Did you know that Ferrari’s new electric vehicle, the Luce, isn’t the first car to bear that name? Long before the Ferrari Luce, Mazda was already using it back in 1966! But here’s where it gets interesting: while Ferrari is reviving the name for its inaugural EV, Mazda’s Luce was a groundbreaking rear-wheel-drive sedan designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone. And this is the part most people miss—in 1969, Mazda introduced a stunning Luce Rotary Coupe with a rotary engine and front-wheel drive, a combination never seen again in automotive history. Well, almost never—Mazda’s MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV technically shares this setup, but its rotary engine acts as a generator rather than driving the wheels, making it a range-extending EV.
The Luce name has a rich history, and it’s not just about Mazda. Ferrari’s choice to repurpose it has sparked curiosity, but it’s far from the first time carmakers have shared names across brands. Think of the Ferrari 250/750 Monza and the Chevrolet Monza, or the Ferrari California and the Volkswagen California. Even suffixes like GT, GTA, and Spider have been used by multiple brands over the years. But why does this matter? Because it highlights how automakers often tap into nostalgia to connect with buyers, even if the modern car shares little with its namesake.
Mazda’s Luce, sold until 1991, was a flagship model that evolved through generations, even gaining a V6 engine before its retirement. Export versions wore different names, like the 929 and RX-4, and there was even a rebadged Kia Potentia for South Korea. Its successor, the Sentia, continued the legacy, though it’s less remembered today. Ferrari’s Luce, on the other hand, marks a new era—an EV named after the Italian word for 'light,' symbolizing innovation and illumination. But here’s the controversial part: does reusing a name from a completely different brand dilute its heritage, or is it a clever nod to automotive history?
Ferrari’s naming strategy is shifting, with four new models launching this year and 20 planned by the end of the decade. While Motor1.com doesn’t think anyone will be upset about the Luce’s name, it raises a thought-provoking question: Does the shared name matter, or is it just a fun coincidence? We want your opinion! What do you think about carmakers reusing names across brands? Does it add charm, or does it feel like a stretch? Let us know in the comments below!
