The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is an extraordinary limited-edition model that belongs to Ferrari's Icona series, a line of cars inspired by the brand’s most iconic racing cars of the past. Revealed in November 2021, the Daytona SP3 pays homage to Ferrari’s legendary sports prototypes of the 1960s, particularly the iconic Ferrari 330 P4 and its triumphant victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race. The SP3 blends this historic inspiration with cutting-edge performance, making it a masterpiece of engineering and design.
1. Overview and History
Ferrari Icona Series: The Daytona SP3 follows the Monza SP1 and SP2, the first two cars in Ferrari's Icona series, which reinterprets iconic Ferraris from the past using the latest technology. The SP3 continues this legacy by drawing inspiration from Ferrari’s 1960s endurance race cars while incorporating modern performance features.
Inspiration: The car's name and design are a tribute to Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours, where Ferrari’s racing prototypes, particularly the 330 P3/4, dominated the race, cementing Ferrari’s motorsport legacy.
2. Design and Aesthetics
Exterior Design: The Daytona SP3's design is heavily influenced by Ferrari’s sports prototypes of the 1960s, particularly the 330 P4 and 512 S, but it's a thoroughly modern interpretation.
Sculpted Body: The SP3 features an incredibly aerodynamic body with sculpted surfaces and flowing lines, embodying Ferrari’s modern design language while paying homage to the classic Ferraris of the past.
Targa Roof: The car has a Targa-style removable roof, allowing for an open-air driving experience, similar to classic race cars of the 60s.
Horizontal Rear Louvres: One of the most distinctive design elements is the horizontal louvres at the rear, which not only evoke the design of Ferrari’s race cars but also serve a functional purpose for cooling.
Butterfly Doors: The dramatic butterfly doors incorporate integrated air ducts, channeling air to the side-mounted radiators.
Unique Rear End: The tail of the car is marked by a full-width light strip and a wide, muscular stance, emphasizing the car's performance-focused nature.
Interior Design: The interior is a blend of minimalism and luxury, focusing on the driver experience while showcasing premium materials.
Racing-Inspired Seats: The Daytona SP3 features fixed seats integrated into the chassis, while the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable, similar to Ferrari’s racing cars.
Carbon Fiber and Leather: The cabin is a mix of exposed carbon fiber and fine leather, emphasizing both performance and luxury.
3. Engine and Performance
Naturally Aspirated V12: At the heart of the Daytona SP3 is Ferrari’s most powerful naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, derived from the Ferrari 812 Competizione.
Power Output: The V12 produces a remarkable 829 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine Ferrari has ever put in a road car.
High-Revving: The engine is capable of revving to 9,500 RPM, giving it an exhilarating power band and the classic Ferrari V12 scream.
Performance: The Daytona SP3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.85 seconds and has a top speed exceeding 211 mph (340 km/h).
Transmission: The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which offers lightning-quick gear shifts and seamless power delivery.
4. Chassis and Handling
Carbon Fiber Construction: The Daytona SP3’s chassis is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 expertise, ensuring maximum rigidity while keeping the car’s weight as low as possible.
Dry Weight: The car weighs just 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs), making it incredibly agile and responsive for a V12-powered supercar.
Aerodynamics: The SP3 uses advanced aerodynamic techniques, many inspired by motorsports, without the need for active aerodynamics. The flowing bodywork, air ducts, and strategically placed vents manage airflow to increase downforce and reduce drag.
Handling and Suspension: The SP3 uses multilink suspension and is equipped with Ferrari's latest Side Slip Control (SSC) system, allowing drivers to explore the car’s limits with confidence.
Wheels and Tires: It rides on bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, developed specifically for this model to maximize grip, particularly during spirited driving.
5. Technology and Features
Driver-Focused Technology: The interior of the Daytona SP3 is centered around the driver, with a minimalist approach to controls and a focus on performance.
Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital instrument panel provides all necessary driving information, including performance metrics, with a focus on simplicity and clarity.
Ferrari's HMI: The car features Ferrari's Human Machine Interface (HMI) system, allowing the driver to control key functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Customization Options: Like all modern Ferraris, the Daytona SP3 offers extensive customization options, allowing owners to personalize everything from the exterior paint color to the interior materials and finishes.
6. Exclusivity and Production
Limited Production: The Daytona SP3 is extremely exclusive, with only 599 units produced. Each car was priced at approximately €2 million (around $2.3 million USD) when it was announced, and all units were quickly sold out, making it a coveted collector’s item.
Target Market: The SP3, like the rest of the Icona series, is targeted at Ferrari’s most loyal and affluent customers. It is designed to evoke passion among Ferrari enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s rich motorsport history.
7. Cultural and Historical Significance
Celebration of Heritage: The Daytona SP3 is a celebration of Ferrari’s endurance racing heritage, particularly from the 1960s. The design and engineering choices pay tribute to legendary models like the 330 P4, 412 P, and 512 S.
Future of Ferrari Icona Series: The Daytona SP3 continues Ferrari's strategy of producing ultra-limited-edition models that connect the brand’s history with its cutting-edge technology. It’s part of Ferrari’s commitment to maintaining its heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern supercar performance.
