KATHMANDU: Chinese electric vehicle brand Luxeed has claimed that its new RX SUV received design input from a former Ferrari chief designer. Ferrari has questioned the claim and asked the company to reveal the designer’s name, according to media reports.
Luxeed executive Zhao Changjiang said the Huawei- and Chery-backed brand has hired experienced engineers from companies including BMW, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. However, he did not disclose the identity of the alleged former Ferrari designer.
Ferrari China’s public relations director Ingrid Sun later challenged the statement on social media, asking Luxeed to identify the former Ferrari chief designer. The post was later deleted, according to reports.
Ferrari has had the same chief design officer, Flavio Manzoni, since 2010. It remains unclear whether Luxeed was referring to a senior Ferrari design employee or another former staff member.
The Luxeed RX has drawn attention for its design similarities with the Ferrari Purosangue SUV. The side profile and overall proportions appear similar, although the front and rear designs are different.
The RX measures 5.02 meters in length with a 3-meter wheelbase. The base model uses a single electric motor producing 371 hp and driving the rear wheels. The dual-motor version adds a front motor, increasing total power output.
Luxeed is expected to officially launch the RX in China this autumn. The company plans to expand into international markets, including Europe.
The RX is part of Luxeed’s partnership between Huawei and Chery, combining Huawei’s technology with Chery’s vehicle manufacturing platform.
