Ferrari unveiled one of its most beautiful creations yet, the Daytona SP3, inspired by its racing icons from the 60s!
Back in the 1960s, the battle between American stalwart Ford and the Italian motorsport pioneer Ferrari was something that the world had never witnessed before. Ever since the Italians walked out of a deal that effectively handed over its control to the American automaker, the two guns fought tooth and nail throughout the decade.
Arguably, the biggest victory of the prancing horses came in with a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 hours of Daytona with a 330 P3/4, a 330 P4, and the 412 P in its respective finishing order.
To honor these racing icons, the team at Maranello combined the most characteristic design cues into one scintillating car at the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali event in Mugello.
Retro Design, Yet Advanced Aerodynamics
The Daytona SP3 is immediately identifiable by its retractable headlamps, an evolution of the crowd’s favorite pop-up lights. Ferrari also subtly fitted a double-crested wing design inspired by former racing prototypes, such as the 512 S, 712 Can-Am, and the 312 P. Furthermore, other elements like the front splitter, hood, 60s style wing mirrors, and the curved windscreen complement each other tastefully as one cohesive unit.
Moving over to its side profile, the Daytona SP3 receives the all-encompassing butterfly doors with a neatly integrated airbox that serves as a passageway to its beating heart. Interestingly, the leading edge of the doors also doubles up as wheel arches for the front wheels.
Heading over to the rear, we can instantly see the Testarossa cues, courtesy of the horizontal bars across the Daytona. Contemporary touches such as the diffuser, LED taillight strip, and the twin exhaust outlets give it an aggressive stance. Ferrari finished off the design with flowing wheel arches and the back glass hiding the N/A V12 underneath!
Clever aerodynamics also played a crucial role in the borderless and cohesive silhouette of the Daytona SP3. Ferrari claims that the SP3 generates the highest downforce of any car with only passive aero elements. Case in point — the continuous front splitter, double-crested wings, airbox, side skirts, underside vents, and the diffuser.
Naturally-Aspirated V12 Screamer of an Engine
The main highlight of the Daytona SP3 is what’s under the hood. Derived from the 812 Competizione is Ferrari’s very own 6.5-liter 65° N/A V12 (codenamed F140HC) that develops a whopping 829 hp @9,250 rpm and 514 lb-ft of torque @ 7,250 rpm.
The team at Maranello made quite a few changes to the internals to improve overall performance. These changes include titanium con rods, DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) coating on the insides to reduce friction, Sliding finger-follower valves, a revised intake system, etc. The best part of all this — it redlines at 9,500 rpm!
Hooked to an F1-style 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Daytona can sprint from 0-62 mph in 2.8 secs, 0-124 mph in 7.4 secs, and hit a top speed of 211 mph.
Aerospace-Derived Carbon-Fiber Chassis
Similar to F1 cars, Daytona SP3’s chassis is constructed entirely using composite materials, with the likes of an aerospace-derived, hand-laid, T800 carbon-fiber tub for maximum rigidity and the least weight. Meanwhile, Ferrari used T1000 carbon fiber and Kevlar for the doors and other key areas subject to big impacts.
Ferrari kept things simple yet classy inside the cabin, with contrasting and low-mounted blue sports seats bonded directly to the chassis. Since the seat is fixed, drivers can move the pedal box to settle in their most comfortable driving position. Furthermore, the classic Ferrari flat-bottom steering wheel encloses 80% of the car’s controls. You can toggle the remaining functions using switches on the center console. Finally, the Daytona receives a hi-tech 16″ HD driver’s display showcasing all the essential information.
The Daytona SP3 is part of the exclusive limited-edition Icona series, which comprises the open-top Monza SP1 and SP2. Only 500 such units will be available globally, and Ferrari has already sold all of them to respective collectors.
At least we purists can still cherish one of the last remaining naturally aspirated beauties in the 21st century!
Forza Ferrari!
Gallery: Ferrari Daytona SP3
