With the recent announcement of the debut of the stunning Daytona SP3, Ferrari is thumbing its nose at an auto industry rushing towards electrification. And yes, Ferrari has its own hybrids (like the SF90 Stradale), but in this case the automaker flaunts a fierce 6.5-liter V-12 engine. This is a conventional configuration with no charge port in sight.

Ferrari says the inspiration for the Daytona SP3 comes from the company’s legendary sweep of the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours. It was a precious victory for Enzo and his company, especially given the defeat Ferrari won at the hands of Ford the previous year at Le Mans.

Daytona SP3: maximum downforce

While the company’s latest offering evokes the look of classic Ferrari racing cars of the 1960s, the Daytona SP3 is an aerodynamic marvel that manipulates every whisper of air passing through the body. Virtually every part of the exterior has been designed to maximize downforce. Ferrari paid special attention to the rear of the car. A repositioned air intake and new tail light design coincide with a large integrated rear spoiler. The company promises better handling in turns and a strong downforce. Ferrari claims the Daytona SP3’s design results in 500 pounds of downforce at 125 mph without the use of active aero equipment.

Of course, what’s underneath really matters when it comes to a Ferrari. And the rear mid-engined Daytona SP3 doesn’t disappoint. Starting with the powertrain 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 ever built. Dubbed the F140HC, this engine produces up to 828 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. The revolutions will be at maximum 9500 rpm.

Ferrari also touts the weight reduction techniques used in the powertrain, 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 the performance numbers? The Daytona will hit 60 mph from a standstill in under 2.85 seconds. Top speeds are promised at 211 mph.

Daytona SP3: Ferrari opts for a clean cabin

Ferrari has generally kept its design excess for the exterior, and the Daytona is no different. Inside you’ll find a streamlined cabin that might not generate a ‘wow’ moment, but you’re sitting in a Ferrari, which should be enough. Notably, the seats equipped with racing harnesses 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 in hand. home because all the production is already exhausted.

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