We visited Florence to see the new supercar that reinterprets the philosophy of the sports prototypes Ferrari manufactured in the 1960s.
Villa Cora, a mansion located just a few kilometers from the center of Florence, is permeated with luxury in every corner of its surroundings. At first glance, I am impressed by the care given to their gardens, the height of their windows, and the attentiveness with which the numerous service personnel receive me. Above all, what impresses me the most are the two Ferrari SP Monza cars parked next to the door, one being a single-seater and the other a two-seater, predecessors to the Ferrari Daytona SP3 2022, which I will soon have the opportunity to discover.
I will get to know the car at the same location and in the
same way that a selection of potential customers from around the world do:
first, a few words to explain that the new Ferrari does not pretend to be the
greatest technological showcase of its generation, but rather an exclusive
reinterpretation of the sports prototypes of the 1960s.
Inspiration from the Past:
The Daytona SP3 is a lavish temptation, embodied in a sculpture that measures 4,686 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and a mere 1,142 mm in height. In close proximity, I encounter Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari's design chief, who presents to me the best possible demonstration of the car. 'It's not about a vintage operation or a retro design, but rather about utilizing inspirations that stem from Ferrari's tradition, albeit in a very futuristic, and decidedly not nostalgic, manner,' he articulates.
Ferrari Daytona SP3 2022: Technical Specifications, Price, Release Date -
Initially, I glance at the other brand managers to assure
myself that I can approach this carbon-fiber-skinned sculpture, which is dipped
in a glossy metallic red hue. It exudes pure muscle, almost embodying erotica
on wheels. Interestingly, as per Flavio, the design lacks any appendages,
strange ailerons, or active elements. It is purist, yet its aerodynamics have
been meticulously crafted to generate 230 kg of weight on the rear axle while
cruising at 200 km/h.
At the front, there is a wide air intake, while at the rear, the view is divided by the central exhausts protected by F1 technology carbon fiber, which can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees and are designed with air slots. By the way, the louver design is reminiscent of the Testarossa from the 80s, which Flavio admits has been reinterpreted with models like the P5 from the 60s.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 features an elegant cockpit that is low, small, and rounded, reminiscent of aviation design. Opening the door requires operating a handle positioned very low, and it lifts in a scissor-like motion, revealing its extreme lightness. I have been warned that I must first learn to sit on the bench and then slide my legs in last; it seems challenging, but I am agile.
By the way, the seat cannot be adjusted and is firmly
anchored to the carbon fiber structure of the car. To find a comfortable
position, I first adjust the steering wheel to my size and then adjust the
pedal arrangement to the perfect distance, which I achieve by pulling on a
strip at the end of the sidewalk.
Minimalism
The steering wheel contains physical and tactile controls, allowing you to operate 80% of the car's infotainment functions, and behind the wheel, I discover a curved screen that is not complemented by any other controls in the otherwise minimalist dashboard.
The gear selector consists of switches implanted on a structure that simulates the old Ferrari manual transmission's radiator grille. However, in this Daytona SP3, there will be no manual transmission as an alternative to the 7-speed automatic, as much as it could be the ultimate vintage touch.
I cannot help but close my eyes for a moment: the seat is extremely firm, the steering wheel paddles have minimal travel and a hint of extreme precision... I dig the seat belt buckle into my back, which I haven't fastened, but I don't even move to avoid it; I am overwhelmed by the sporty overdose...
Please, no luggage
There is no roof over my head, which is of the Targa type and is currently in retirement. "Where did you store it?" He asked Emmanuele, who answers bluntly: "If you come home and it's raining, you have to build that one roof." And then I get out of the car, open the front hood, and it shows me a minimal space occupied 100% by a small bag. "Inside is a canvas roof. Nothing else fits." So there is no space for luggage, which the service staff must transport in another car.
The engine of the Daytona SP3 is the same powertrain that we
already tested in the 812 Competizione: a non-hybridized, non-turbocharged
6.5-liter V12 capable of roaring with thunderous tones when stretched to 9,500
rpm. A wheel with titanium connecting rods (40% lighter than steel) and an
intake system redesigned for this occasion to improve the torque curve at any
speed.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 will be reflected in 599 exemplars,
an idea that Enrico Galliera, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, remarks
will be offered to those who have already purchased the SP1 and SP2 models, and
100 more for customers residing in countries where these two models were not
able to be homologated. I had initially planned to mention that they would
surely hold for a brief period for sale once all guests have passed by and seen
what I had seen. However, as I write these lines, they have just confirmed that
none are available for purchase at the price of 2,300,000 euros (including
Spanish taxes), as they have sold out like hotcakes.