Ferrari Daytona SP3

Ferrari Daytona SP3

With the recent debut announcement of the stunning Daytona SP3, Ferrari is thumbing its corporate nose at an automotive industry racing towards electrification. And yes, Ferrari has its own hybrids (like the SF90 Stradale), but in this case, the automaker is flaunting a ferocious 6.5-liter V-12 engine. It’s a conventional setup without a charging port in sight. 

Ferrari says the inspiration for the Daytona SP3 comes from the company’s legendary sweep of the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. It was a treasured win for Enzo and company especially considering the beating Ferrari took at the hands of Ford the year before at Le Mans.

Ferrari Daytona SP3 Review

Daytona SP3: Downforce to the Max

While the company’s newest offering invokes the looks of classic Ferrari racers from the 1960s, the Daytona SP3 is an aerodynamic marvel that manipulates every whisper of air that crosses the body. Virtually every bit of the exterior has been designed to maximize downforce. Ferrari paid particular attention to the car’s rear. A repositioned air intake and new taillight design coincides with a sweeping integrated rear wing. The company promises improved turn-in handling and  a strong downforce effect. Ferrari says the Daytona SP3’s design results in 500 pounds of downforce at 125 mph without the use of active aerodynamic gear. 

Of course, what’s underneath really matters when we’re talking about a Ferrari. And the mid-rear engined Daytona SP3 doesnt disappoint. Starting with powerplant architecture last used in the 812 Competizione (which has front engine placement), the automaker reworked the 12-cylinder beast into the most powerful conventional engine its ever built.  Dubbed the F140HC, this engine gets cranked up to 828 horsepower and 514lb-ft of torque. Revs will max out at 9,500 rpms.  

Ferrari also touts the weight-reducing techniques used in the powerplant, including titanium connecting rods and a reworked crankshaft. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission, borrowed from the LaFerrari, manages the rear wheels. So, what about performance numbers? The Daytona will hit 60 mph from a standstill in less than 2.85 seconds. Top speeds is pledged at 211 mph.

Ferrari Daytona SP3 Interior

Daytona SP3: Ferrari Goes for a Clean Cabin

Ferrari has usually saved its design excesses for the exterior, and the Daytona is no different. Inside, you’ll find a streamlined cabin that may not generate a “wow” moment, but you’re sitting in a Ferrari so that should be wow enough. Notably, the racing-harness equipped seats are integrated into the rear firewall which reinforces the futuristic interior theme. This goes hand-in-hand with the floating dashboard.

The Daytona SP3 joins the Monza SP1 and SP2 as part of the automaker’s Icona series that first appeared in 2018. Ferrari will build 599 units of the $1.6 million Daytona, but keep your checkbook at home as the entire production run is already sold out.

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