734 or visit
The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Lewis Hamilton opening up Ferrari to 'interesting' ideas, says Charles Leclerc
With his wealth of experience in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton is a cut above the rest of the drivers in the paddock. At 40 years old, Hamilton is now producing movies and helping Ferrari better design their cars. And he is doing it in style. The seven-time world champion made the headline move to Ferrari at the end of last season, as Mercedes' domination came to an end after the FIA introduced the ground effect changes. Hamilton is chasing an eighth world title and moved to Ferrari with the intention of seizing it in a red Prancing Horse. While the first half of this season could not be described as successful when looking from the outside, fellow driver Charles Leclerc suggested that Hamilton has opened Ferrari up to a world of knowledge they never knew. Winning seven titles does not come without a deep understanding of the machines he drove and thus Hamilton possesses a skill very few drivers on the paddock have - an ability to provide meaningful feedback that can allow engineers to make the necessary adjustments. It's Hamilton's first time driving a Ferrari, whereas Leclerc has been in the Ferrari since 2019, but still, he thinks Hamilton's got some interesting ideas. 'It's been very interesting to see the areas where we [Ferrari] were working completely differently, compared to a team like Mercedes, which had huge success in the past. 'And to compare this way of working. I'm sure that this will help us to take steps forward in the future. There's already been very interesting feedback from Lewis, because for me [the feeling in the car], it's the normality. It opens your mind to different working techniques. 'It hasn't gone as well as what I expected or wanted this season, that's for sure. But we are working hard to try and turn the situation around,' Leclerc told the Times. Ferrari have made changes this season to the SF-25, but still Leclerc has outpaced his teammate at almost every race. Hamilton indicated that he's working on some modifications to the chassis together with technical director Loic Serra to hopefully iron out the kinks. Earlier this season, ahead of the British GP, Hamilton said he's slowly migrated to a way of driving similar to Leclerc and found that his pace quickened. "This year with this car, we have lots of different tools and ways in which we can set the car up. Charles has been here for a long time, and he's been a part of evolving and developing this car, and he's very accustomed to it. "He's found one way in which the car works. I've tried all the other directions that should work but they just don't for whatever reasons. And I've slowly migrated to the place where Charles does run the car, and last week our pace was the closest it's been,' Hamilton said.
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Lewis Hamilton opening up Ferrari to 'interesting' ideas, says Charles Leclerc
With his wealth of experience in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton is a cut above the rest of the drivers in the paddock. At 40 years old, Hamilton is now producing movies and helping Ferrari better design their cars. And he is doing it in style. The seven-time world champion made the headline move to Ferrari at the end of last season, as Mercedes' domination came to an end after the FIA introduced the ground effect changes. Hamilton is chasing an eighth world title and moved to Ferrari with the intention of seizing it in a red Prancing Horse. While the first half of this season could not be described as successful when looking from the outside, fellow driver Charles Leclerc suggested that Hamilton has opened Ferrari up to a world of knowledge they never knew. Winning seven titles does not come without a deep understanding of the machines he drove and thus Hamilton possesses a skill very few drivers on the paddock have - an ability to provide meaningful feedback that can allow engineers to make the necessary adjustments. It's Hamilton's first time driving a Ferrari, whereas Leclerc has been in the Ferrari since 2019, but still, he thinks Hamilton's got some interesting ideas.
