Ferrari has presented its latest limited-edition model, the Daytona SP3. It is the third member of the Icona series, following on from 2018’s Monza SP1 and SP2
by Francesco Michienzi
The Daytona SP3, which has been completely redesigned by the Ferrari Style Centre under the leadership of Flavio Manzoni, takes its inspiration from the rounded shapes of the splendid cars which dominated racing during the 1960s. The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is part of Ferrari’s Icona series of cars designed for the future, but which retain the capacity to look to the past and to draw inspiration for design and shape from it.
A subtle horizontal line runs through the compacted front and incorporates the daytime running lights and semi-recessed headlights which have a three-dimensional style cover. From there come the blades that finish in the air intakes, the only vertical parts of the bodywork.
The seats are heavily contoured and the headrests are hinged from the car body. Top speed is capped at 340 km/h, getting from standing to 100 km/h takes 2.85 seconds, and 7.4 are needed to get to 200 km/h.
The side seems to be in motion and features a notably curvy look, with butterfly doors and wing mirrors set on the front wheel arches.
The most powerful engine ever made by Ferrari produces 840 horsepower at 9250 rpm, and 697 nm of torque at 7250 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle through a double-clutch, seven-speed F1 gearbox.
The rear has a powerful, muscular look, and is dominated by the horizontal lines of the top section, while below there are two rectangular tailpipes and the carbon fibre diffuser. You can’t talk about active aerodynamics on this car, as there aren’t moveable wings, flaps or anything like that. Everything is generated by the simple shape of the bodywork and the fairing on the underside of the car.
The chassis is made entirely from T800 carbon fibre, with aluminium and steel strengtheners on the edges. Unladen weight is around 1,480 kilos. The cabin features seats that are integrated into the frame, with a low, semi-reclined driving position which looks very much like a single-seater. The digital monitor has virtual buttons, together with the air conditioning and other controls. What is still not virtual are the paddles to manage the double-clutch, seven-speed transmission. Leather and carbon fibre reign supreme, and there are plenty of levers on the steering wheel to control the various steering modes.
MAIN PROPULSION
V 12 6,500 cm3
MAXIMUM OUTLET
MECHANICAL POWER
840 hp at 9250/min
TORQUE
697 Nm at 7250/min
GEAR
double-clutch,
seven-speed gearbox
MAXIMUM SPEED
340 km/h
The engine is a 6.5 litre naturally-aspirated V12, with a power output now increased to 840 horsepower, thanks to the use of titanium connecting rods and nano-technology to cover cylinders and dowels: which means that the twelve cylinders can get to 9500 rpm. The 350-bar injection system has two pumps and four rails with sensors that can check the pressure of the electro-injectors. The variable displacement oil pump is also new. The F1 DCT automatic gearbox only drives the rear wheels, without the help of electronic systems. The 0-100 km/h time is just 2.85 seconds, 7.4 are needed to get to 200, while the makers give a top speed of 340 km/h.
(Ferrari SP3 Daytona, absolute domination – Barchemagazine.com – June 2022)
