Ferrari Daytona SP3 Targa. Genetically modified car
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is Ferrari’s new targa supercar, released in November 2021. It is suitable for both public roads and race tracks. The Daytona is the third model in a special series of exclusive compact supercars “Icona”, which also includes the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 speedsters (released in October 2018), which have long been sold out. The name “Daytona SP3” was inspired by the 24-hour race of the same name in 1967. In that race, Enzo Ferrari’s 330 P3, 330 P4 and 412 P race cars defeated all the rivals. Today, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 Targa is the most powerful supercar by Ferrari with a classic internal combustion engine, which combines the genes of the best race cars of the brand, and clearly one of the most advanced Ferrari models.
A total of 599 Daytona cars will be built. And, surprisingly, we already know the prices. The targa will cost at least 2 million euros. For comparison: the price for the flagship coupe LaFerrari started from 1 million euros. The first 499 cars will go to owners of the Monza series. The remaining hundred cars will be given to collectors of the Italian brand’s supercars. Therefore, it is quite problematic to buy this model even if you have such a crazy amount of money. But looking is for free, as you know. Therefore, we are happy to tell you about the new supercar.
Exterior
The genetically modified Ferrari Daytona SP3 literally absorbed the genes of legendary cars of the brand. The targa has a chassis and body made of composite materials that meet Formula 1 standards. The manufacturer claims that such solutions have not been used since the days of the LaFerrari supercar. The composites provided the new Daytona with enviable rigidity and a relatively modest curb weight of 1,485 kg. The car is 1,142 mm high.
A full-time team led by Flavio Manzoni designed the new model. The exterior of the new ‘Icon’ was created with an eye on the legendary models of the 60s (330 P4, 350 Can-Am and 512 S). The rear end’s design was clearly borrowed from the prototype Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina, 1968 (a single copy). The glazing line is reminiscent of the Enzo. The air intakes in the doors are a reference to the Ferrari 512. The rear window louvers teleport back to the Testarossa era. The blind headlight mechanisms and the mirrors on the front fenders are Ferrari’s timeless classics. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are specially designed for the newcomer.
The company claims that the Ferrari Daytona SP3 2021/2022 is its most aerodynamically efficient model, despite the fact that there is not a single moving element on the body. Particular attention is paid to passive aerodynamics. It was necessary to improve not only the car stability at high speeds, but also the cooling efficiency of the modified transmission. After removing the rigid roof section, the windshield frame and the crossbar above the seats direct the airflow directly into the engine air intake. A double diffuser is responsible for the downforce. Such a solution was borrowed from Formula 1 race cars.
Interior
The interior is distinguished by the seats integrated into the power frame of the body. They are not adjustable, and the head restraints are installed separately and fixed to the rear wall of the cab. As compensation, there is a mechanism for adjusting the pedal assembly. All of this ensures weight reduction. There is no separate media system screen: all data is displayed on a 16-inch digital dashboard screen.
With the new cockpit arrangement, drivers can control 80% of the Ferrari Daytona SP3’s functions without moving their hands. Many controls have become touch-sensitive, but not all of them. For example, the robotic gearbox control panel comprises three levers framed by an aluminum plate, which is a tribute to the 20th century sports cars.
Powertrain
The new Ferrari Daytona SP3 has pressed the position of the two-door 812 Competizione as the most powerful model with a classic internal combustion engine by Ferrari. The Daytona is equipped with a modified and mid-engine layout adapted 6.5-liter V12 engine, which is considered the most powerful internal combustion engine ever created by Ferrari. The classic naturally-aspirated engine produces 840 hp at 9,250 rpm and 697 Nm at 7,250 rpm, and it can rev to 9,500 rpm. The major focus was on the intake and exhaust systems. The engine is accompanied by a 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox. A limited slip differential is also provided.
Just like the 812 Competizione, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds, and it will take the SP3 7.4 seconds to reach 200 km/h (one tenth of a second faster than the 812 Competizione). The speed traditionally exceeds 340 km/h. For the first time, a mid-engined Ferrari car with a 12-cylinder engine features the FDE (Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer) package. The electronic assistant specifically adjusts the brake pressure for maximum efficiency when cornering. When side sliding, the drivers will be assisted by the SSC 6.1 system, while the 812 Competizione has the 7.0 version of the assistant (a little strange, but not critical).
