Ferrari Icona

All posts in “Ferrari Icona”

Ferrari Daytona SP3 — A Closer Look

For VVIPs Only: Latest ‘Icona’ Series Ferrari is an Absolute Knockout

While the 2021 LA Auto Show (#laautoshow) continues to impress with its showcase of new game-changing cars from the world’s automotive heavyweights, Ferrari has decided to host an unveiling event of its very own making. Away from all the noise and fanfare of a hastily packed convention center, Ferrari today revealed its new Ferrari Daytona SP3 on its own terms, and own turf. The latest uber-limited-edition ‘Icona’ had its covers removed at Mugello circuit, where it was treated to a hospitable reception in front of a Tuscan backdrop during the 2021 Finali Mondiali.

Suffice to say, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 has a lot of really amazing things going for it, not least of which is its status as one of the Prancing Horse marque’s ‘Icona’ models (and the motorsport history that’s attached to them). The SP3 becomes the latest addition to a 3-car roster currently occupying this revered (and virtually untouchable) place in the Ferrari hierarchy. It also continues to embody the spirit of iconic sports-prototype racers from the mid-last-century, just as the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 had done before it.

With immediate and total effect, the Daytona SP3 adopts its silhouette from a trio of Ferrari racing cars which participated in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona—namely the 330P3/4, 330P4 and 412P. Not only was an outright Ferrari victory achieved here—with the cars managing an already notable 1-2-3 finish—but it also served as the ultimate retort for what had transpired at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, where fierce rival Ford Motor Company, had achieved the same result with 3 of their GT40 race cars just a year before.

Design & Philosophy

Now, back to the SP3; the car bears an obvious resemblance and is a modern-but-transparent tribute to those cars, most notably via its muscular wheel arches and mid-engine design. This does more than just harken back to years gone by, as the SP3 is also the most aerodynamically efficient car Ferrari claims it has ever produced. Remarkably, this is achieved without using the more contemporary methods of tacking on large rear wings, aggressive dive planes, eccentric splitters/diffusers and huge air vents on the fenders and bonnet. The Daytona SP3 also happens to feature a Targa-top design with a removable glass roof panel.

In fact, the body of the SP3 is incredibly streamlined and dare I say, minimalist for what it is—it appears this way, at least. Ferrari themselves probably said it better, stating that they intended to “create the impression of a light, radical, structured monolithic volume that lends the Daytona SP3 a look that is both futuristic and a nod to signatures from Ferrari’s DNA.” This begins with a monocoque chassis built using the latest Formula One technologies—something not done to this degree since the LaFerrari—then applying the most advanced and lightweight materials that can be afforded for a street-legal road car. Translation: all exterior body panels are composed entirely of the most finely-produced carbon fiber, resulting dry weight is 3,275 lbs.

Inside, the same philosophies are applied; retro design elements combine seamlessly with modern technologies. The most interesting feature in the cabin would have to be the seats, which are integrated into the cockpit and have their inner side bolstering fused over the transmission tunnel—another nod to sports cars from the 1960s era. The instrument cluster (and general user interface) is digital, and is indeed the very same one used on the SF90 Stradale hybrid hypercar; after all, a more analog approach on an 829 hp car equipped with Formula One technologies won’t do, and Ferrari has to draw the line somewhere, right?

Engine & Performance

If we’re honest, this car just wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense if it didn’t also come equipped with the most powerful (purely combustion) engine the company has ever made. Thankfully, Ferrari understand this as well as anyone else, and they’ve only gone and done just that, by mid-mounting the spectacular 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 engine from the 812 Competizione into the SP3. Of course, it also has to make more power than the latter, so upgrades such as titanium connecting rods and a revised direct injection fueling system allow the SP3 to produce 829 hp, versus the mere 819 hp the 812 Competizione is able to muster.

The Daytona SP3 also retains the astronomically-bliss 9,500 rpm redline and mated to the engine is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission which is responsible for sending power to the rear wheels. In all, this allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds, on its way to 200 km/h in only 7.4 seconds from a standstill.

