Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna offered high praise for Tesla's redesigned Roadster sports car on Tuesday, rating the next-generation vehicle 10 out of 10 for both technology and presentation [1]. Vigna stated that the launch "certainly shows that also in the automotive world there's still a lot to be done" and thanked Elon Musk "for showing us how that, even in an old world, you can still innovate and dare" [1]. Tesla's Roadster launch featured a dramatic demonstration at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, where the vehicle performed aerial stunts including a midair flip and accelerated from zero to 60 mph in under a second using thrusters developed with SpaceX [1]. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that production of the Roadster would begin in 2028 [1].
The Roadster launch generated immediate market enthusiasm, with Tesla shares initially rising following the unveiling [1]. However, financial analysts cautioned that deliveries remain years away, noting the model's history of delays—a prototype was first revealed in 2017 when the company projected 2020 deliveries [1]. Tesla is accepting reservations for multiple Roadster variants, including a "Performance" version requiring a $50,000 payment and a "Thrust" version with acceleration thrusters priced at $250,000, along with an invite-only single-seat "Rocket" variant featuring a full flight system [1].
Vigna's comments reflect broader industry recognition of Tesla's innovation approach and come as Ferrari itself pursues electric vehicle development. Ferrari unveiled the Luce, its first fully electric vehicle, in May 2024, developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive [1]. Vigna emphasized that risk-taking and outside influence are necessary for innovation, stating: "If we had worked on our own, we wouldn't have done what we did" [1]. Market data shows both companies experienced gains on the day, with Tesla (TSLA) rising 1.54% to $373.71 and Ferrari (RACE) climbing 1.52% to $400.24 [1].
CONCLUSION
Ferrari's CEO publicly endorsed Tesla's Roadster innovation strategy, signaling industry-wide recognition of the company's bold approach to automotive design and technology. While Tesla shares initially rose on the announcement, analyst caution regarding the 2028 production timeline and historical delivery delays suggests tempered enthusiasm. The positive sentiment reflects broader industry momentum toward electric vehicles and innovation, benefiting both Tesla and Ferrari's stock performance.