Ferrari Daytona SP3: next chapter in Icona Series

The Icona Series was launched in 2018 with the Monza SP1 and SP2, which were inspired by Ferrari’s Barchetta models from the 1950s. That aspect is what characterizes the Icona models, because, according to chief designer Flavio Manzoni, they are not the top models where power and performance are paramount, such as the LaFerrari. Remarkably enough, that model formed the basis for the new Daytona SP3. Both the carbon chassis and the powertrain were adopted, but not without first making the necessary technical improvements and an important change.

The 6.5-litre V12 now delivers 840 hp, torque is 697 Nm and the engine is allowed to run at no less than 9,500 rpm. These are records for Ferrari in every way and according to technical director Michael Leitners these unprecedented figures are possible due to, among other things, sharper camshafts, lighter connecting rods and pistons and less internal friction due to a special coating. According to Leitners, the gearbox is basically the same as the 7-speed F1 gearbox from the LaFerrari, but without the electrical part to recover energy. The Daytona has been stripped of the hybrid part, which means that the car has a weight of only 1,480 kilos. This makes a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h possible in 2.85 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the top speed is more than 340 km/h.

The design of the Daytona SP3 is possibly even more startling and there is no way to recognize the LaFerrari in it. Manzoni indicates that form plays a more important role within the Icona Series, which also gives him and his team more freedom. He emphasizes that not one specific model, but a series of iconic models were the inspiration. As mentioned, the SP1 and SP2 were the Barchettas, the SP3 were the sport prototypes from the 1960s, such as the 330 P3 and P4, the 312 P, 512 S and M and the 350 CanAm. The legendary race in which Ferrari took the first three places in the 24 Hours of Daytona was an important occasion to which the name of the car refers.

Details of the racing cars mentioned above can be recognized throughout the design, such as the open cockpit that can be closed with a small carbon panel, the slots in the rear, the aluminum panel in the hood, the convex front screens and the relatively small cockpit with a windscreen. which appears beautifully wrapped around it. Small movable panels above the headlamps cover the floodlights when not in use, cooling slots in the front doors direct air past radiators in the engine compartment and vents in the bottom of the doors vent air from the front wheel arches to prevent both overheating brakes and buoyancy.

The interior is relatively cramped, but fully focused on the driver sitting with his passenger on non-adjustable seats, like in the sport prototypes from the 1960s. To find the right seating position, both the steering wheel and the pedals are manually adjustable.

When asked whether customers have to meet special requirements to qualify for a Daytona SP3, marketing and commercial director Enrico Galliera says they have approached all owners of a Monza SP1 and SP2, as well as the people who fished behind the net at the time. . This immediately means that all 599 planned copies have been sold, which yields an important part of Ferrari’s turnover with a price of €2 million (excluding taxes) and which also demonstrates the importance of the Icona Series.

Leitners, Manzoni and Galliera are both somewhat surprised when we ask whether we can also expect an Icona based on one of the luxury models of Ferrari, such as the 400 Superamerica or 365 California. Then Manzoni says “The sky is the limit”, indicating that Ferrari has such a rich past that there is enough inspiration for many more highly exclusive and expensive Ferraris for the coming decades.