Pricing & Availability

As for pricing and availability, Ferrari has been unequivocal as one could be without needing to provide any firm numbers in terms of costs of production numbers. They’ve done so by stating that the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is “…aimed solely at Ferrari’s top clients and collectors, proud ambassadors for the Prancing Horse marque.” In Italian, I think that means it’s going to be really, really expensive, and that they’ll let you know if you’ve been selected as one of the very few privileged people on this planet to have a go at owning one. But if we were going to make any guesses here, expect unit production numbers to be in the low-hundreds and a (starting) purchase price in the $2-3 million USD range.

Gallery

November 20, 2021 / Comments Off

785

The new Ferrari Icona: Daytona SP3

February 6, 1967, will forever be a date in Ferrari’s history that nobody could ever forget, it’s the first round of the 1967 International World Sports Car Championship, the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona, right at the heart of Ford’s racing team, Ferrari takes all three leading positions, a 330 P3/4 took home the victory, second place was secured by a 330 P4 while the third position was secured by a 412 P … the Prancing horse obliterated the competition during a time that is now considered as being the golden era of closed wheel endurance racing, those cars would become a reference for the next generation of engineers and designers.

In 2018 Ferrari created the first of their Icona series to pay tribute to this amazing feat in 1967, to celebrate the 1-2-3 finish these were called the Monza SP1 and SP2, but today, November 20, 2021, Ferrari unveiled the Daytona SP3, a limited-edition Targa model that was presented on the famous Mugello Circuit during the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali.

The new Daytona SP3 design is clearly inspired by the legendary 330 P4 racers, while the Targa hardtop was taken from the sports prototype world, as an homage to cars from the sixties, the choice of using a naturally-aspirated V12 was obvious, mid-rear mounted, this beauty comes with 840 cv and a torque number of 679 Nm at 9,500 rpm, this is the most powerful engine Ferrari ever made for a road car.

And while the new Daytona SP3 has no active aero, they created the design in such a way this is the most aerodynamically efficient car ever made at Maranello, the chassis is completely made from composite material taken from Formula One technology, unseen since the LaFerrari, to keep the weight down as much as possible, the seats are an integral part of the chassis on this new limited-edition beauty, and she’s fast too, 2.85 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, just 7.4 seconds before 200 km/h flies by.

The engine chosen for the Daytona SP3 comes from the magnificent 812 Competizione, but for this model, the V12 was moved to the mid-rear position, at a 6.5-liter capacity this new engine is called the F140C and puts her power through a 7-speed transmission and comes with a host of improvements over the F140B unit in the 812 Competizione, polluting emissions and particulate formation have been reduced by 30% (WLTC cycle) compared to the 812 Superfast.

The Ferrari Icona series was launched in 2018 with the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, inspired by the competition barchettas of the 1950s while the Daytona SP3 takes inspiration from the endurance car from the 1960s, the Icona series celebrates Ferrari history by reinterpreting the timeless styling of the marque’s most iconic cars into the 21st century, these all boast exclusive solutions not seen in the rest of the range and are aimed solely at Ferrari’s top clients and collectors, proud ambassadors for the Prancing Horse marque.

November 20, 2021 / Comments Off

433

Ferrari’s Upcoming Retro-Inspired Supercar Spotted!

There has recently been some buzz that Ferrari is working to release their very own retro-inspired supercar.

For the past few months, Ferrari has been seen testing a variety of mysterious prototypes that are speculated to be based on the LaFerrari. Recently, what is thought to be the Monza SP1 and SP2 successor has been said to have been seen being test driven in the highway.

The Ferrari prototype that was caught on video was extensively covered in thick body cladding, hiding design details from prying eyes. It is highly suggestive that under the body cladding is what could possibly be the final production design of what looks like a car based on the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta.

There have been some rumors floating around that it could be designed to look like Ferrari 330 P4 Le Mans racer from the 1960s. It is the one that famously went up against the Ford GT40.

One of the first things that is noticeable in the encased car is the position of its side mirrors. The side mirrors on the test car are placed on the front fenders similar to the ones on the 330 P4 compared to the side mirrors of the LaFerrari which had it mounted on the A-pillars.

There are also some things that even a camo cannot hide, like the lower stance, wider fenders, and as well as the prominent rear wing. It seems like the upcoming supercar will look track-ready, more so than the LaFerrari it is based on.

