Ferrari Quietly Researching the World’s Quickest EV Sedan Behind Closed Doors? | Carscoops

      A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was seen leaving Ferrari's factory in Maranello

      6 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Ferrari appears to have been examining a Xiaomi SU7 at its headquarters in Italy.

      The Italian automaker is set to unveil its Elettrica EV in the spring of 2026.

      The triple-motor Ultra flagship produces 1,526 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in 1.98 seconds.

      Ferrari has announced it will present its first-ever electric vehicle next spring, having showcased the Elettrica's (name still provisional) electric powertrain at the end of this year. This marks new territory for the Italian supercar manufacturer, which seems to be benchmarking its work against a Chinese model that has already impressed the world with its performance.

      Related: Xiaomi Breaks Its Nurburgring Record Again and Quickly Introduces Limited Edition

      The vehicle in question is a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan, which was spotted departing Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters in Italy. Its distinctive yellow paint and dual silver stripes – the same design often seen in Xiaomi’s promotional images – made it hard to miss.

      An Unanticipated Guest at Maranello

      Ferrari, like all brands, frequently acquires and borrows vehicles from competitors for research purposes. However, just five years ago, the notion that the renowned sports car manufacturer would be interested in a Chinese vehicle for analysis would have seemed absurd.

      Much has changed in the past five years. The SU7 Ultra currently holds the record as the fastest electric production car around the Nurburgring, with a time of 7:04.957, which is nearly three seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan. Additionally, an Ultra prototype has clocked an astonishing 6:22.091, surpassing all but VW’s ID.R racer and Porsche’s 919 Evo Le Mans car.

      The SU7’s coupe-sedan design, reminiscent of the Taycan, conceals a triple-motor electric drivetrain capable of delivering 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW), accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 1.98 seconds, and achieving a top speed of 223 mph (359 km/h).

      Ferrari is already proficient in creating vehicles with excellent handling, so it seems likely its primary interest lies in the electric platform and aspects like thermal management during prolonged high-speed driving. Moreover, it is known that Xiaomi’s CEO shares an equal enthusiasm for Ferrari’s vehicles. Lei Jun was seen last year driving a red Purosangue, and it’s expected that he’ll be eager to get behind the wheel of Maranello’s EV when deliveries commence in the fall of 2026.

      Insiders have indicated that Ferrari's first EV will be a limited-production model to acclimate consumers to the concept of a combustion-free vehicle adorned with a prancing horse, while the second EV, which is anticipated to take on a crossover form, will carry more significance. However, Ferrari has postponed the release of that model until 2028 due to weak demand in the luxury EV market, as reported by Reuters last month.