The latest entry into the ultra-exclusive Icona model series is the Ferrari Daytona SP3, a limited-run mid-engined V12 roadster that pays tribute to one of the company’s best-known motorsport victories.
It’s named in reference to the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, at which Ferrari achieved a one-two-three finish with its legendary 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P racers – a highlight of what Ferrari calls “the golden era of closed wheel racing and an enduring reference point for generations of engineers and designers”.
Ferrari will build 599 examples – 100 more units than the Monza duo – priced at €2 million (£1.68m) including taxes. Priority will go to owners of the SP1 and SP2, with deliveries getting underway in late 2022, and unlike those two speedster models – which are not road legal in certain regions due to the lack of a windscreen – Ferrari says the SP3 is street-legal everywhere.
The Daytona SP3 is the first road-going Ferrari to feature a mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine since the LaFerrari hybrid hypercar bowed out in 2018, and with the output of the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 boosted to 829bhp and 514lb ft, it’s the most powerful non-electrified model that Maranello has yet produced.
Engine upgrades over the 812 Competizione extend to a modified intake and exhaust (for an “astonishing soundtrack”), lightweight titanium conrods, reduced-friction piston pins and a lighter, rebalanced crankshaft.
Mated to a quicker-shifting version of the 812 Competizione’s seven-speed automatic gearbox, the V12 promises a “torque curve that rises rapidly” all the way up to its 9500rpm redline, giving a 0-62mph time of 2.85sec and a top speed of 211mph making the Daytona SP3 the joint-fastest Ferrari road car yet.
The references to 1960s race cars extend beyond the mechanicals, with the Daytona SP3 having a characteristically aerodynamically optimised design that blends elements of Ferrari’s historic designs with cues from current models.
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Another "Ferrari for 12-year-olds."The name Daytona doesn't suit this car, and the 330P4 and 412P were simpler, more beautiful cars.The image in this article from a straight-on angle looks like a Nissan GT-R.And the horrible rear end that looks like corrugated iron.
They did a great job on the Roma. And yet it looks like they went back to the bad design.Ferrari needs to choose Pininfarina as their partner to bring back the beautiful car.Their current designer should get a job at Rockstar Games or Tencent. There, they can design as many supercars for children as they like.
Stunning new design features. Ferrari is being very bold at the moment. Feels like they have found creativity again.
"Hallowed Daytona nameplate revived"?
How can Ferrari being reviving the name, when they never used it?