Two news items dominated the past month. Indications grew — though nothing can be confirmed just yet — that the 12 cilindri will spawn a limited special edition featuring a manual transmission, the first since the California T. Rumoured production figures ranged from around 30 units to what are evidently more realistic estimates of "several hundred." So far, nine pre-production models exist: seven with European ("B") specifications and one right-hand-drive version.
The Luce continues to drift uncertainly through the market. Reports from dealers mention numerous cancellations, yet also orders from new customers. Is this the new target demographic? It is clear that a genuine lure has been cast, designed to put Luce buyers in a position to secure a spot on the list for limited-edition models. There is no easier way to qualify.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the first Luce units hit the market as "used" cars. For one thing, the market for used electric vehicles remains very limited; furthermore, since the F80, the "automatic price premium" that used to kick in the moment a car left the Factory gates no longer seems to work quite the same way. In any case, the 88 Luce units intended for the Chinese market sold out almost immediately — though the buyers' motivations remain unclear. We will have to wait and see if this figure can be used to extrapolate total production numbers. If so, the total output remains surprisingly low — time will tell.
What time will no longer tell is the rate of Database growth seen in the first half of the year; that chapter closed on July 1st. A total of 7,863 new units were added during those first six months, with June contributing a disproportionate share: 1,352 units. In total, 2,015 entries have been newly added or modified in the 106th Update — though there is still a great deal of work ahead of us, as the archives are full and growing day by day by day by day by day....
So, there is no summer break for us — but perhaps there is for you?
The F-Register Team wishes you a wonderful time with plenty of relaxation, wherever possible!