Ferrari has made a notable move by acquiring a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra for internal testing and development of its next-generation all-electric platform. As reported by IT Home on July 29, credible sources observed the SU7 Ultra leaving Ferrari’s factory, confirming this strategic purchase. This marks the first occasion Ferrari has leveraged a Chinese electric vehicle for R&D purposes—a significant milestone for Xiaomi’s automotive ambitions. Previously, only Porsche Taycan test vehicles had been seen within Ferrari’s facilities. This collaboration positions Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra as a key reference point for one of the world’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers.
Significance of the Factory Appearance
The appearance of the SU7 Ultra within Ferrari’s Maranello factory is a noteworthy event for the automotive industry. Multiple sources, including well-known bloggers, documented the vehicle’s presence and received confirmation from factory technicians regarding its status as a pure electric test platform, complete with simulated exhaust pipes for evaluation purposes.
Ferrari’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap
Industry insiders indicate that Ferrari is on track to announce its first fully electric model by the end of this year, utilizing the SU7 Ultra as a critical benchmarking tool. This aligns with Ferrari’s accelerated timeline for electric vehicle development. Since 2019, Ferrari has been steadily expanding its hybrid offerings and is now implementing a three-phase approach to its EV rollout. The company expects to deliver its first electric vehicle to customers by October 2026.
Performance Credentials of the SU7 Ultra
Ferrari’s decision to benchmark the SU7 Ultra is a testament to the vehicle’s impressive performance. At Xiaomi’s June 26 Ecosystem Launch Conference, CEO Lei Jun announced the prototype’s Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 6:22.091—third fastest globally for a prototype. The production version also performed strongly, ranking 19th worldwide. These results highlight the technical sophistication and engineering of the SU7 Ultra.
Market Impact and Outlook
According to Reuters, Ferrari has postponed its second electric vehicle project to at least 2028 due to current market conditions for luxury EVs, but the debut of its first electric model remains scheduled for next spring. The engagement with Xiaomi illustrates Ferrari’s commitment to adopting best practices from leading players in the electric vehicle sector as it develops its proprietary technologies.
Source: ITHome