Ferrari Tests Biofuel While Teasing Two New Models Before Year's End

On Ferrari's latest earnings call, CEO Benedetto Vigna dropped a line worth chewing on: biofuel "works well in our engines, nothing needs to change." The timing wasn't accidental—during the same call, he also announced two more models are set to launch before year's end, from an 86-year-old brand that just proved with the electric Luce it isn't afraid to move forward, either.

First, the numbers. According to Motor1.com and CNBC, Ferrari's deliveries dipped slightly this quarter due to model transitions, but operating profit still came in at €605 million, with net profit of €463 million—up 9% year over year. Driving that growth was buyers' undiminished appetite for personalization options. The strong showing led the company to raise its full-year revenue guidance from $7.5 billion to $7.6 billion.

Vigna didn't elaborate on what the two upcoming models are, but Motor1.com speculates one could be a convertible version of the F80 hypercar, tentatively dubbed the Aperta, while the other might be a Versione Speciale of the 12Cilindri. If true, it would mark the second V12-based variant of the 12Cilindri this year, following the earlier Manuale, which features a distinctive transmission that can switch between automatic and manual modes.

Put the biofuel testing and the two new models side by side, and the picture becomes clear: Ferrari has no intention of giving up the internal combustion engine, but it's also hedging its bets. Vigna didn't reveal specifics of an alternative fuel strategy, only saying the test results were "good"—an understatement that might be exactly the point he's making. The engine is staying; what it burns might just be different. As for the Luce, despite the controversy over its design and all-electric powertrain, Vigna noted that the model has already sold out.

Official names, launch dates, and specifications for the two new models have not yet been announced.