Ferrari CEO praises Tesla Roadster as perfect electric car

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna just handed Tesla Roadster a perfect score, calling it a "10 out of 10" for both its technology and how it was presented. He made these comments Tuesday at an Italian conference hosted by Quattroruote magazine. His message to European carmakers was simple: keep dreaming. He thanked Elon Musk specifically for proving that innovation is still possible even in the old world.

The new Tesla Roadster debuted last week with a show featuring stunts and airborne tricks. These moves relied on thrusters developed by SpaceX, which Musk also leads. Production of this electric sports car will not start until 2028. The debut took place at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas. There, the vehicle flew through the air, flipped midair, and went from zero to 60 mph in less than a second. Tesla stock ticked up after the reveal, though analysts warned that actual deliveries are still years away given past delays. A prototype first showed up in 2017 with an original promise of delivery by 2020.

Customers can now reserve specific versions of the Roadster. The "Performance" model requires a $50,000 deposit to hold your spot. The "Thrust" version, which includes acceleration thrusters, asks for $250,000 upfront. There is also an invite-only "Rocket" variant designed as a single-seater with a full flight system.

This praise comes right after Ferrari launched its own first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, back in May. Shares dropped when that news broke, and the company has been working hard to win over skeptics. Vigna admitted outside influence was vital to making the Luce happen. He noted that if they had worked alone, they would not have achieved what they did. The team answered questions raised by outsiders who were watching their progress.

"We certainly show that also in the automotive world there's still a lot to be done," Vigna stated. "We have to keep dreaming." As a European executive, he appreciated how Musk demonstrated that daring is alive and well. Risk-taking remains necessary for growth, yet facts suggest Tesla has proven the auto industry can still dare big things.