The Icona Series of cars from Ferrari are among some of the greatest ever made by the Italian brand. The specially commissioned models take inspiration from iconic Ferrari models of the past while combining this with the most cutting-edge technology available. The Daytona SP3 is the third car in the series, following on from the Monza SP1 and SP2.
The Daytona SP3 has a lot going for it, from a powerful naturally aspirated engine to exclusivity and groundbreaking aerodynamics. Here are 10 reasons why we love this astounding car.
10 It Is A Limited Production Run Car
Production of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is limited to 599 examples. Despite all models now having been sold, the car doesn't come cheap, retailing for just shy of USD 2.3 million.
Unfortunately, the rarity and the price tag mean many of these SP3s will likely sit as museum pieces, looked at but never driven.
9 The Large Engine Is Naturally Aspirated
In the engine bay, and at the heart of this car, is a glorious 6.5 liter V12, naturally aspirated power plant. Named the "F140HC", the unit is the most powerful engine ever built by Ferrari, putting out a huge 830 hp. As a result, the car can go from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, before blasting on to a 211 mph top speed.
Engines like this must surely now be an increasingly rare beast going forward. With the move towards EVs and increasingly stringent emission regulations, we must celebrate this masterpiece while we still can.
8 It Is A Tribute To Race Winners
The Daytona SP3 has been built primarily to pay tribute to the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P race cars, which notoriously won the 1967 24 hours of Daytona at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Taking P1, P2, and P3, Ferrari put on a dominant performance against their nearest rival Ford.
7 Its Styling Has A Historical Influence
The car's design and styling influences have been taken from successful 1960s endurance racing cars.
Just like the Ferrari 330 P3/4, the Daytona SP3 features a wrap-around windshield, giving a nod to the past. As well as 1967 winning cars, the SP3's design was informed by the 12 S, 712 Can-AM and the 312 P racing prototypes
6 There Is A Glorious Targa Roof
A great feature of the Daytona SP3 is its removable roof panel. When an open-top driving experience is desired, the "Targa top" glass panel roof can simply be removed.
Due to the design of the roof, it is not possible to fit a standard rearview mirror. As an alternative, a video display system is utilized to allow users to get a view of what's going on behind.
5 Underneath Is A LaFerrari Chassis
Ferrari opted to use the chassis from the iconic LaFerrari to form the basis of the Daytona SP3. Let's be fair, if you had to select a chassis to modify, using one as accomplished as the LaFerrari's, is instantly setting you up for success.
To be specific, the Daytona SP3 makes use of the LaFerrari Aperta chassis, and this is one of the reasons the car sports the stunning Targa roof.
4 It Relies On Passive Aerodynamics
One of Ferrari's primary objectives with the Daytona SP3 was to produce a car that looks as sleek as possible. To achieve this, the brand wanted to avoid large and obvious external aerodynamic parts.
To this extent, the car doesn't feature an imposing rear wing, but instead directs airflow around the car, channeling it through the floor. The butterfly doors are also a functional feature and act as scoops that vent air into the engine's cooling system. Air passes through a slot at in the bottom of the door, helping it flow around the car's silhouette. The rear of the car sports a Ferrari Testarossa style arrangement of horizontal slats, something not seen on a modern Ferrari. These are constructed of lightweight carbon fiber and hide several vents that expel excess heat.
3 The Interior Is Truly Unique
While the interior shares many design features with other modern Ferraris. Many of the car's controls are located on the steering wheel, meaning they are close at hand when the driver needs to make a change. The SP3's interior has some awesome features such as a "gated manual" inspired gear selector.
There is even a slot for your key mounted in the center transmission tunnel, and this helps showcase the prancing horse design. One of the most striking aspects of the interior is the new "one piece" moulded and conjoined seat, which is set in a single position. Interestingly, buyers must select a seat size and how reclined they would like it at the time of ordering. Like a race car, the pedal box and steering wheel can be adjusted to help ensure drivers can reach the controls.
2 It Is Exceptionally Lightweight
As well as the powerful engine, a lightweight design helps make the Daytona SP3 the fastest car it can be. A major contributor to the car's low weight is its extensive use of carbon fiber. From body panels to the monocoque tub, the car uses the material in spades. Weighing in at around 3274 lbs, the car is very lightweight for its class, and while there are lighter cars out there, considering the design and style, it stacks up well.
The integral seat design is another feature that helps keep the weight low, by doing away with the need for a separate backrest. The lack of a hybrid system and batteries similarly have a positive effect on weight saving.
1 F1 Technologies Are Utilized
The car's chassis is composed exclusively of highly technical materials. Some of the specialist construction techniques were last utilized during the construction of the legendary LaFerrari.
Just like a Formula One car, the majority of the components have undergone some level of advanced engineering. To this extent, titanium and carbon fiber have been used widely.