Ferrari Daytona SP3: History Repeats Itself
The Daytona SP3 is the third member of Ferrari’s “Icona” series (after the Monza SP1 and SP2).
- The Inspiration: It pays tribute to the legendary 1-2-3 finish of Ferrari at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, where the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P crossed the line together to humiliate Ford.
- The Concept: It is a modern interpretation of those 60s prototypes, wrapped around the most advanced chassis Ferrari can build today.
Design: Passive Aerodynamics
Unlike the LaFerrari or SF90, the Daytona SP3 has zero active aerodynamics. No moving wings. No flaps. Why? Because 60s race cars didn’t have active aero.
- The Strakes: The rear of the car is defined by horizontal blades (strakes). These aren’t just for style; they manage airflow and heat extraction from the engine bay.
- The Chimneys: There are vents in the floor that channel air up through “chimneys” in the doors to clear the turbulent air from the front wheels.
- The Mirrors: The wing mirrors are mounted on the front fenders, just like the old P4 race cars.
The Engine: F140 HC
Ferrari took the 812 Competizione engine and modified it for a mid-engine layout.
- Code: F140 HC.
- Intake: The intake tracts are radically shorter because the engine is right behind the driver’s head.
- Power: 840 hp at 9,500 rpm.
- Status: This is the most powerful internal combustion engine Ferrari has ever put in a road car (without hybrid assistance).
Chassis: LaFerrari Bones
The SP3 uses the carbon fiber monocoque from the LaFerrari (minus the hybrid system).
- Seat: The seats are integrated directly into the chassis. You cannot move them. You move the pedal box. This saves weight and keeps the driver’s mass low and central.
- Feel: Because it is a carbon tub (unlike the aluminum 296 or SF90), it is incredibly stiff and vibrates with the engine frequency.
The Drive
Driving the SP3 is a “best of both worlds” experience. You get the chassis stiffness of a hypercar (LaFerrari) with the screaming, naturally aspirated V12 of a GT car (812 Comp), all wrapped in a body that stops traffic.
- Sound: The exhaust note is tuned to be “analog.” It doesn’t pop and bang artificially. It just screams.
Value
Ferrari is building 599 units.
- Price: €2 million.
- Availability: Sold out before it was announced.
- Allocation: Ferrari prioritized owners who already bought the Monza SP1/SP2.
The Daytona SP3 is pure fan service. It is Ferrari building a car for its most loyal customers, celebrating its greatest victory.