Under the hood of the supposed Ferrari Icona is the same 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V-12 engine that is equipped in the 812 Competizione. The powerful engine can produce 819 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It is very much possible that the retro inspired Icona will be even more powerful as this will have a seven figure price tag.

Combined, only 499 examples of the SP1 Monza and SP2 Monza were produced. It is said that for the 330 P4, only 300 examples are planned for production. Each are estimated to cost around $2.5 million to $3 million.

There has also been some buzz that the new retro-inspired Icona will be presented by Ferrari at the Ferrari World Finals which is happening next month in Italy.

[embedded content] [embedded content]

October 4, 2021 / Comments Off

294

Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 were unveiled yesterday at the Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello (Ferrari also announced 15 new models you may want to check out). These limited-edition special-series Ferraris are the first in a new category that Ferrari calls ‘Icona’, essentially custom cars made for collectors. The company has experience with building special edition and one off Ferraris for collectors so this seems like a natural extension. The Icona cars will essentially be cars that look like classic yesteryear racers, underpinned with the latest chassis, electronics and engines. Think of classic Ferraris of the 1950s coupled with the most advanced sports car technology available today and you pretty much nailed it.

The first iteration of the program is the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. Reminiscent of racing barchettas of that late 1940s and early 1950s, both cars look amazing. The Ferrari Monza SP1 is a single-seat sports car with no windscreen while the Ferrari Monza SP2 is a more classic two-seater. Both cars feature no roof, no windscreen and no side air bags.

Both the Monza SP1 and SP2 are based on the Ferrari 812 Superfast and come with a 6.5 liter V12 engine with 810 hp to the rear wheels. Aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body make for a lightweight car and absurd power to weight ration. Expect sub 3 second sprint from standstill to 60 mph and scintillating 7.9 seconds to 125 mph. Top speed will be around 186 mph.

We don’t think these cars will be approved for road use, so expect them to be track-day only machines. Maybe that is why Ferrari said buyers will get a racing jumpsuit designed by Italian high-end luxury brand Loro Piana. Speaking of buyers, only a maximum of 500 units will be produced although we expect that this is slightly inflated and that we will only see a few hundred units max.

If you’re looking for a 1950’s style design with modern technology underneath and you like to track your cars, this may be the Ferrari for you. All you have to do is pony up the more than a million dollars these cars will cost.

We stated the obvious earlier, that the SP1 is a single seater, while the SP2 is a two-seater. That is the biggest design difference as it impacts other parts of the car. The Monza SP1 has a tonneau cover while the SP2 gets rid of the cover to make room for the second passenger. There is small windscreen and a second roll bar hoop in the SP2 which further differentiates the designs.

At the front, both cars have carbon fiber front slitter which resides below a wide grille and protruding LED daytime running lights. Bigger changes occur further back as the windscreen has been removed and this promises to give owners a taste of the “blistering speed” that Formula 1 drivers experience.

Further back, the models have been equipped with unique half-doors that open upwards. They provide access to a compact cabin which features a three-spoke steering wheel, special switchgear and plenty of exposed carbon fiber components.

Getting back to the windscreens for a second, Ferrari says they have developed and patented an innovative “Virtual Wind Shield” technology which is integrated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel. While it doesn’t look like much, Ferrari says the virtual windscreen deviates enough air to maintain driving comfort.

Ferrari was coy on additional details, but the Monzas have a 6.5-liter V12 that is the “most powerful engine Maranello has ever built.” It produces 799 hp (603 kW / 810 PS) and 530 lb-ft (719 Nm) of torque. This enables the cars to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.9 seconds and 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. If the driver is brave enough, they can hit a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).

Press Release

THE FIRST MODELS IN A NEW CONCEPT OF LIMITED-EDITION SPECIAL SERIES CALLED ‘ICONA’
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 unveiled – Iconic cars whose sophisticated design and engineering is inspired by legendary Ferrari Sports cars of the past

Maranello, 18 September 2018 – The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled on occasion of the company’s Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello. These limited-edition special-series cars are the first in a new segment called ‘Icona’ and draw inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1950s and feature the most advanced sports car technology available today.

