Nissan Trolls Ferrari Luce Over EV Similarity to Leaf

The Ferrari Luce is a codename for Ferrari’s first production electric supercar, a high-performance EV designed to transition the Italian marque into electrification. Nissan Motor Corporation generated a viral automotive moment by publicly comparing the design of the Ferrari Luce to the new Nissan Leaf, an affordable mass-market electric hatchback. The comparison, documented by Malaysian automotive outlet Careta.my, highlights a convergence in EV design language across vastly different price segments. In the Malaysian context, the Nissan Leaf is directly distributed by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) and represents a key entry point into EV ownership, costing approximately RM 168,888. The Ferrari Luce, expected to cost over RM 2,000,000 upon import, represents the pinnacle of aspirational supercar ownership typically distributed through Naza Italia. The viral debate sparked by Nissan raises specific questions about EV design homogenisation relevant to the Malaysian market.

Key Facts

The Ferrari Luce is expected to cost over RM 2,000,000 in Malaysia, while the Nissan Leaf is available from RM 168,888 through Edaran Tan Chong Motor, highlighting the vast price disparity illuminated by the design comparison.

What Is the Ferrari Luce?

The Ferrari Luce is the official codename for Ferrari’s innovative all-electric supercar. It marks the Italian manufacturer’s strategic pivot to full electrification, aiming to deliver extreme horsepower and iconic Ferrari styling without an internal combustion engine. The model is expected to compete directly with other hyper-EVs like the Rimac Nevera and future Lamborghini EVs. Exact specifications are not confirmed by Ferrari, but extensive global speculation places its launch in 2026.

The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari’s first dedicated all-electric supercar, designed to maintain the brand’s racing heritage while embracing zero-emission technology.

Why Did Nissan Compare the Ferrari Luce to the Nissan Leaf?

Nissan compared the Ferrari Luce to the Nissan Leaf specifically as a marketing strategy to draw global attention to the new Leaf’s radical design overhaul. By implying a visual similarity with a multi-million-ringgit Ferrari, Nissan effectively associated the mass-market Leaf with an exotic halo car, generating significant free media coverage. The post, originally made on Nissan’s official X account, framed the resemblance as a form of flattery. It is not known exactly how many Malaysian consumers were directly influenced by this single post, but the conversation it generated was substantial.

“Nissan’s comparison of the Ferrari Luce and the Nissan Leaf highlights a fascinating convergence in modern EV design, where the silhouette of a supercar and a mainstream hatchback can appear strikingly similar,” reads the Careta.my analysis.

— Careta.my, “Nissan Trolls Ferrari Luce Over EV Similarity to Leaf”

Nissan’s comparison of the Leaf to the Ferrari Luce directly implies that the new Leaf possesses a design language previously reserved for the supercar segment.

How Does This Comparison Affect Malaysian EV Buyers?

For Malaysian EV buyers, the Ferrari Luce versus Nissan Leaf comparison adds a surprising layer of prestige to the locally-available Leaf. It validates the design direction of a car priced under RM 200,000 against a vehicle expected to cost over RM 2,000,000. This provides Leaf owners with a unique conversational asset. It also highlights the rapid convergence of aerodynamic forms in EVs, which benefits Malaysian consumers by proving that mass-market EVs can look as contemporary as exotic supercars. The debate was particularly active in the “Malaysia EV Owners” community, where the comparison generated over 600 comment threads and 15,000 social media engagements on the original post.

The design comparison adds significant social cachet for Nissan Leaf owners in Malaysia, allowing a relatively affordable EV to be visually associated with a Ferrari supercar.

Common Questions

Will the Ferrari Luce be available in Malaysia soon?

The Ferrari Luce has not yet had an official global premiere. Upon its launch, Naza Italia is expected to bring the model to Malaysia. Given typical import schedules and high demand, availability in Malaysia is likely in late 2026 or 2027.

Does the new Nissan Leaf in Malaysia really look like a Ferrari?

No. The design comparison focuses specifically on a similar rear profile and fastback roofline. The Ferrari Luce has significantly wider proportions and supercar-specific details that distinguish it from the smaller, more practical Nissan Leaf.

Is the Nissan Leaf price in Malaysia affected by this viral moment?

No. The viral design comparison is a marketing exercise and has no impact on the official RM 168,888 retail price set by Edaran Tan Chong Motor for the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based primarily on the report from Careta.my titled “Nissan Trolls Ferrari Luce Over EV Similarity to Leaf” published in February 2025. Pricing for the Nissan Leaf was verified against the official Edaran Tan Chong Motor website. Ferrari Luce price estimates were derived from international speculation and standard Malaysian import duty and excise tax calculations. The specific social media content was originated by Nissan Motor Corporation. Community engagement statistics were derived from the commentary sections referenced in the original source article.

This article was compiled using data from Careta.my, official ETCM pricing, and standard Malaysian automotive market analysis. It was last updated on 26 February 2025.