Aimed at dedicated clients and collectors, the Monza SP1 and SP2 reference the iconic Ferrari racing barchettas of the past, not least the 1948 166 MM, which originally inspired the name ‘barchetta’, and the 750 Monza and 860 Monza. Designed with the sole aim of winning, these uncompromising models helped build the Ferrari legend in the 1950s by delivering numerous victories in the World Sports Car Championship.

The Ferrari Monza SP1 was designed as an uncompromising single-seat road car that offers a truly unique experience behind the wheel. The second configuration, the Monza SP2, thanks to the elimination of the tonneau cover and the addition of a second protective screen and a second roll-bar, is instead a two-seater enabling the passenger to share the same driving sensations.

The Monza SP1 and SP2 feature a unique design, the best weight-to-power ratio of any barchetta, thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre in construction, and distinctive details, such as head-and tail-lights, wheels and interior, which further enhance the cars’ exclusivity. Equipped with the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, a 810 cv V12, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The architecture of the two cars is based on a monolithic form with an aerodynamic wing profile where the complete absence of a roof and windscreen gave the designers the freedom to create unique proportions that would not have been possible on a traditional spider.

The result is the feeling of blistering speed normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers, which derives from the concept of a cockpit carved from the car’s very volume that wraps around the driver.

The Ferrari Design Centre has sought to create a very pure design, as though born of a single pencil stroke, to convey an ideal of timeless elegance, minimalist form and refined detail. Visually complex solutions, such as those seen on recent racing cars, have been avoided, giving way to a more understated formal design language. Never has a model expressed such a narrative power, highlighting its appeal as a driver’s car where the link between man and automobile becomes symbiotic.

A radical choice was made for the design of the cars’ compact doors which open upwards. Equally important is the all-carbon-fibre one-piece bonnet-wing assembly which is hinged at the front to showcase the imposing V12 engine once open.

As with racing models, the bodyshell of both cars is made entirely from lightweight carbon-fibre. The entire interior is trimmed in the same material with a natural finish to enhance the sporty impact of the design. Weight reduction and the ‘barchetta’ configuration guarantee unique vehicle dynamics: perfectly balanced with no roll whatsoever for pure, uncompromising sports-car handling.

Because these are authentic “en plein air” sports cars, one of the greatest challenges in their design was managing the aerodynamic flows inside the cockpit in the absence of a windscreen. The solution was the innovative patented “Virtual Wind Shield” which has been incorporated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel and the steering wheel. The “Virtual Wind Shield” deviates a part of the air flow to maintain driving comfort.

Especially for Monza SP1 and SP2 owners Ferrari, in collaboration with two leading luxury brands, Loro Piana and Berluti, has created elegant gentlemen-driver-inspired apparel and accessories. The driver’s selection includes racing overalls, jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes. These feature a number of technical solutions to guarantee a comfortable fit and ensure freedom of movement while driving.

Engine & Specifications

While Ferrari were a little light on the specs for the Monza cars, we did manage to find the following information on the cars.

ENGINE
Type	V12 – 65°
Overall displacement	6496 cm3
Max. power output*	603 kW (810 cv) at 8500 rpm
Max. torque*	719 Nm at 7000 rpm

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length	4657 mm
Width	1996 mm
Height	1155 mm
Dry weight**	1500 kg (SP1), 1520 kg (SP2)

PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h	2.9 sec
0 -200 km/h	7.9 sec
Max. speed	>300 km/h

FUEL CONSUMPTION/CO2 EMISSIONS
Under homologation

Photo & Image Gallery

Ferrari Monza SP1 Pictures

These open-top Ferraris are absolutely stunning. We pulled all the press images and photos of both the Monza SP1 and SP2. The SP1 has the single seat old-school LeMans racer about it. We love the silhouette and simplicity of its design.

Ferrari Monza SP2 Pictures

With its two-seat layout the SP2 is a more traditional set up. Despite the two-seats it still is stunning and sexy from every angle. These photos of the SP2 in black with that red interior really make it stand out. For me this is my favorite of the two.

Ferrari Monza SP1 & SP2 Unveiling

[embedded content]

September 19, 2018 / Comments Off

612